Blending Afro-soul, Afro-pop and contemporary African sounds, Benzo’s deeply personal debut EP, Gciniwe, is a heartfelt tribute to his mother this Women’s month, celebrating the love, sacrifices and unwavering support that shaped both his life and his music.
Johannesburg, South Africa: This woman’s month, acclaimed DJ and producer Benzo is inviting listeners into the most personal chapter of his life with the release of his four-track EP, Gciniwe, arriving on 7 August 2026.
Far more than just another music project, Gciniwe is a deeply emotional dedication to Benzo’s mother, the woman whose love, sacrifices and unwavering support shaped the man and artist he has become. The EP cover carries the heartfelt message, “Thank you for the love that raised me,” while underneath the title it reads, “Dedicated to my mother” – setting the tone for a body of work rooted in gratitude, healing and family.
The four-track EP features:
Gciniwe (Intro – Benzo)
Ngizwile (Benzo)
Mthandazo (Benzo & Megamind Nova)
Ufunani (Benzo Ft. Blaq Seed, Mailo Music x Salaminah)
Leading the project is Ufunani, with Megamind Nova, the first official single from Gciniwe, which will spearhead the EP’s promotional campaign through radio, digital platforms and live performances.
Known to fans as one of South Africa’s most energetic DJs, Benzo, born Banele Sotomela, has spent years making people dance across South Africa and neighbouring countries. From his beginnings in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape to becoming a sought-after performer for clubs, festivals, and private events, his journey has always been powered by music and human connection.
With Gciniwe, however, he steps away from the DJ booth to tell a story that is intensely personal.
“This EP is my way of saying thank you to the woman who gave me everything before I had anything. Every song carries a piece of my heart and a piece of her love,” says Benzo.
“I’ve spent years helping people create memories through music. This time, I wanted to create something that preserves one of my own. My mother is the reason I never gave up, and this project is dedicated to her.”
The project reflects a more vulnerable side of the artist, balancing soulful storytelling with heartfelt melodies that celebrate love, resilience and faith. The inclusion of Mthandazo (“Prayer”) further reflects the spiritual undertones woven throughout the EP.
For Benzo, whose career has seen him travel extensively while entertaining audiences in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Lesotho, music has always been about bringing people together. He has often described himself simply as “a DJ” rather than limiting himself to one genre, believing that great music transcends labels.
“This isn’t about chasing trends or making another hit. It’s about leaving something meaningful behind. If even one person listens to these songs and thinks about calling their mother, forgiving someone they love or appreciating the people who raised them, then I’ve achieved what I wanted.”
While fans know Benzo for reading crowds and creating unforgettable moments behind the decks, Gciniwe offers something different: an invitation into the heart of an artist whose greatest inspiration has always been home.
As listeners prepare to experience the EP on 7 August, Benzo hopes the project will remind people that behind every dream is often someone who quietly sacrificed so that dream could become reality.
“Gciniwe belongs to everyone who has ever been loved into becoming who they are. This is my thank you.”
FIVE MINUTES WITH BENZO
1.Releasing Gciniwe during Women’s Month feels symbolic. How has your mother inspired the man and artist you’ve become, and why was this the perfect time to honour her?
Releasing Gciniwe during Women’s Month felt like the most meaningful way to celebrate not only her, but all the women whose sacrifices often go unnoticed. This project is my way of saying, “thank you.” My mother has been my greatest source of strength and inspiration. She taught me resilience, humility, and the value of working hard no matter the circumstances. Everything I am today, both as a man and as an artist, is rooted in the values she instilled in me.
2.Which song on the EP was the most emotional to write or record, and why?
The track titled Umthandazo has to be the one that touches my heart the most; if every lyric came from a real place. It speaks about my journey, or anyone who went through hardship, all in the name of achieving your dreams, and every lyric came from a real place.
3.Why did you choose Ufunani as the first single to promote?
We chose Ufunani as the first single because it represents the energy and direction of the EP. It’s a song that people can connect with immediately, and I believe it’s the perfect introduction to this new chapter of my journey.
4.When you think back to your childhood, what are some of your fondest memories with your mother, and how did those moments inspire Gciniwe?
Some of my happiest memories are the simple ones, watching her work tirelessly to make sure we had everything we needed, and the unconditional love she showed every day. She always believed in me, even before I believed in myself. Those memories became the heart of Gciniwe. I wanted the EP to capture that love, sacrifice, and appreciation that so many people feel for their mothers.
5.How does this project differ from the Benzo your fans know as a DJ?
People know me for bringing energy to the dance floor as a DJ, but Gciniwe introduces another side of me. This project is deeply personal and allows listeners to connect with me beyond entertainment. It’s about storytelling, emotion, and vulnerability. I think it’s important for artists to show different sides of themselves, and this EP gave me the opportunity to do exactly that.
6.What do you hope listeners feel after hearing Gciniwe for the first time?
I hope they feel love, gratitude, and a sense of reflection. Whether they’re thinking about their mother, someone who raised them, or anyone who has made sacrifices for them, I want the music to encourage them to appreciate those people while they still can.
7.Looking ahead, does this EP mark the beginning of a new chapter in your music career beyond DJing?
Absolutely. DJing will always be part of who I am, but Gciniwe represents growth and a new creative chapter. It has given me the confidence to explore more personal storytelling and create music that connects with people on a deeper emotional level. This isn’t a departure from DJing; it’s an expansion of who Benzo is as an artist, and there’s a lot more to come.