30/6: A project beyond boundaries
Redefining expectations and continental collaborations
For DJ Vuyo, music is more than just a collection of tracks – it's a statement, a journey and a bold reimagining of sound.
Ahead of the release of his latest project, ‘30/6’, set to drop on Friday, 21 March, DJ Vuyo sat down with tjil to unpack the inspiration, collaborations and creative direction behind the body of work.
tjil (t): You’ve been intentional about calling this a “project” rather than an EP or album – what’s the reasoning behind that?
DJ Vuyo (DV): I see this as more than just a collection of songs, it's a full experience, a statement. Calling it a project allows me to explore different sounds, concepts and collaborations without being boxed into the expectations of an EP or album. It’s a journey, not just a track list.
t: What sonic direction did you take on this project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
DV: Sonically, this project is bold and powerful. I’ve blended elements of Afrobeat, and even some unexpected influences that push my sound forward. Compared to my previous work, this project is more layered, more intentional, and reflects my growth as both an artist and a producer.
t: Who are some of the artists you collaborated with, and what did they bring to the project?
DV: I had the privilege of working with Yo Maps and Vinchenzo M'bale, both incredible artists from Zambia, as well as Yeezir from Namibia. Yo Maps brought his signature heartfelt melodies, adding depth and emotion to the project. Vinchenzo M’bale added a unique texture to the sound, blending effortlessly with the vibe of the project. Yeezir, known for his smooth and refined delivery, brought a soulful energy that tied everything together. Each artist added something special, making this project feel rich, authentic and timeless.
t: What does your rollout plan look like, and how do you plan to introduce this project to the world?
DV: The rollout starts with mystery teasers, snippets and cryptic social media posts to get people talking. Then, we hit them with pre-drop activations like exclusive listening sessions, strategic collaborations and behind-the-scenes content to build anticipation. Leading up to release day, I'll drop carefully timed visuals, interactive content and media interviews. After the drop, we go even harder with music videos, live performances, and TikTok challenges to keep the project alive in people’s minds. It’s not just a release, it's an experience.
t: What do you ultimately hope to achieve with this project, both artistically and within the industry?
DV: Artistically, I want this project to be a defining moment, a piece of work that cements my place as a boundary pusher. In the industry, I want it to shift how people view Namibian music on a global scale. I want this to be proof that we can go toe to toe with the biggest sounds out there.
t: Being that you are the reigning artist with Song of the Year in Namibia, does this status and position come with pressure to produce another hit?
DV: Of course, there’s always pressure. But I don’t let it dictate my creativity. The focus is on making timeless music, not just chasing hits. I trust the process; if the music is real, the people will feel it.
tjil (t): You’ve been intentional about calling this a “project” rather than an EP or album – what’s the reasoning behind that?
DJ Vuyo (DV): I see this as more than just a collection of songs, it's a full experience, a statement. Calling it a project allows me to explore different sounds, concepts and collaborations without being boxed into the expectations of an EP or album. It’s a journey, not just a track list.
t: What sonic direction did you take on this project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
DV: Sonically, this project is bold and powerful. I’ve blended elements of Afrobeat, and even some unexpected influences that push my sound forward. Compared to my previous work, this project is more layered, more intentional, and reflects my growth as both an artist and a producer.
t: Who are some of the artists you collaborated with, and what did they bring to the project?
DV: I had the privilege of working with Yo Maps and Vinchenzo M'bale, both incredible artists from Zambia, as well as Yeezir from Namibia. Yo Maps brought his signature heartfelt melodies, adding depth and emotion to the project. Vinchenzo M’bale added a unique texture to the sound, blending effortlessly with the vibe of the project. Yeezir, known for his smooth and refined delivery, brought a soulful energy that tied everything together. Each artist added something special, making this project feel rich, authentic and timeless.
t: What does your rollout plan look like, and how do you plan to introduce this project to the world?
DV: The rollout starts with mystery teasers, snippets and cryptic social media posts to get people talking. Then, we hit them with pre-drop activations like exclusive listening sessions, strategic collaborations and behind-the-scenes content to build anticipation. Leading up to release day, I'll drop carefully timed visuals, interactive content and media interviews. After the drop, we go even harder with music videos, live performances, and TikTok challenges to keep the project alive in people’s minds. It’s not just a release, it's an experience.
t: What do you ultimately hope to achieve with this project, both artistically and within the industry?
DV: Artistically, I want this project to be a defining moment, a piece of work that cements my place as a boundary pusher. In the industry, I want it to shift how people view Namibian music on a global scale. I want this to be proof that we can go toe to toe with the biggest sounds out there.
t: Being that you are the reigning artist with Song of the Year in Namibia, does this status and position come with pressure to produce another hit?
DV: Of course, there’s always pressure. But I don’t let it dictate my creativity. The focus is on making timeless music, not just chasing hits. I trust the process; if the music is real, the people will feel it.
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