Acclaimed multi-award-winning DJ and music producer DJ Fresh (SA) returns with a deeply personal new single, “Mama (Thabiso)”, the lead track from his brand-new EP, ‘RE:Fresh,’ out today (13 December) via DanceAfrika Records. This soulful Afro House anthem is a heartfelt tribute to the memory of an extraordinary woman: Thabiso, the mother of his children.
A Tribute to Mothers Everywhere
“Mama (Thabiso)” is more than just a song; it’s an ode to the enduring love, strength, and sacrifice of mothers. Featuring the powerful, bilingual vocals of Kyle Deutsch (English) and LindAlive (isiZulu), the track resonates deeply with universal themes of maternal love and encouragement. Produced by DJ Fresh (SA) and long-time collaborator Shona SA, the song is a poignant reminder of the pivotal role mothers play in shaping lives and supporting dreams.
“This track is about Mom’s love, her encouragement, the memories she leaves behind, and her sacrifices,” DJ Fresh (SA) explains. “It’s a dedication to Thabiso—whom my kids lovingly called ‘Mama.’ After her passing, this felt like the perfect way to honour her and create something that celebrates moms everywhere. Maybe, just maybe, this becomes the new anthem for Mother’s Day next year!”
A Personal and Collaborative Journey
The EP ‘RE:Fresh’ carries even deeper significance, as it is inspired by DJ Fresh’s children, with each track named after one of them. However, “Mama (Thabiso)” stands out as a full-circle moment. DJ Fresh reflects on his journey with Kyle Deutsch, whose first song was championed by Fresh on 5FM nearly 15 years ago. Now, the two reunite on a track that combines soaring vocals, poignant storytelling, and Afro House rhythms to create a global anthem.
“This collaboration feels serendipitous,” Fresh shares. “Kyle and LindAlive each brought their own magic, and Shona SA and I crafted the production to complement their artistry. It’s a song that’s raw, honest, and filled with love.”
Collaborators Reflect on the Song’s Impact
Shona SA reflects on the personal significance of “Mama (Thabiso)” as a celebration of mothers. “This song has to be one of the most special songs to me, cause having been raised by a single mom from the very young age of 5, I owe basically everything to my Mother. And the fact that I lost my Mother at the very young age of 11, and having absorbed so much from her, I still feel like I missed out a lot. Every single year, Mother’s Day is a hard day to get by, and I kinda feel like every single Mom out there needs to be given the respect they deserve.
“From the feel of the elements in the track itself—the chord progressions, the chorus—it’s like a celebration of every single mother out there in the world. Vision-wise, the idea was to have nations, cultures, tribes, and different ethnicities singing along to one record and celebrating our ladies: our grandmothers, our mothers—all of them. It’s an honour to work with Kyle again, my big brother DJ Fresh, and LindAlive, who delivered some truly unique melodies. I hope this song resonates with every person listening to it and spreads positive vibes.”
Kyle Deutsch describes “Mama (Thabiso)” as a special and relatable song that holds deep personal meaning. “There’s a crazy story behind the song which I won’t get into right now, but let’s see how the song does, and then maybe we can upload the scoop at a later stage,” Kyle shares. “It’s a very relatable song, and sonically it’s epic. Having worked with Shona before, I had some vocals recorded and sent them through to him. He added the production elements and the idea for the hook, sent it back to me, and I was blown away at just how special the song could be.
“It’s a full-circle moment for me,” Kyle continues. “My first track ever released had its first play on radio by DJ Fresh, so it’s surreal to now release a track with him. We were talking the other day, and he said the industry really does shrink the longer you’re in it. Fresh brings his crazy DJ personality, and we’re bringing fire to the vocals and music. It’s an epic combo, and I’m so excited about this track and what’s to come.”
For LindAlive, the track is equally meaningful. “I’m super excited for this song. I keep playing it in my head even when I’m not supposed to because I’m so happy about how I got to be part of this project,” LindAlive says. “It means a lot to someone like me who was also raised by a Mom.
Articulating my feelings into melodies and words came naturally because it came from deep within.
“As a young artist coming up, working with the likes of Fresh and Kyle is an incredible learning opportunity. Just being in their presence teaches me so much. I can’t wait for people to hear this song.”
The Dawn of a New Chapter
DJ Fresh’s new EP marks the next evolution in his illustrious career. After decades of radio dominance, he is now fully embracing the global stage. His partnership with newly formed DanceAfrika Records, a label rooted in authenticity and cultural celebration, provides the perfect platform for this journey.
“I’ve always been about the ‘why,’ and DanceAfrika’s why aligns perfectly with mine,” says DJ Fresh. “This partnership is about more than just music—it’s about culture, community, and pushing boundaries.”
The launch of DanceAfrica represents a new chapter for African electronic music, amplified by the backing of Paradise Worldwide. With ambitious plans for global expansion through its worldwide hubs in New York, Berlin, Amsterdam, and the UK, DanceAfrica is set to make waves internationally while staying rooted in its authentic African sound.
Sean Barber, owner of Rockets, echoes DJ Fresh’s sentiments, saying “For Rockets Media and DanceAfrika to sign a South African musical icon like DJ Fresh is the most incredible accolade for the company. We can’t wait to see what our combined talents can create going forward in this amazing partnership!”.
‘RE:Fresh’ EP Details
The five-track EP, ‘RE:Fresh,’ showcases DJ Fresh’s versatility and passion, featuring collaborations with Shota, Kyle Deutsch, Shona SA, and LindAlive. With its fusion of Afro House rhythms, uplifting beats, and powerful storytelling, the EP is set to be a landmark release in his career.
Listen to RE:Fresh EP here on your favourite streaming platform.
Connect with DJ Fresh on socials:
Instagram: @DJFreshSA
X: @DJFreshSA
Facebook: DJ Fresh SA
TikTok: @djfreshsa
Connect with DanceAfrika online:
https://linktr.ee/danceafrika
https://www.youtube.com/@DanceAfrikaLIVE
https://www.instagram.com/danceafrikalive
https://www.facebook.com/danceafrika
