Globally acclaimed South African artist, Karyendasoul, is carving out a space for himself as a force to be reckoned with in music and entertainment culture.
The 27-year-old music producer and DJ Bonga Ntozini, better known as Karyendasoul, has been making waves since he entered the music industry and has not only conquered the local market but also international shores.
This July, the talented musician performed a two-hour set at Tomorrowland’s Planaxis stage and launched his unique, refreshed brand.
Tomorrowland is an epic festival of shared euphoria and insane design and showcases many of the world’s best electronic music talent, art, performers and even Michelin-star chefs.
South African DJ, DBN Gogo, this year was the first female Amapiano DJ to perform at Tomorrowland, Major League DJz made their debut at Tomorrowland in 2023 and Black Coffee has been performing at the annual festival since 2018.
Karyendasoul never thought he would be performing at Tomorrowland, so early in his successful career. “Tomorrowland was a life-changing experience!
The electronic dance music festival took place in Boom, Antwerp, Belgium and drew up to 22,000 people.
“The whole event was overwhelming but so exhilarating. The stage was bigger than I expected, and I kept thinking that these people were here to see ‘me’.”
The platinum-selling record ‘iMali’ hitmaker fuses African soundscapes, and vocals with electronic elements. He co-produced the 2021 smash hit “Osama” with Zakes Bantwini and Kasango.
“It’s always been an aspiration. I’m super proud, not only for me but for what this means for African music.”
With over 800 artists performing at Tomorrowland but very few playing his (Afro Tech) sound, Karyendasoul couldn’t be prouder.
“Tomorrowland books the biggest and best DJs in dance music, so to be selected to play alongside the 800 other artists is just amazing, and the exposure that the event has given me is taking my brand and my music in an exciting new direction.”
Throughout his two-hour set, the crowd resonated with Karyendoul’s music.
“The crowds were great!
“It was a new experience for me because many had never heard me play before, so it was about finding the right balance between playing what they know and educating the audience with my sounds.”
Not only did he educate the audience with his sounds, but also his refreshed brand.
“Being able to launch my new brand at Tomorrowland elevated the experience.
“That moment in time now gets to live on with the new Karyendasoul identity and that is exciting.”
The new Karyendasoul identity showcases him as being more than an artist, a talented musician and an astute businessman but an experience.
“The dynamic and always-on brand identity moves from brand to feeling to experience,” says Jineil Kandasamy, Creative Director and Partner at Grid Worldwide.
“It is a living and breathing expression of his sound.”
Karyendasoul has partnered with Grid Worldwide, and 608, to drive his ambition forward.
“I want to be able to communicate who I am without words.
“I already do that with music, this gives me another artistic platform to amplify my sound and purpose,” said the talented musician.
IOL Entertainment