DJ Tira Rings In a New Era With His Latest EP, ‘Izinsimbi Za Makoya’

Every summer comes with its defining soundtrack, and this time, one of South Africa’s most recognisable hitmakers steps forward with a project crafted to carry the season. Fresh off the success of a record that turned into a national favourite, a new body of work arrives to keep the streets dancing and the festive spirit alive. It’s a release that lands at the perfect moment where one built on legacy, fuelled by excitement, and shaped by an artist who understands exactly what people want to feel when the music drops.

DJ Tira, the Afrotainment leader known across the country as Makoya Bearings, sat down for an exclusive conversation on Slikouronlife to unpack his latest EP, Izinsimbi za Makoya. This project follows the triumph of Khuphuka, which recently achieved Gold status. For an artist who has shaped the sound of Durban for years, this new chapter feels both celebratory and deeply personal.

The conversation opened with the meaning behind the EP title, a phrase that carries weight on its own. Tira explained that the project came straight from the heart. “I put together the album to give the people the best that I have for the summer of 2025,” he said. Even with a career spanning decades, this project marks a meaningful moment for him. “I’ve been around for the longest time but somehow somehow 2025 meant a lot to me so putting together this album was personal and I’m happy with the way it came out.”

He spoke about the first time he played the EP in the studio, remembering the moment one particular track caused a spark among everyone listening. The electrifying Awungazi instantly stood out. “That track is the track that already nje before we finished the album, it stands a good chance to be revived well by the people.”

With Khuphuka reaching Gold, expectations naturally shift, but Tira approached this new project with both confidence and renewed excitement. He shared how the success reminded him that he was on the right path, yet the intention for the new EP was to raise the temperature even higher. “It was a good album to open the year with but it also taught me one of a few things that I applied on this album that I’ve dropped Izinsimbi za Makoya, it was a good start kodwa manje si sembenzini wamamphela ziyakhala.”

When asked to summarise the energy of the EP, he described it in a way that captures the entire spirit of the season. “With Izinsimbi za Makoya it’s time to start the party, it’s time to jam and it’s time to welcome the summer of 2025 kuya groova manje.”

In a genre landscape where gqom, house, and amapiano continue to evolve, Tira remains grounded by the passion he has for the sound. The EP sees him explore a deeper side of his artistry. He revealed that this time, he leaned in fully without holding back. “I always hold back most of the time but then this time I just decided that let me give people the sound that I enjoy, the sound that I play during my set and what I’m really enjoying in the comfort of my space.” His soulful approach also shines through collaborations with Zee Nxumalo and Thatohatsi, artists who help bring out the emotional palette of the project.

When speaking about what determines whether a song is complete, his answer was simple and rooted in experience, “when you take the song to the people and see how they react to it and if it’s not where it should be then go back to the studio and go back to the drawing board and fix all of that.”

If the EP had a colour, he chose red. “Red for danger cause ingozi baba ngoba kuya fiwa.” It’s a description that fits the boldness of the music and the confidence behind its release.

The project features a strong lineup including Zee Nxumalo, Pcee, Tipcee, and Naak. Tira explained that the collaborations reflect two sides of him, the soulful layer and the harder, high-energy layer. When asked who pushed him creatively in the studio, he pointed to Pcee, praising his passion and presence. “Pcee challenged me, the way he yoh shout out to the brother his crazy the way he does his recordings and the way he wants the vibe in the studio with the energy always lit,” he said. “He just love the studio and love his work and the way he focuses you need to see him in studio.”

Izinsimbi za Makoya arrives as a project built with intention, emotion and pure love for sound. DJ Tira steps into the season ready to give listeners music that carries joy, freedom and rhythm with an offering crafted for every gathering, every celebration and every moment that needs heat. Do check out the full interview on YouTube.