Listen to a playlist of Vanco’s musical inspirations

“Music is woven into the soul of South African culture,” says Vanco, a figure whose skill for crafting stirring, driving tracks and sets has made him a prominent figure in the nation’s peerless dance music scene. The artists and parties shaped there are leading the world for innovation and transcendent dancefloor experiences, while simultaneously fuelling endless inspiration beyond its borders, with the influence of South Africa towering over the global dance music community.

Vanco hails from the Douglasdale suburb of Johannesburg and has been putting in the work for over a decade as a purveyor of impactful house music of many shades. He’s worked with major stars such as Moby and Daddy Yankee, played alongside the likes of Black Coffee and Themba with tour dates spanning major clubs across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and releases on labels such as KUNYE, Sondela and his own ALGRA imprint.

“Music let me dream out loud,” Vanco says, reflecting on the positive impact music has had on his life, which is something he also wants to help spread. He encourages artists to give back to the scenes that shaped them and uplift the next generation, noting: “That ripple effect is how we grow together.”

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After dealing with some tough life experiences in 2024, music has also taken on a new depth of meaning for how it soothes his soul, and he now focuses on spreading sounds that bring light into the world and inspire those who listen. “Music saves us all and now I just want to pass that light on!” he states.

Vanco’s latest release ‘Ma Tnsani (Yalla Habibi)’, featuring Kuwait vocalist Aya, reflects that magical touch, Merging a surging Afro house pulse with soulful Arabic lyrics, it’s a cross-cultural hybrid that feels universal in its emotional resonance and sweeps dancefloors up into a state of collective euphoria. Since a debut drop from Vanco on New Year’s Eve, the effect on dancers was notable, and subsequent support from the likes of DESIREE and Black Coffee has affirmed it as a standout track of 2025 so far.

We spoke to Vanco about his role in the ascent of South African dance music, the reception to ‘Ma Tnsani (Yalla Habibi)’, and his deeply felt emotional connection to music. Alongside the interview, he curated a playlist of his current musical inspirations. Check them out below.

It feels like South African dance music is leading the world in terms of influence and popularity at the moment. Why do you think it’s connecting so widely and how does it feel to be part of that movement?

Music is woven into the soul of South African culture. The country is bursting with talent; raw, relentless, rewriting the game, and the list of incredible artists coming out of here just keeps growing. Music has always been our voice, it is rhythm, soul, and pure feeling all in one. It touches the heart in ways words sometimes can’t. And while this energy has always existed, social media has helped push our sound into the hands of tastemakers and listeners all over the world.

It still feels surreal. I used to daydream about this life before I even knew how to produce a beat. Just a kid from the northern suburbs of Johannesburg growing up and moving in between countries as a young boy, soaking it all in. I am deeply grateful to my mom, her sisters (my aunts), uncles and my grandparents for raising me with so much love, with possibilities where life was full of opportunities to become whatever I desired, but also came with its own challenges. I was always way too laid back whether at school, at home, or in the circles I chose. I always leaned toward the unusual but somehow music gave me a way to express all the thoughts I kept inside. It let me dream out loud. I remember being in the crowd at events, watching artists I now get to play alongside and collaborate with. Fast forward to five years ago when I quit my job and took the leap. Music became my everything.

I’m proud to be part of a generation pushing this genre forward, pioneering something powerful. One thing I hold close: if you’re part of a movement, do your best to leave the stage better than you found it. Give back. Open doors for others, just like someone once opened them for you. That ripple effect is how we grow together. Right now, I’m just grateful and excited to see our movement shine. To witness our sound bringing people together across the globe… that’s the magic.

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You refer to your productions and sets as ‘storytelling’. What story are you telling and how does this come through in your music?

For the longest time, I’d hear people say “music touches the soul”. I used to nod along, not thinking much of it. That changed in 2024. Life threw some tough moments at me and the music hit different. Since then, I’ve been listening and creating from a deeper place. My sound is all about light, uplifting, inspiring, and helping you feel better, even on the rough days. I make music for the soul, and if it brings a little joy or a smile to your face, that’s everything to me. I landed here because I was chasing a feeling — something bright, something that lifted my mood and made me feel like a kid again. So I build around melodies that are easy on the ears but stick with you. I love a balance: warm, exciting sounds, simple vocals you can sing along to, and a groove that gets people moving. Music saves us all and now I just want to pass that light on!

Your new single ‘Ma Tnsani (Yalla Habibi) (feat. Aya)’ is out now. Can you tell us a bit about the story behind that track and how the reception to it has been?

This one really pulled me out of my comfort zone. What a challeng! My manager from the UK linked me with Aya, a vocalist from Kuwait, for a studio session during my summer tour. We had just wrapped a show in Ibiza and landed in London — I was tired, prepping to fly out the next morning to play in Oman. Honestly, I wasn’t in the mood for a session. The travel was catching up with me. But I’ve learned to stay open minded. The world keeps spinning, no matter how you feel — and you never know what might happen if you show up. Meeting Aya was exciting, and after a few minutes in the studio, the vibe started building. The first song we recorded was cool, but it didn’t quite hit. Just as we were about to wrap up, I played a loop — something that would eventually become 'Ma Tnsani'. It had a Splice vocal with a similar Arabic feel. Everyone in the room lit up. I still remember it — we finished the whole track in about 30 minutes. Magic.

I started testing the track, quietly sharing it with a few DJs I always trust — DESIREE, Black Coffee, Apache, Pablo Fierro, Themba, Djeff, Louie Vega. The early reactions were special. Then came that New Year’s Eve show at Ushuaïa Dubai — I dropped it live and it took off. Instagram, TikTok… the buzz started building fast. A few days later, Black Coffee played it during his Middle East shows and I saw it moving again. DESIREE, Apache, Samm (BE), Ajna (BE), Djeff — so many others have been supporting. It’s been wild.

What makes it even more special? The blend of African and Arabic energy. Seeing it resonate with people across both regions — and beyond — reminds me why we do this. Music should connect us. It’s about unity, love, and breaking boundaries. The journey continues. Every day I get to share this with the world and repost moments from so many different corners of it.

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Can you tell us about your playlist?

Just a mix of what’s been living in my sets, music that inspires me, and Sunday sounds for the ride home — when I’m not on stage.

Buy/stream ‘Ma Tnsani (Yalla Habibi) (feat. Aya)’ here

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Editor & Digital Director, follow him on Twitter