From eMalahleni to the SAMAs: DJ Moscow earns national recognition
From tapping on primary school desks in Mpumalanga to national award recognition, the producer celebrates a career milestone for his hit track.
For Moses Motau, the journey to the SAMA 32 Awards began long before the national music industry took notice of him. It began in eMalahleni, where the DJ and producer, popularly known as DJ Moscow, first developed his love for rhythm and sound.
Now, years after those early beginnings, Moscow has earned a nomination for Music Video of the Year for ‘Ungangilimazi’, featuring Brandon Dhludlu, Cinethemba Gonelo and Frank Mabeat.
The nomination marks a significant milestone in the career of an artist whose musical identity was shaped in Mpumalanga before expanding beyond his hometown and into the national Amapiano scene.
“I’m truly humbled and grateful to be nominated,” Moscow said. “This nomination isn’t just for me – it’s for the overlooked artists, the kid on the block, the ambitious and talented, and for all of those who believed in my music and my hustle.”
With voting open, supporters can vote for DJ Moscow in the Music Video of the Year category by SMSing MVOTYO5 to 32253.
Roots in eMalahleni
For Moscow, the achievement carries particular significance because of where his journey began.
His passion for music developed during his primary school years, when classroom desks became makeshift instruments.
He would tap, clap and hit the desks to create rhythms, unknowingly laying the foundation for a musical career that would eventually take him to some of the country’s biggest stages.
As he grew older, that curiosity developed into a serious commitment to music. During his teenage years, Moscow began performing at parties and events across Mpumalanga, gaining experience and building a reputation while continuing to develop his sound.
He later expanded his musical knowledge through music theory studies and mentorship before establishing himself professionally as a DJ and producer.
Building momentum
His career gained further momentum after he signed with Sambo Records in 2022.
Since then, Moscow has continued to develop his catalogue and work with established names in the Amapiano scene. His releases include ‘Alien Perfume’ with Soa Mattrix and Ezinambeni Vol. 1.
His latest project, Emaweni, has further highlighted his soulful approach to amapiano, with ‘Ungangilimazi’ emerging as one of its key tracks. The song explores love, vulnerability and trust, with the vocalists portraying a conversation between two people promising to protect one another’s hearts.
Inspiring local youth
For Moscow, the nomination is also an opportunity to encourage young people in his hometown who may wonder whether it is possible to build a successful career while remaining connected to their roots.
“To the youth looking up to me: keep pushing, stay disciplined, stay hungry and never doubt your dream. I’m living proof of kuzokhanya – you can too,” he said.
Moscow is also continuing to work on new music.
“I’m in the studio cooking up a brand new single with Ginger Stone, titled ‘Makgadi‘. New music, new energy and the journey are just getting started,” he said.
Read more here: Day 3 without electricity – residents have had enough
Help a local hero bring hope to the less fortunate in eMalahleni and surroundings
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) August 13, 2026
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