Ashwin Julies, also known as DJ Dwson, a Cape Town-born producer, has had a watershed moment this year, with his recent exclusive Amsterdam performance cementing his position as one of South Africa's most innovative electronic artists.
Dwson's appearance at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) showcases the energy, creativity, and edge of South Africa's underground scene, and it represents a significant step forward in his growing international career. He is well-known for fusing soulful depth, textured rhythms, and futuristic beats, and he has established himself as a distinct voice in the national electronic music scene.
Speaking to The Star, Dwson said taking his Cape Town-rooted sound to one of the world’s biggest dance-music platforms felt like both a personal and artistic breakthrough. “It really felt like a victory. It showed me the value of staying true to my roots instead of chasing what’s mainstream.”
His selection for Jägermeister’s Global Pass 3.0, a platform spotlighting African talent on global stages, has further strengthened his trajectory. For him, the recognition reaffirmed years spent refining his craft. Dwson said the honour underscored the importance of “consistency, authenticity and intent,” particularly in an industry where doubt often lingers even over the most gifted creators.
Reflecting on his recent time in Amsterdam, he said South African music proved impossible to ignore.
“It’s no secret that South Africa has the sauce. I heard so much of our music, Afro-tech, Amapiano, Gqom, house. It means a lot to contribute and represent my country, playing nothing but my original and local music. I got to embrace the sound even more, the way we do at home.”
Much of Dwson’s musical identity was shaped long before he set foot on international stages. Growing up in a household immersed in jazz and soulful music, he absorbed the emotional textures that would later define his signature sound.
“During high school I was already playing house at mobile gigs without realising I was carving my ear and my sound,” he recalled.
Those early instincts eventually evolved into Dope Room, the movement he launched a decade ago. What began as a small Cape Town gathering for producers has grown into a national force.
“I wanted to create a space where producers could express themselves, play new, unreleased music and whatever they were feeling. It was a place where people came together to celebrate music with no boundaries,” he said.
Today, Dope Room continues to expand, supported by a tight-knit community that champions house culture by spotlighting emerging sounds, unreleased gems, and timeless classics. Dwson believes its consistency will allow it to leave a lasting mark on South African deep house.
“You can tell house music is celebrated in the right way at our gatherings. If we keep the movement strong, it can inspire others and ensure house music stays alive for a very long time.”
While his global footprint widens, Dwson remains rooted in the local deep-house scene.
“I always make sure my signature is stamped on the song. I’m inspired by local and international sounds, and that’s where the beauty lies,” he said.
He said this approach has influenced his work with artists like Sio, Jullian Gomes, and J’Something, noting that each collaboration is different and he enjoys sharing music with those who can complement it or add a fresh perspective.
Dwson also noted that his sound has evolved from his debut project Luna to his latest release New Day, growing in maturity while retaining its emotional depth.
“Both tracks carried the same energy during creation; the difference lies in the production quality and level of refinement,” he said.
As his reach grows from local Cape Town shows to global stages, Dwson stays humble, crediting his supporters for his success.
He noted that his latest single New Day sets the stage for his next chapter, with a new EP upcoming, and revealed that his 2026 album will feature a diverse mix of tracks for late-night drives, sunny days, sundowners, and the dance floor, blending downtempo soulful house, 3-step, and uptempo club sounds.
If his current momentum is anything to go by, Dwson’s next chapter may be his most defining yet.
The Star
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