Multi-award-winning producer, DJ, and Afro-house/3-Step pioneer Heavy-K, widely known as the Drumboss, returns with a powerful new single titled “Kude,” featuring Ntando Yamahlubi and South African music icon Professor.
“Kude,” meaning “very far” in isiZulu, is a soulful 3-Step love song that explores themes of remorse, reassurance, and resilience in love.
The song captures an apologetic message from Ntando Yamahlubi to his partner, urging her to stay grounded in their bond despite external negativity and distance.
Professor, a legendary figure in South African music renowned for his contribution to Kwaito and timeless hits like “Jezebel” and “Imoto,” adds depth and authenticity to the track, merging nostalgic roots with modern 3-Step elements.
With Heavy-K’s signature percussive rhythms, layered harmonies, and rich melodic textures, “Kude” delivers a deeply emotional listening experience while staying true to the essence of 3-Step, a sound Heavy-K has pioneered and elevated on a global scale.
This release stands as a testament to love’s endurance and the power of music to bridge emotional and physical gaps.
You can stream/download “Kude” HERE.
More info about Heavy-K
Heavy-K, born Mkhululi Siqula in Port Elizabeth in 1991, is one of South Africa’s most influential DJs and producers. He began making waves as a teenager when he produced Professor’s hit single “Lento” at just 16 years old.
In 2013, after relocating to Johannesburg, he released his debut album Respect the Drumboss 2013 and quickly established himself as a force in the house and Afro-house scene. The following year, he produced Bucie’s “Easy to Love,” which climbed into the Top 10 on Entertainment Monitoring Africa.
His career gained further momentum with the release of “Umoya” in 2015, featuring Professor and Mpumi, which earned nominations at the Metro FM Awards. Heavy-K’s third album 1950 dropped in 2016, and in 2017, he scored one of his biggest hits with “Inde,” a collaboration with Bucie and Nokwazi that went six-times platinum. In 2018, he released “Sphum’ elokshini” with Mondli Ngcobo and followed it up with his fourth studio album Respect the Drumboss 2018.
From 2019 to 2021, Heavy-K continued to cement his legacy with major projects. His 2020 single “Uyeke” featuring Natalia Mabaso achieved platinum status, and later that year, he released his fifth album Khusta.
He also collaborated with Ed Sheeran on a remix of “Shivers” before dropping Respect the Drumboss 21 (10 Years Edition) in 2021, an album packed with high-profile collaborations including Simmy, Aymos, Boohle, and Nkosazana Daughter.
More recently, Heavy-K has been exploring the emerging 3-Step sound, a branch of gqom with its own distinct rhythmic style. In 2022, he released the Underrated King EP, led by the single “Ama Miliyoni” with Meez and Professor. This was followed in 2023 by the album Respect the Drumboss 2 (3-Step Edition).
In March 2024, he teamed up with DJ Tira to release “Inkululeko,” featuring Zee Nxumalo, Makhadzi, and Afro Brotherz, reaffirming his reputation as one of South Africa’s most versatile and innovative producers.
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