Contirbutor
Following the release of his highly anticipated album ‘The Journey’, which sees a number of collaborative tracks alongside Manoo, Enoo Napa, DJEFF, Cuebur, LMichael, David Montoya, and Taarof Adder, we caught up with the Kuhle to discuss this powerful album in full.
MI4L – Your album, The Journey, is set for release on March 27. What inspired the concept behind this project, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
Kuhle – My journey through music has been full of ups and downs—it has never been easy. I hope listeners will connect with the message I am conveying through my music, which celebrates African culture and values while promoting humanity. I also want people to get to know the real Kuhle.
MI4L – You’ve collaborated with an impressive lineup, including Manoo, Enoo Napa, DJEFF, Cuebur, and more. How did these collaborations come about, and what was the creative process like working with these artists?
Kuhle – Working with legends of Afro-house music has been an incredible honor for me. My Label, Cabeau Music, came up with the idea of featuring these pioneers because they have played a crucial role in shaping the genre, globally. Their different styles add depth and diversity to the album, making it an incredible listening experience.
MI4L – South Africa has a thriving music scene, especially in Afro House. How do you see your sound fitting into or evolving within this space?
Kuhle – I believe this album will fit perfectly into the Afro-house space. It features incredible artists with vast experience in the music industry, particularly in Afro-house. Many of them have produced some of the most iconic records in the genre.
MI4L – With tracks like Mawuze Nkosi and Ngiphuma Ezansi, the album features a deep and rhythmic sound. Are there any tracks that hold special significance for you? If so, why?
Kuhle – Yes, there are deeply personal songs on this album, like Ngikhulele Ehlathini. This song means a lot to me because it tells the story of my life—the struggles I have faced and overcome. I went through difficult times, including being homeless and living on the streets. But by God’s grace, I survived, and this song reflects that journey.
MI4L – Having performed on international stages in Sweden and Berlin, how has your global experience influenced your approach to music?
Kuhle – My experiences have influenced my music tremendously. That’s why there are songs like ‘Around the World’ on the album. Traveling has been a mind-opening journey for me, shaping my perspective and deeply inspiring my songwriting.
MI4L – You’ve worked with jazz musicians like David Back and Afro House giants like Jabzz Dimitri. How have these diverse influences shaped your artistry and sound?
Kuhle – My love for all genres of music has helped me a lot in the industry. It plays a crucial role in my songwriting, as I often blend different genres to create unique melodies and rhythms. This fusion allows me to craft something fresh and distinctive.
MI4L – The response to some of your singles has been incredible. What feedback have you received so far about The Journey, and has anything surprised you?
Kuhle – The feedback has been amazing, and I’m incredibly happy about it. There have been many surprises, including some of the biggest DJs already playing my songs in their sets—DJs like Shimza, Major League DJz, and many more.
MI4L – Afro House continues to grow worldwide. Where do you see the genre heading in the next few years, and how do you plan to contribute to its evolution?
Kuhle – I see myself becoming one of the biggest Afro-house artists in the world. My goal is to continue producing records that push the genre forward, making Afro-house even more recognized and celebrated globally.
MI4L – What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while creating The Journey, and what lessons did you learn from this process?
Kuhle – Honestly, I have faced no major challenges, thanks to my incredible team at Cabeau Music. They have made everything so seamless. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that teamwork is essential—having the right people around you makes all the difference.
MI4L – As The Journey prepares to launch, what’s next for you? Any upcoming tours, music videos, or future projects we should look out for?
Kuhle – We are excited to release The Journey on Vinyl in the next couple of months, feature 6 of the tracks on the album. I have more live shows coming up including a secret show in Ibiza, Suncebeat in Lisbon, Portugal in June & some local events in SA during the summer, Plus forthcoming Singles with some exciting global producers.
Check out the full album here – https://linktr.ee/CabeauMusic