‘Elements Of Africa’ distills the continent’s soul into nine evocative Afro-electronic tracks inspired by the core values of African identity.
Globally celebrated South African DJ and producer THEMBA today proudly unveiled his highly anticipated second studio album, ‘Elements Of Africa’, out now on Armada Music. A deeply personal body of work that pays tribute to his home continent, ‘Elements Of Africa’ sees THEMBA venture into a broader Afro-electronic sound—blending intricate arrangements, diverse instrumentation, and cross-cultural vocal textures.
Rooted in his upbringing on the outskirts of Johannesburg, and crafted primarily in South Africa with further development while touring the globe, ‘Elements Of Africa’ distills the soul of a continent into nine meticulously composed tracks. Each is a personal interpretation by THEMBA of a core facet of African identity—celebrating the human spirit, humility and strength, the power of love, teamwork, wisdom, hope and faith, creativity, God’s presence, and respect.
“The concept of ‘elements’ is something I’ve deeply connected with throughout the making of this album,” says THEMBA. “Each track is linked to a value or emotion that to me makes up the African spirit. For me, those “elements” can be translated into rhythms, tones, and textures that best reflect that element—so I let that guide the creative process. Africa is not just a place—it’s a feeling, a rhythm, and above all, a way of being.”
Sonically, ‘Elements Of Africa’ spans several diverse layers of the Afro-electronic spectrum—from melodic, piano-led tracks such as ‘Akasha’ (feat. Double Touch) and ‘Vuthelani’ with Benchek (feat. Bukeka), to powerful dancefloor anthems such as ‘Cantando’ (feat. Nicinha) and ‘Kumbuka’ (with IDQ) that weave in vocal storytelling in multiple South African languages—including Zulu and Xhosa. Rich in collaboration, the album sees THEMBA work alongside vocalists, producers, and instrumentalists from across the African continent and beyond.
THEMBA adds: "This album is filled with voices that bring spiritual depth, poetry, and ancestral resonance. Some are close collaborators; others are artists I’ve long admired. Each brought their own essence to the music. In creating it, I wanted to explore more corners of Afro-electronic, pushing into melodic and experimental spaces.”
‘Elements Of Africa’ Tracklist:
THEMBA feat. Double Touch – Akasha
THEMBA x LEZ – Spine
THEMBA x Citizen Deep feat. Jessica LM – Diadora
THEMBA feat. Nicinha – Cantando
THEMBA x Niraj Naik feat. Nicolle Rochelle – Sorofe
THEMBA x DJ Kent – Alegria
THEMBA x Khenya x ABEL – Lucid Dreams
THEMBA x IDQ – Kumbuka
THEMBA x Benchek feat. Bukeka – Vuthelani
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"] Themba - Elements of Africa[/item]
[item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]
THEMBA feat. Double Touch – Akasha
THEMBA x LEZ – Spine
THEMBA x Citizen Deep feat. Jessica LM – Diadora
THEMBA feat. Nicinha – Cantando
THEMBA x Niraj Naik feat. Nicolle Rochelle – Sorofe
THEMBA x DJ Kent – Alegria
THEMBA x Khenya x ABEL – Lucid Dreams
THEMBA x IDQ – Kumbuka
THEMBA x Benchek feat. Bukeka – Vuthelani
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"] Themba - Elements of Africa[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Elements of Africa is a masterfully crafted album that showcases THEMBA's signature blend of deep house infused with authentic African rhythms, intricate melodies, and collaborations with diverse artists. Each track weaves its own story, offering a unique sonic experience that resonates with both emotional depth and technical prowess. Akasha (feat. Double Touch) Opening with ethereal synths and a hypnotic groove, "Akasha" sets the tone of the album. Double Touch's organic instrumentation adds warmth, while THEMBA’s production layers atmospheric pads and subtle percussions to create a transcendent listening journey. Spine (with LEZ)"Spine" is anchored by a deep, pulsating bassline complemented by LEZ’s crisp percussive accents. The track’s minimalistic approach highlights rhythmic complexity, with subtle tempo shifts and evolving synth textures that keep the listener engaged. Diadora (with Citizen Deep feat. Jessica LM) Jessica LM’s soulful vocals are the heart of "Diadora." THEMBA and Citizen Deep craft a lush soundscape with rich chord progressions, delicate arpeggios, and a deep, resonant kick that anchors the emotive intensity of the track. Cantando (feat. Nicinha) "Cantando" blends Afro-Latin influences with deep house grooves. Nicinha’s vibrant vocals dance over syncopated beats and layered hand percussion. THEMBA’s use of melodic marimba tones adds a bright, rhythmic flair that’s both uplifting and dance-inducing. Sorofe (with Niraj Naik feat. Nicolle Rochelle) A meditative track, "Sorofe" features Nicolle Rochelle’s haunting vocals interwoven with Niraj Naik’s ambient soundscapes. The track’s production is immaculate—subtle reverb, spacious synth pads, and a steady, grounding beat create a serene, introspective vibe. Alegria (with DJ Kent) True to its name, "Alegria" radiates joy. THEMBA and DJ Kent deliver a vibrant, upbeat rhythm with infectious hooks and bright synth melodies. The percussion is crisp, complemented by warm basslines that make this track a dancefloor favorite. Lucid Dreams (with Khenya & ABEL) An immersive auditory experience, "Lucid Dreams" features dreamy pads and ethereal vocal snippets from Khenya. ABEL’s touch is evident in the atmospheric build-ups and intricate beat patterns, creating a dynamic journey through sound. Kumbuka (with IDQ) "Kumbuka" stands out with its percussive intensity and hypnotic chants that pay homage to African tribal roots. THEMBA and IDQ’s synergy shines through with layered rhythms, deep basslines, and an evolving melodic structure that keeps the energy flowing. Vuthelani (with Benchek feat. Bukeka) Closing the album, "Vuthelani" is a powerful fusion of deep house and traditional African sounds. Bukeka’s commanding vocals are supported by rich harmonics, dynamic drum patterns, and melodic synth layers that leave a lasting impression. Elements of Africa is a testament to THEMBA’s ability to merge traditional African elements with contemporary electronic music seamlessly. Each track is meticulously produced, offering a balance of emotional resonance and technical sophistication. This album not only showcases THEMBA’s versatility as a producer but also celebrates the rich tapestry of African musical heritage. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item][item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]
About THEMBA
Hailing from the vibrant streets of Johannesburg, South Africa, THEMBA has become a luminary in the global dance scene, igniting dance floors with his electrifying beats and infectious rhythms. Since his explosive debut in 2018, THEMBA has captivated audiences worldwide with his soul-stirring fusion of house and techno, enriched by the vibrant tapestry of his African heritage. THEMBA is redefining dance music with his latest release, "Give Me Something To Hold," alongside JACK BACK, David Guetta’s alias and a remix of Bob Sinclair’s "World Hold On," which transports listeners through immersive soundscapes. He continues to release remixes for industry heavyweights like Vintage Culture, and has an exciting remix of a popular song from the movie “Saltburn” coming soon.
In 2023, THEMBA maintained an impressive release schedule with singles and remixes for Hannah Wants, Franky Wah, and DJ Chus. With even more releases on the horizon for 2024, his momentum shows no signs of slowing. THEMBA's 2022 hit “Disappear,” a collaboration with Nico de Andrea and Tasan, has amassed over 8 million streams and continues to gain traction.
THEMBA's debut performances have been legendary, from opening for Peggy Gou at Phantom in Paris, to sharing the stage with Black Coffee at Hi Ibiza, Amidst his musical successes, he remains grounded, channeling his passion into philanthropy such as performing with with Dubfire at Bridges For Music at Heart. In 2023, THEMBA headlined over 30 shows, with highlights including E1 London, Untold & Neversea Festivals, Complex Festival Maastricht, Music On at Pacha Ibiza, and Kiesgrube Open Air in Dusseldorf. His roster of plays is only becoming more impressive with plays at The Kings Hall in NYC, Kapital in Madrid, and Red Rocks in Denver.
With his pulsating beats and commitment to social change, THEMBA is not just a DJ but a beacon of hope, inspiring souls and lighting up dance floors across the globe.
About Armada Music
Armada Music is the biggest independent dance music label in the world. Founded by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron (CEO) and David Lewis, the label manages an ever-growing catalog of over 50,000 tracks built up across twenty-plus years of specialized dance music exploitation.
Representing artists such as Armin van Buuren, ARTY, D.O.D, Eelke Kleijn, Jan Blomqvist, Joris Voorn, KI/KI, Lilly Palmer, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, THEMBA and Yulia Niko, Armada Music amasses more than one billion streams per month, airplay on leading radio outlets such as BBC Radio 1 and Sirius XM, and top positions in the world’s most notable charts. Significant label milestones include Armin van Buuren's Grammy nomination for 'This Is What It Feels Like' and two tracks surpassing one billion streams on Spotify: Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ and Lost Frequencies’ ‘Are You With Me’.
Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a global appeal to its growing roster. The label has its own club, radio studio and multiple production studios, and hosts various live formats. Producer platform Armada University, which offers educational products and opportunities, shows the label’s sustained effort to nurture the next wave of talent.
Additional info:
