Self-made DJ and producer to release new music
Lindokuhle Zwane is a self made DJ and music producer who is set to release new music.
Kwa-Thema – Lindokuhle Zwane, professionally known as Sir Freedo, is a DJ and music producer from Kwa-Thema. People in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, gave him the name Sir Freedo.
“People started calling me Sir as a sign of respect for my craft, particularly because of the way I approach my sets and connect with people through my Afrotech and Afro House sound.
“Over time, the name became part of my identity as an artist,” he explained.
Lindokuhle said his sound carries the energy of the kasi- the drums, the struggles, the spirituality, the street culture, the dreams and the people.
Everything Lindokuhle creates, says is connected to where he comes from.
“I became an artist through pure obsession with music. I was the kid who was constantly downloading new music, creating mixes on Virtual DJ and studying how DJs could control an entire crowd through sound.
“Eventually, I started teaching myself music production using FL Studio, often working late at night,” he explained.
He described himself as a versatile DJ and producer working across Amapiano, Afro House, Afrotech and 3-Step.
He has already released two albums, titled Owami and Awake from the Darkness, which showcase different sides of his creativity.
Lindokuhle said his biggest inspiration is life in KwaThema – the taxis, church, struggles, late-night grooves, relationships, dreams and the desire to create something bigger for myself.
“I want to make music that can move someone in the kasi and still sound at home on a dancefloor in Ibiza.
“Music saved me. Growing up in KwaThema, opportunities can be limited, and music gave me something positive to focus on. It kept me disciplined, motivated and away from the wrong influences,” he added.
Lindokuhle realised music was his purpose when people started dancing to his music. He explains that each dance move showed him that music was just entertainment.
“Music can heal, unite and give people hope. I also want to prove that you do not have to leave the kasi to build something meaningful.
“You can start with almost nothing, build from home and take your story to the world,” he added.
Lindokuhle started producing music in 2019, although his journey as a DJ started much earlier.
“At school, I was the unofficial and sometimes official DJ for different events – from matric farewells and school concerts to sports days.
“My first studio was extremely basic: a laptop, a copy of FL Studio, a home-theatre system and a pair of headphones.
“That humble setup became the foundation of my music journey. It was from that environment that I created both of my albums. There are many artists who have influenced my journey,” he said.
Lindokuhle looks up to Black Coffee, who also brought South African electronic music to the global stage. He admires Kabza De Small for his incredible work ethic and Sun-El Musician for his musicality.
He draws inspiration from Oscar Mbo, Dlala Thukzin, Atmos Blaq, Thakzin, Jazzworld, and Thukuthela, particularly because of the evolution of the 3-Step sound.
Internationally, Lindokuhle looks up to Ape Drums and Keinemusik, saying they have inspired his Afrotech and global electronic music direction. Lindokuhle is currently working on his upcoming album, Awake From The Darkness 2.
“The project explores a wider range of sounds, including Afro House, 3-Step, International Afro House, DeepTech and Gospel House.
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“The album is deeply personal. It reflects my growth, my family’s prayers, the challenges I have faced and the pressure that comes with being a young Black man from Kwa-Thema chasing a dream that extends far beyond my surroundings.
“I am incorporating soulful vocals, original chords and melodies that I play myself, alongside heavy 3-Step drums and atmospheric electronic production,” he added.
“My vision is to become a global ambassador for authentic South African electronic music without ever losing my kasi identity.
“I want a young person from the kasi to hear my music and realise that their circumstances don’t have to determine the size of their dreams.”
He said his music is for the hustler, the dreamer, the person who feels lost, and the person trying to find their way. Lindokuhle’s message is especially strong in Awake from the Darkness.
“Even when I create a dance record, there is usually something deeper underneath it – an emotion, a memory, a prayer or a story. I want to make music that can heal someone at 3 AM,” he said.
His biggest goal is to make good-quality music that resonates with every listener.
