Swazi-born music producer and DJ Sabelo Kunene, popularly known as Sabz or ‘The Soul Train’, is set to host South African DJ and radio personality Nutty Nys at the sixth edition of Oryx Friday later this month.
The event is scheduled for May 29 at The Gables in Ezulwini under the Oryx Restaurant entertainment series. Entry fee is E50.
According to Sabz, the monthly event series started in October last year as a platform to connect Eswatini music lovers with some of South Africa’s respected house music selectors and producers.
“We started #OryxFriday with The Soul Train last year October with Smish and Selby. One Friday every month I host and bring a friend from South Africa,”
Since its launch, the event has already hosted acts including Chronical Deep, China Chameleon, Rosetta Deep and Chymamusique. Nutty Nys now becomes the latest guest artist to join the growing line-up.
Sabz said the upcoming edition is expected to reconnect local audiences with Nutty Nys, who has not performed in Eswatini in several years.
“Nutty Nys is no first time in Eswatini , he has been to Eswatini before, but it’s been a while, before Covid days even,”
The DJ described Nutty Nys as both a close friend and long-time industry associate. Their relationship stretches across radio, live performances and the South African house music scene.
“Nutty Nys and I met a couple of years ago and since then have remained close. I have been featured on his radio show while he was on 5FM and we have played many gigs together,” Sabz explained.
Nutty Nys is widely known in South Africa’s entertainment industry for his work as a DJ, broadcaster and event host. He stands out for his outstanding immersion in an array of club music styles with house music being foremost, with his recent banger ‘Love Will Win The Day’. His return to Eswatini is expected to attract house music supporters who have followed his career over the years
About The Soul Train
Apart from building the Oryx Friday brand, Sabz has also continued growing his own music career in South Africa and beyond.
The DJ moved to South Africa in 2001 while still in high school, where he says his professional music journey began. Over the years, he has worked closely with respected South African DJs including Christos and Vinny Da Vinci.
“I’ve been in the game for a while now working with DJs Christos and Vinny Da Vinci closely,”
Sabz has also established himself as a producer. Last year he released his “Resonance EP” alongside several singles. More recently, he released the “SIBIZIWE EP” together with Kabza De Small and Earful Soul. Available here: pianohub.lnk.to/Sibiziwe
The producer says he is currently preparing another EP which is expected to be released later this year.
Beyond production and performances, Sabz says his nickname “The Soul Train” reflects his connection with music and audiences.
“The Soul Train is my nickname given by DJ Christos, which speaks to how I am able to move people’s souls from one place to another through the gift of music,”
While the Oryx Friday sessions mainly focus on house music culture, the events have also become a networking point for local DJs, music supporters and nightlife audiences in Eswatini.
Sabz said he plans to continue inviting more South African artists and friends from the music industry as the year progresses.
“I have plenty friends in the industry and can’t wait to be bringing more as the year goes on,”
The upcoming edition will also feature supporting performances from Orthodox, 1D, Knoxman, The Bishop, Selby, Major IVY and Grear JR.
With six editions now hosted since the launch of the concept, Oryx Friday continues positioning itself as one of the growing platforms connecting Eswatini audiences with regional house music talent.
