Afrotech with a prayer: Inside DJ Kwame’s latest EP

With a name like Spirit, Kwame Mahlanga’s latest EP doesn’t just aim to entertain — it intends to awaken.

Rooted in rhythm but driven by something far deeper, the EP’s lead single, Umkhuleko (The Prayer), invites listeners into a space where music becomes meditation and every beat feels like a heartbeat in conversation with the divine.

Known to many as the technical mastermind behind Kaya FM’s top-tier shows, Kwame steps into his most personal space yet with Spirit — one where sound is no longer just produced, but felt. The EP blends his Afrotech foundation with intention, creating an atmosphere that holds both groove and grace.

Speaking to Africa Jamz FM News in this exclusive interview, Kwame unpacks the sacredness behind Umkhuleko, the emotional layers woven throughout the EP, and how this project is less about trends and more about truth.

Journey beyond the physical

In naming the EP Spirit, DJ Kwame reveals the inner journey—both emotional and mental—that fueled the creative process.

“Spirit came from a place of deep introspection. Emotionally, I was going through a period where I needed to reconnect with myself beyond the noise, beyond the timelines, beyond the external expectations. Spiritually, I was tapping into my roots, my ancestors, and the unseen forces that guide me. This EP was about stripping away the surface and creating something that resonates at a soul level not just for me, but for anyone who listens,” said DJ Kwame.

The personal cry of the lead track Umkhuleko

More than just a song, Umkhuleko is both a prayer and a declaration. DJ Kwame reflects on the deeper emotions it carries — the personal and collective cries behind it, and the people he held in prayer as he brought it to life.

“Umkhuleko is a cry for clarity, for strength, and for protection. Personally, is a prayer for my own peace and direction but it quickly became bigger than me. I found myself thinking about my family, my community, and the broader struggles we face as Africans navigating modern life while carrying historical pain. This song is for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed but kept going anyway. It’s both a plea and a declaration: we are not alone,” said DJ Kwame.

Crafting sound that heals

While Afrotech is rooted in rhythm, Spirit carries something deeper — it feels like sonic medicine. Was that intentional? DJ Kwame reflects on whether he views his music as a pathway to healing or a kind of spiritual intercession.

“Absolutely. I have always believed that music is one of the purest forms of communication. I cone from a family of healers in African medicine and music. This song bypasses the intellect and speaks directly to the spirit. While I love rhythm and movement, with Spirit I was very intentional about the frequency and emotional tone of the entire EP. It was about crafting a sonic space where people could breathe, reflect, maybe even cry. So yes, it is meant to be medicine. It’s healing for me in the making, and I hope it’s healing for others in the listening,” said DJ Kwame.

Holding space for vulnerability

There’s a sacred stillness in the flow of Umkhuleko — as if it was made to be experienced with closed eyes. DJ Kwame reflects on the atmosphere he intended to create for the listener, and why crafting that space was so important to him.

“That stillness is everything. I wanted Umkhuleko to feel like a moment of pause, the kind you take when you are lighting a candle, kneeling to pray, or just sitting in silence at dawn. The atmosphere had to hold space for vulnerability. In a world that’s constantly pushing us to move faster and feel less, this track invites the opposite. I wanted people to close their eyes, go inward, and find themselves in the silence between the beats,” said DJ Kwame.

Staying true to the message

In a music landscape where noise and trends can easily overshadow authenticity, DJ Kwame shares how he remains grounded in the message and energy at the heart of a EP like Spirit.

“It’s not always easy, but I remind myself why I started. I didn’t come into music to chase charts or trends. I came in to tell the truth, to document spirit. I stay grounded by keeping close to my community, spending time in nature, and returning to prayer and solitude when things get loud. I’m also a technical producer, so I’m hands-on with every part of the sound. That helps me keep the integrity of the message intact because I’m building it from the inside out,” said DJ Kwame.

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