DJ Fresh’s ‘RE:Fresh’ EP includes a tribute track to his late ex-wife
DJ Fresh's (real name Thato Sikwane) new EP “RE:Fresh” pays tribute to his late ex-wife, Thabiso Sikwane, featuring collaborations with renowned artists and heartfelt tracks that celebrate motherhood and love.
Released on Friday, December 13, the five-track musical offering showcases the multi-award-winning DJ and music producer’s versatility as it fuses Afro house rhythms with uplifting beats and powerful storytelling.
The EP comprises star-studded collaborations with Shota, Kyle Deutsch, Shona SA and LindAlive.
This includes “Mama (Thabiso)”, a deeply personal lead track which includes the powerful bilingual vocals of Deutsch, who sings in English, and LindAlive, who adds isiZulu to the song.
This soulful Afro house anthem is a heartfelt tribute to Thabiso, Fresh’s ex-wife and the mother of his children, Wandi, Reneilwe, Thato and Lefika.
She died at the age of 50 in August. They were married for 20 years until she filed for a divorce in 2022.
Produced by Fresh and his long-time collaborator Shona SA, the song is an ode to the enduring love, strength and sacrifice of mothers.
Fresh explained that the track is about a mother’s love, sacrifices and encouragement as well as the memories she leaves behind.
“It’s a dedication to Thabiso, whom my kids lovingly called ‘Mama’.”
“After her passing, this felt like the perfect way to honour her and create something that celebrates moms everywhere.”
On working with Deutsch, whose first song was championed by Fresh on 5FM nearly 15 years ago, Fresh said: “This collaboration feels serendipitous and it’s a song that’s raw, honest and filled with love.”
Shona SA added that featuring on the song is one of the most special projects that he has been a part of.
“Having been raised by a single mom from the very young age of 5, I owe basically everything to my mother and the fact that I lost my mother at the very young age of 11 and having absorbed so much from her, I still feel like I missed out a lot.”
Deutsch also described “Mama (Thabiso)” as a special and relatable song that holds deep personal meaning.
“It’s a full-circle moment for me because my first track ever released had its first play on radio by DJ Fresh so it’s surreal to now release a track with him.”
“We were talking the other day and he said the industry really does shrink the longer you’re in it.”
Being part of this song was also meaningful for LindAlive.
“I keep playing it in my head even when I’m not supposed to because I’m so happy about how I got to be part of this project,” he explained.
Meanwhile, “RE:Fresh”, which marks a new milestone in his career, is also inspired by Fresh’s children, with each track named after one of them.
And after decades of radio dominance, he is now looking forward to embracing the global stage.
His partnership with newly formed DanceAfrika Records is also something he is thrilled about.
With ambitious plans for global expansion through its worldwide hubs in New York, Berlin, Amsterdam and the UK, DanceAfrica is set to make waves internationally while staying rooted in its authentic African sound.
In addition, Fresh is set to return to the airwaves next year. He is still keeping the details of his new station under wraps, having previously hosted shows on YFM, 5FM and Metro FM.
He also currently helms the “WAW (What A Week)” podcast.