DJ / Producer | South Africa | Stay True Sounds

Born in the Limpopo province of South Africa, El Payo is a DJ and producer whose sound blends soulful depth, percussive rhythm and emotive storytelling. Inspired by pioneers such as Atjazz, Stimming and Boddhi Satva, El Payo’s journey into house music began in 2007 — with production becoming his core focus from 2012 onward.

In 2021, his talent was spotlighted when he was discovered by Kid Fonque, founder of Stay True Sounds, during a label-hosted remix competition for the track “Somewhere” by Kid Fonque, Jonny Miller, and Jaidene Veda.

Soon after, El Payo released his debut 6-track EP, “Enchanted Meditation” on Stay True Sounds — a project that received critical support from tastemakers including Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova, and Atjazz gaining momentum across Europe and beyond.

In 2024, he followed up with his full-length album “In Motion”, a deeply textured body of work that features collaborations with some of South Africa’s most respected voices: Sio, Ziyon, Mmthi Junior, and Bokang Ramatlapeng. The album drew praise from global heavyweights such as Charles Webster, Jazzanova, Fish Go Deep, Opolopo, Osunlade, and Lars Behrenroth, affirming El Payo’s rising influence in the global electronic music space.

With a sound rooted in spiritual groove and emotional resonance, El Payo continues to push the boundaries of deep house, Afro-electronic, and soulful dance music — making him one of South Africa’s most compelling artists to watch.

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