Meet DFWNE: The Pretoria Artist Creating His Own World

Every now and then, you come across an artist and immediately wonder, "Wait... how have I only found this person now?" That was our reaction after diving into DFWNE's catalogue. At first, we thought we were introducing you to a promising new artist. Then we did what every curious music lover does, we started scrolling through his YouTube channel and listening to older releases. Before long, it became obvious that this wasn't the beginning of his story.

When we first reached out to DFWNE, we thought we'd be writing about his upcoming album, In Her Jazz. Instead, we ended up discovering an artist who's been building one of Pretoria's most interesting catalogues. The more we listened, the more one thing became clear: this is someone who has never been interested in following trends. He's been focused on creating his own world, one song at a time.

With In Her Jazz set for release on 31 July, we decided to do something a little different. Rather than jumping straight into the music, we wanted to introduce you to the person behind it. Who is DFWNE? What inspires him? And what makes his approach to music so different?

More Than Just a Singer

If you thought DFWNE simply walks into a studio, sings a few vocals and heads home, think again. He describes himself as a composer, songwriter, arranger and producer who is involved in almost every part of the creative process. From writing songs and arranging melodies to shaping the mixes and engineering, he likes having his fingerprints on the final product. He also pays close attention to the textures of his music, believing that every sound has a purpose.

Music, for him, isn't just a career, it's who he is.

When asked if there was a defining moment that made him realise music was his calling, his answer was surprisingly simple. Every time he convinces himself to pursue a traditional 9-to-5, he somehow finds himself working on music as if it were his full-time job anyway. It's a cycle that has become its own answer. Music always finds its way back to him.

The Meaning Behind the Name

Stage names often come with interesting stories, and DFWNE is no exception. Rather than choosing something that simply sounded good, he wanted a name that carried meaning.

He describes DFWNE as a personal mantra, a reminder of the kind of person he wants to become. It's there to keep him away from negativity, especially the negativity we sometimes direct at ourselves. In many ways, the name isn't just an identity for audiences to remember; it's a daily reminder for the artist himself.

A Sound That Refuses to Be Boxed In

Trying to describe DFWNE's music might be one of the hardest tasks you'll ever take on, and that's exactly how he likes it.

When we asked him to define his sound, he admitted that he can't and believes that's what makes it alternative. Rather than fitting neatly into a single genre, his music borrows textures, emotions and influences from different musical worlds. He calls it Afro Alternative Jazz & R&B, a fusion that blends familiarity with experimentation.

He jokes that it's difficult to explain because how do you describe someone who has listened to completely different artists who are worlds apart in genres at the same time? Those contrasting influences naturally found their way into his own music, creating something that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

And that's exactly what he hopes listeners experience.

"I want people to feel a sense of nostalgia," he says. "Something familiar, but also a little different."

More than anything, he wants listeners to feel like they're part of the music rather than simply observing it from the outside.

Years of Quiet Consistency

Although many people are only discovering DFWNE now, he's surprisingly humble about where he sees himself. He doesn't believe much has changed just yet.

In his own eyes, the bigger vision is still ahead of him.

While many artists celebrate every milestone as the biggest achievement of their careers, DFWNE is still chasing moments he hasn't experienced yet.

He dreams of performing on stages like Coachella, Made in America and, one day, even the Super Bowl. Until then, he believes there's still plenty of work to be done.

That said, there are moments he remembers fondly. Some of his earliest highlights include performing at Mogale Festival, Capital Craft Beer Festival and Narow_Bi. Back then, the joy of being on stage often outweighed everything else. He recalls happily accepting whatever booking fee was offered because, at that stage of his journey, the opportunity to perform was worth more than the paycheck.

Today, that mindset has evolved. DFWNE is no longer just chasing stages, he's building a career. The same artist who once performed simply for the love of it now understands the value of his craft and the countless hours that go into writing, producing, rehearsing and refining his music. Passion still drives him, but so does purpose. He's learned that taking your art seriously also means expecting others to respect its value.

It's also a reminder to all of us consumers: are pateleng di artist tu. Behind every performance and body of work is someone who's invested years into their craft, creating, rehearsing and showing up. Supporting local artists should also be about recognising the value of the work they do.

Pitori, Here's Where You Should Start

One of our favourite questions during the interview was asking DFWNE where new listeners should begin. Every artist has songs they wish more people would discover, and he certainly had a few recommendations.

If you're hearing the name DFWNE for the first time today, he suggests starting with

▶️1700 BC

▶️Brush & Palette

▶️Mpfaloyi Tukie to better understand his journey as an artist.

But don't stop there.

He also recommends exploring tracks like Akhona's Bounce, Winters With You, Fettered, Mother To A Child, Sad & Sorry, Tell Me You Want Me, and Yimisani Nkarhi. Think of it as your homework before In Her Jazz arrives.

Proudly South African, Unapologetically Himself

One of the things that immediately stood out to us is how naturally DFWNE incorporates South African languages into his music. In a musical landscape where some languages are still underrepresented in mainstream music, hearing Xitsonga woven into neo-soul and alternative R&B feels refreshing.

For DFWNE, however, it isn't a marketing decision, it's simply who he is.

Raised by XiTsonga and Sepedi parents, his music reflects both sides of his upbringing while also embracing languages like isiZulu aswell. His dream isn't just to represent one language or one community. He wants to create music with unmistakably South African textures that can resonate with audiences across the world without losing its identity.

It's a reminder that you don't have to sound like everyone else to connect with everyone.

Beyond the Studio

Away from the music, DFWNE is refreshingly down to earth.

His idea of a perfect day doesn't involve anything extravagant. He enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, whom he describes as his best friend. Whether they're making plans together or simply enjoying each other's company, that's where he feels most at home. And when he's not with her, you'll most likely find him behind a drum kit or catching up with close friends.

It's a small glimpse into the person behind the music, a reminder that even artists chasing big dreams still find joy in life's simple moments.

The Pitori Connection

Before there was DFWNE, there was Travis Tokologo Ratlou, also known as Spank The Drummer. And while his sound continues to evolve, he believes Pretoria has played a significant role in shaping the artist he has become.

"Pitori gave birth to DFWNE," he told us.

It's a simple statement, but one that carries a lot of meaning. The city's people, culture and experiences have all found their way into the soundscapes he creates today.

Looking ahead, he hopes Pretoria's alternative music scene continues to grow. While the city has become known for producing incredible hip-hop and amapiano talent, he'd love to see more recognition for R&B, neo-soul and alternative artists who are carving out their own lanes.

We couldn't agree more.

The Next Chapter

As for In Her Jazz, DFWNE is keeping most of the details close to his chest.

When we asked what listeners could expect, his answer was beautifully simple:

"Feelings. Emotions. Textures."

Sometimes, that's all that needs to be said.

The Legacy He Wants to Leave

For DFWNE, it's bigger than awards or chart positions.

He hopes his music lives longer than he does. He wants it to outlast trends, generations and even time itself. It's a powerful reminder that, for some artists, success isn't measured by what's happening today but by whether the work still matters decades from now.

We ended our conversation with one final question:

"Imagine someone discovers your music ten years from now. What do you hope they understand about the person behind the songs?"

His answer was short, but it said everything.

"He is real. He is authentic. And he is God."

Whether you're discovering DFWNE today or you've been following his journey for a while, one thing becomes clear after spending time with his story: he isn't trying to chase trends or fit neatly into a genre. He's focused on creating honest music that reflects who he is, where he comes from, and where he hopes to go.

As In Her Jazz begins its journey into the world, we have a feeling this is only the beginning of an even bigger chapter for one of Pretoria's most exciting alternative voices. If this is your first introduction to DFWNE, consider this your invitation to press play. Listen & Follow DFWNE

If this is your first introduction to DFWNE, now's the perfect time to dive into his world.

🎵 Listen to the new album, In Her Jazz

▶️ Explore more of his music on YouTube: DFWNE on YouTube

📸 Follow DFWNE on Instagram:@_dfwne