Digital Sangoma, the South African producer, singer-songwriter and DJ, will release his debut album UMSOBOMVU on 1 July, marking his 40th birthday with a deeply personal full-length project.
A Personal Milestone
The independently released record arrives as Mandisi Mafu, the artist behind the Digital Sangoma alias, turns 40. He describes the album as a fusion of dance music with live vocals, songwriting and electronic production, shaped by a desire to create something authentic.
“This project came from wanting to make music that feels true to me, while still carrying the energy of the dancefloor. My interpretation of dance music.”
The title UMSOBOMVU is an isiXhosa term for the golden-red light of sunrise and sunset. Mafu said the imagery became a metaphor for the emotional and musical space he explores on the record.
“Since I started DJing and deepened my love for dance music, I’ve been trying to find my space within it without compromising my artistry. UMSOBOMVU feels like the first time everything fully aligned.”
The album blends electronic music with soul, live vocals and songwriting, prioritising mood and emotional resonance over genre classifications.
“This isn’t about trying to make the loudest music in the room. It’s about making music that stays with you. Music you can dance to, reflect to, drive to, sit with. Music that feels human.”
Beyond the Album
Beyond the album, Mafu plans to expand UMSOBOMVU into a broader creative platform featuring curated mixes, live sessions, visual content, collaborations and live experiences. The project marks his evolution from DJ and producer to a multifaceted artist and curator.
“At some point, I stopped asking where I fit into dance music and started asking what my version of it sounds like. This project is probably the closest I’ve ever come to answering that honestly.”
UMSOBOMVU will be available on major streaming platforms from 1 July.
