Airburn Sounds has teamed up with CPT Switch, Nation 365, Predope The Vocalist and Tshepo Keyz for “Soweto”, a new single blending Amapiano with disco influences to celebrate the energy, culture and musical heritage of one of South Africa’s most iconic townships.
Released on 9 October 2026 under Airburn360, the track combines mellow textures, infectious rhythms and a relaxed groove, offering a sound suited to everything from daytime drives and family gatherings to late-night dancefloors.
Capturing the spirit of Soweto
For Airburn Sounds, real name Thabo Mahundla, the song is about capturing the feeling of Soweto rather than attempting to define the township through music.
Soweto is short for South Western Townships. Located southwest of Johannesburg, the area has a complex history shaped by apartheid and has developed into a major cultural and entertainment hub associated with music, food, entrepreneurship, sport and tourism.
The song Soweto is a celebration of the energy, personality and spirit that makes Soweto so special. I wanted to create something that feels fun and effortless – a song you can dance to, enjoy with your friends and family, and hear something familiar in, regardless of your age,” Airburn Sounds says.
“We brought together Amapiano, a touch of disco and a mellow groove, and the different artists added their own flavour to the record. For me, this song is about capturing that feeling of being in Soweto – vibrant, alive and always moving.”
That vision is reflected in the song’s production, which aims to evoke the township’s lively streets, social gatherings, distinctive style and everyday celebrations.
Rather than leaning heavily into an aggressive, club-focused sound, the track takes a more relaxed approach, allowing listeners to enjoy its rhythm at their own pace.
From kasi culture to the dancefloor
Soweto has played a significant role in South Africa’s popular culture and musical history, with genres such as Kwaito and Kasi Rap forming part of its cultural landscape.
Its influence extends beyond music, with the township’s history, street culture, entrepreneurship and community life contributing to its enduring place in the country’s identity.
These elements provide the backdrop for Soweto, which draws on the area’s cultural significance while embracing contemporary sounds.
The result is a track that celebrates both the township’s heritage and its continuing influence on South African music and entertainment.
A sound for different generations
Although rooted in the current Amapiano movement, Soweto is designed to appeal to listeners across different age groups.
The disco influences introduce a familiar rhythmic quality, while the mellow production offers an accessible sound for those who may not necessarily identify as Amapiano fans.
Younger listeners can connect with its contemporary township groove, while older audiences may recognise the familiar qualities of its disco-inspired elements.
The song’s focus is on enjoyment and shared experiences – whether listeners choose to sing along, dance or let the music accompany their day.
A collaborative musical effort
The single brings together Airburn Sounds and featured artists CPT Switch, Nation 365, Predope The Vocalist and Tshepo Keyz, each contributing to the track’s overall character.
Additional keyboard sounds by Tshepo Keyz add another layer to the production, complementing the blend of Amapiano, disco and mellow textures.
Rather than centring on one dominant sound, the collaboration aims to create a collective musical experience that reflects the social and communal spirit associated with Soweto.
At its core, Soweto is a celebration of movement, connection and culture, offering Airburn Sounds’ musical interpretation of a township that continues to shape South African identity and popular entertainment.
