As ULTRA South Africa gears up for this weekend, excitement is building across the electronic music scene with the return of a familiar favourite. After a five-year break from the ULTRA stage, Chunda Munki is back—and ready to remind fans why he’s long been considered one of the genre’s standout names. Known for his bass-heavy sound and high-energy sets, he’s set to deliver a performance that blends his biggest crowd favourites with an exclusive preview of his upcoming album. Ahead of the highly anticipated set, Chunda Munki opens up about his artistic evolution, the electric atmosphere of the ULTRA crowd, and why this weekend feels like the ultimate test for his new music. Here’s what he had to say in this Q&A: DJ Chunda Munki is also known for several other hit tracks, including: Interference, Without You, Twisted Elephant, Sweet Dreams, Want You, and Levitate to name a few. Picture: Supplied 1. Chunda, You have been a prominent name in South Africa’s electronic music scene for years. How would you describe your musical journey and how your sound has evolved over time? “I would describe my journey as both educational and exciting. Over the years, I have always tried to introduce the crowds to new sounds that I felt would push the scene forward, but the crowd, in turn, educates me. I learn from them; I see what they respond to and what they don’t. I take those lessons back to the studio and find ways to incorporate what I’ve learned, returning to the stage with my own interpretation of the dance music scene. Doing that is exactly what keeps my career exciting,” said Chunda. 2. What does it mean to you to be part of the line-up at ULTRA South Africa this year? How does the festival compare to other stages you have performed on? “Playing on the ULTRA South Africa stage means the world to me. It has been five years since I last played this festival, and it feels so good to be back, performing for the crowds that made me who I am today. ULTRA is always special because I get to showcase the best of what I have to offer. There is no room for complacency or laziness. You have to bring everything you’ve got! Truly, no other stage can compare to ULTRA,” said Chunda. 3. ULTRA South Africa crowds are known for their energy. What kind of atmosphere do you hope to create during your set? “ULTRA crowds have incredible energy regardless of who is on stage. Everyone is excited to be there, and all I hope to accomplish is a crowd that is engaged and open-minded. When the drop hits, I want to hear them go, “YOOOOHHHH!” If they start the famous “CHUNDA F*CKIN MUNKI” chant, that’s just a bonus,” said Chunda. 4. Without giving too much away, what can fans expect from your set at ULTRA South Africa this year? “I’m planning to showcase the music I have been working on throughout 2025 and early 2026. I have an album releasing soon, so this will be the ultimate test to see if these new tracks work on a major stage,” said Chunda. Chunda continues to stand out as one of the leading names in the music industry, thanks to his distinctive style and versatile sound. Picture: Supplied 5. How do you usually prepare for a major festival performance like ULTRA South Africa? “The most important thing is ensuring I’m locked in the studio in the weeks leading up to the festival – finishing projects, mixing, mastering, and perhaps creating some special edits of my well-known tracks. After that, I just need to decide what I’m wearing. My cameras are charged and ready to capture the moments, but music prep comes first,” said Chunda. 6. Your productions often blend different electronic styles. What inspires your sound and creative direction in the studio? “It often depends on what I have been listening to in the car or at home. However, my biggest inspirations come from watching other artists play in a club on a night when I’m not performing. Hearing tracks I have never heard before and watching how the crowd reacts from an outside perspective has a massive influence on what I decide to produce,” said Chunda. 7. Are there any new tracks or upcoming projects that fans should keep an eye out for in the coming months? “As I mentioned, I have an album releasing soon, and I also have a few collaborations in the works with some good friends. I’m focusing on Europe this year as well, getting some new projects and shows off the ground,” said Chunda. Chunda Munki is set to perform at ULTRA South Africa this weekend as part of a stacked line-up. The festival takes place on Saturday 25 April at Expo Centre, Nasrec in Johannesburg and Sunday 26 April at The Ostrich in Cape Town. ULTRA South Africa 2026 ticketing info General Access: From R1,095 (limited availability) VIP: From R2,500 (limited availability) VVIP (Johannesburg only): From R5,500 HAVE YOU SEEN THIS ONE?: The Truth About Hyenas: Shandor Larenty Clears the Air Post navigation Singer Lola Audreys Releases New Single “Hello Goodbye”
