Contributing WriterA rising force in Johannesburg’s house music scene, KingDonna has built a reputation for blending traditional African rhythms with forward-thinking house grooves, with releases on top labels from MoBlack to Nervous. His remix of ‘E.V.O.’ is a perfect showcase of this duality – fusing heartfelt, soulful melodies with deep, driving grooves that will light up dancefloors worldwide.
1. Hi Donald, welcome to Music is 4 Lovers! Thank you for sitting down with us today. How have you been?
Hey, thanks so much for having me! I’ve been really good, keeping busy in the studio and working on new music. It’s great to be here.
2. You’ve just released your remix of Pat BDS and Junior Jack’s track ‘E.V.O.’ Can you tell us a bit about how this came about?
Yeah, absolutely. I’ve always been a big fan of Junior Jack’s work — he’s a legend — and when I first heard the original ‘E.V.O,’ I immediately felt that the groove had space for a fresh twist. The opportunity came through my label connection with Adesso Music, who they reached out about doing a remix. I wanted to keep the essence of the track but give it my own energy — a more driving, late-night feel while still honoring that massive house vibe
3. This is your first release with the Adesso Music label. How was it working with them?
Working with Adesso Music has been a really smooth and inspiring experience. The team is super supportive and genuinely passionate about good music. They gave me a lot of creative freedom on the remix, which I really appreciated, and their attention to detail in the release process has been top-notch. It’s always great to work with a label that truly understands your vision.
4. You’re from Johannesburg, South Africa. How do you feel the music and culture from your hometown influence your production style?
Johannesburg has such a rich and diverse energy — it’s impossible not to be influenced by it. The city is always moving, always alive, and that rhythm definitely seeps into my productions. Growing up around house, kwaito, and now amapiano, I’ve learned to appreciate groove, emotion, and storytelling through rhythm. Even when I’m making something more international, there’s always that Joburg pulse underneath.
5. You pride yourself on making music that touches the soul and is authentic to you as an artist. What do you think is important to do as an artist to ensure you’re able to best express yourself and make meaningful music in an ever-growing and fast-paced industry?
For me, it’s all about staying true to who you are and remembering why you started making music in the first place. The industry moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up trying to follow trends or please everyone. But real connection comes from honesty — from creating what genuinely moves you. I try to spend time away from the noise, just reconnecting with life, people, and emotion. That’s where the inspiration comes from.
6. What are your biggest influences when making music, and why?
My biggest influences definitely come from the sounds I grew up with in South Africa — deep house, soul, kwaito, and a lot of gospel and jazz. Artists like Black Coffee, Shimza, and Culoe De Song really shaped how I see rhythm and groove. But I also draw from international influences like Dennis Ferrer, Masters at Work, and Manoo . I love music that has emotion and depth, something that makes you feel as much as it makes you move.
7. You’ve collaborated with a lot of different artists. Do you find that your production process differs when working with other artists in comparison to working alone?
Yeah, for sure. When I’m working solo, I can take my time and follow my instincts. But with another artist in the room, there’s this shared energy — ideas come faster, and you feed off each other’s vibe. It’s exciting because you never really know where it’s going to go, and that spontaneity can lead to some really special moments.
8. What else have you got planned for the rest of the year and going into 2026?
There’s a lot I’m really excited about. I’ve got a few new singles lined up — both solo projects and collaborations with some incredible artists. I’m also planning to release an EP early in 2026 that explores a deeper, more melodic side of my sound. On top of that, I’ll be touring a bit more, playing shows across South Africa and hopefully a few dates in Europe. The goal is to keep growing, experimenting, and sharing my music with as many people as possible.
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