DJ Stoks returns with a brand-new EP titled ‘Sculptured’, a finely crafted body of work that further cements his standing as one of the most distinct voices in the private school piano space. Known for his mature, jazz-inflected take on Amapiano, DJ Stoks delivers a deeply musical and emotionally resonant project that showcases both his refined production style and his collaborative sensibility.
‘Sculptured’ is a carefully curated experience rooted in musicality, emotion, and poise. True to its title, each track is sculpted with intention, balancing soulful instrumentation, atmospheric grooves, and live elements to produce a sound that feels timeless and forward-thinking. DJ Stoks once again leads with the ethos of ‘music for the matured’, appealing to listeners who appreciate the depth and complexity of Amapiano beyond the dancefloor.
The EP touches on a wide range of themes including love, forgiveness, spirituality, inner peace, and emotional honesty. Collaborating with co-creators and featured artists such as Mel Muziq, Happy Jazzman, Faith Strings, MKeyz, Smavesh, Goitse Levati, Nele_SA, Leandra Vert, Silas Africa, Civil Soul, and Sob_Zeen, the project serves as a tapestry of voices and sounds woven together by Stoks’ meticulous approach to arrangement and sonic layering.
Among the standout tracks is ‘Rolex’, featuring Leandra Vert, Silas Africa, and Goitse Levati. Co-produced with Mel Muziq and Smavesh, the track explores the metaphor of time as a luxury that waits for no one. A sample of Caiphus Semenya’s ‘Matswale’ forms part of the bridge, layered with Sesotho accordion textures, giving the track both heritage and modern sophistication. ‘Ke Moja’ introduces a rawer emotional tone, with the vocalist expressing a refusal to forgive wrongdoers, noting that forgiveness belongs to God alone. The phrase ‘Ke Moja’ is slang for ‘I’m okay’ which sets the tone for the track’s emotional independence, while a striking synth solo adds energy and uplift. Another highlight on the tracklist is ‘Imikhonto’, a collaboration with Sob_Zeen featuring Civil Soul and Happy Jazzman. The song unpacks the complexities of love and emotional conflict, expressed through warm vocal arrangements and mellow production touches.
Across the EP, tracks like ‘Luxury Piano’ reinforce the overall direction; elegant, slow-burning arrangements focused on keys, chord progressions, and groove rather than speed or club sensibility. The mood throughout is immersive, sophisticated, and intentionally crafted for a listener who values detail and feeling.
DJ Stoks has long been celebrated for pushing a more refined version of Amapiano. Having entered the scene professionally in 2007 and rising to prominence after the success of his 2019 gold-certified single ‘Yelele’, he has built a legacy rooted in consistency, depth, and innovation. He has collaborated with major names in the genre such as Daliwonga, Kelvin Momo, DJ Stokie, and Kabza De Small, while also carving a niche through live mixes and original productions that center on emotion as much as rhythm.
‘Sculptured’ is not just an EP or a collection of songs, but a sonic exhibition, one that demonstrates how Amapiano can stretch beyond the mainstream into something intimate, bold, and musically timeless.
