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TOP DJs MÖRDA, DWSON AND HYPE FACTORY LAUNCH SEARCH FOR MZANSI'S NEXT BREAKOUT DJ
Winner to perform on the ULTRA South Africa stage
MXD introduces a nationwide DJ search to crown an official ambassador and uncover the next star of the electronic music scene.
Johannesburg, 10 March 2026 — The countdown to ULTRA South Africa 2026 has officially kicked into high gear. As the country prepares for the return of the world's premier electronic music festival on 25–26 April, MXD steps in as the official partner behind a high-stakes national search for emerging DJ talent ready to move from local club residencies to the festival spotlight.
The MXD DJ Search is more than just a competition — it's a career-defining opportunity for the artists who power South Africa's vibrant nightlife. To find the next breakout star, MXD has assembled a heavyweight judging panel led by Grammy-nominated and SAMA-winning artist Mörda, alongside deep house talent Dwson and YFM's Hype Factory.
Together, they are searching for DJs with true resident DJ DNA — the ability to read a crowd, control the floor, and create an unforgettable experience.
"Being a resident DJ is one of the toughest roles in the game. You have to adapt in real time and keep people locked in for hours. I'm looking for DJs who truly understand that craft — the ones who can control a floor and make it their own." — Mörda
A Nationwide Search
The competition forms a key part of the Official ULTRA South Africa Countdown Tour, a 24-stop journey across Southern Africa's hottest nightlife destinations.
While the tour launches in Nairobi on 14 March, the DJ search heats up at regional events:
- Pretoria — Europa (20 March)
- Cape Town — Club Paradise (27 March)
- Durban — Harry James (1 April)
At each event, attendees can vote live for their favourite DJs and stand a chance to win tickets to ULTRA South Africa in both cities.
From these regional rounds, six finalists (two per city) will advance to form the national Top 6. Public voting will then determine the Top 3, who will perform live in the grand finale.
What's at Stake
For emerging DJs, the prize is game-changing:
- Performance slot at ULTRA South Africa 2026 (Confessions Stage)
- A one-year MXD Ambassadorship
- Professional mentorship from Bridges for Music
- Guest mix opportunities on 5FM and YFM
"South Africa's club scene is filled with DJs who have mastered their craft but haven't yet had the platform to break through. This search is about recognising that dedication and giving it the stage it deserves." — Candice van den Bosch, Brand Director at MXD
How to Enter
The search is open to DJs nationwide.
- Submit a 15-minute showcase mix via MXDofficial.co.za
- Entries close: 15 March 2026
Following the regional heats:
- Public voting runs 2–10 April
- The Grand Finale takes place on 16 April at The Naked Woolf, Johannesburg
The Top 3 finalists will perform live for the judges, who will crown the 2026 winner.
ULTRA Countdown Tour Dates
March
- 14 March — Nairobi — World Safari Rally WRC Village
- 20 March — Pretoria — Europa (MXD DJ Search)
- 21 March — Potchefstroom — Impala
- 26 March — Johannesburg — Lock, Stock & Beer
- 27 March — Cape Town — Club Paradise (MXD DJ Search)
- 28 March — Maputo — Cocobeach
- 28 March — East London — Yoso
- 28 March — Durban — CRCL
April
- 01 April — Pretoria — N-Joy
- 01 April — Durban — Harry James (MXD DJ Search)
- 02 April — Cape Town — Club 101
- 03 April — Soweto — Kofifi
- 03 April — Gqeberha — Elements
- 04 April — Johannesburg — Malbroer
- 04 April — Ballito — Conchilla
- 09 April — Johannesburg — Greenhouse
- 10 April — Cape Town — Biblio
- 11 April — Johannesburg — Bad Manors
- 16 April — Johannesburg — The Naked Woolf (MXD DJ Search Finale)
- 16 April — Cape Town — Rita's
- 16 April — Johannesburg — Rita's
- 17 April — Johannesburg — Smoking Kills
- 18 April — Cape Town — Halo
- 18 April — Johannesburg — The Wild Side
ULTRA South Africa Festival
- 25 April 2026 — Johannesburg — Expo Centre, Nasrec
- 26 April 2026 — Cape Town — The Ostrich
Media Contact
Wongie Mafilika
📞 +27 72 695 1887
📧 wongie@csa.global
