The Making of Thin'Izizwe - interview with Dazz B MusiQ by Robert Trunz – 28.6.2025

"Thin' Izizwe (Change Down Mix)" is an EDM track with touches of Afro House and Amapiano percussive bass. Unlike my recent remix of "Webaba," which plays at 118 BPM, "Thin' Izizwe" runs at 123 BPM – much faster. The title "Change Down" refers to shifting from a higher to a lower gear in a manual car, and in this remix, it's about increasing momentum through that downshift.

I chose this song because I heard it a lot while growing up – but only ever the remixed versions. When I finally came across the original, the urge to do my own version stayed with me until now. That's when I also learnt the correct title is "Zithin'izizwe."
All along, I thought "Thin' Izizwe" meant something like "What are you saying? Let's hear it" – like you're telling someone who's mumbling to speak up! But then I watched an interview with Busi Mhlongo, where she talks about her "Urban Zulu" album. That's when I truly understood what the song is about.
Mam' Busi explained how, while living abroad during the apartheid era, she used to overhear people whispering about South Africa. It was in those distant places that she became aware of the unrest and conflicts back home. That deeper meaning behind the song really hit me and gave more purpose to this remix."

Dazz B MusiQ
Skilled multi-instrumentalist and composer Dazz B MusiQ (real name Obakeng Kekana) was born on April 10, 2001. Inspired by his older brother, he began his journey as a DJ at the age of nine. One of his early releases, A Note to Black Coffee, marked the beginning of his musical path.
By 2023, deeply influenced by South African house music and artists like Culoe De Song, Dazz B created a remix of Busi Mhlongo's iconic track Webaba released February 2025. A highlight of the year was attending Mam Sindy's 65th birthday, where Dazz B had the chance to finally meet Black Coffee and connect with DJs from the Kunye circuit in Durban.

During his producer residency with M2KR in Durban, Dazz B was introduced to iconic musicians like Dr. Madala Kunene and the works of the late Madosini and Robert ‘Doc' Mthalane.
The year 2025 was especially fruitful, with collaborations involving French oud player Smadj, Don Sithole from Lemon & Herb, and Badbox, who visited from London.