On 27 August 2023 I released a mix called A Journey In Deep Melody, this is the Last Journey... Enjoy.

Step into the sonic abyss where sorrow and soul collide, Goya MusicMan returns with a beautiful journey through sound. Inspired by personal loss, global uncertainty, and the quiet strength found in solitude. Perfect for introspective late nights, rainy drives, or healing rituals under the moonlight. Soul-stirring transitions that feel like journal entries, rare and alternative cuts that speak louder than words and a masterclass in emotional storytelling through beatcraft.

To another decade of Melancholic Jazzy House... Enjoy!

Soulful Hedonism is a philosophy rooted in the sacred duality of pleasure and purpose, a deep and soulful house doctrine where rhythm is not escape but encounter. It champions the idea that joy on the dancefloor can coexist with introspection, that indulgence in groove is not mindless but mindful. This ethos sees house music as a spiritual pedagogy: each chord progression a memory, each bassline a lesson, each vocal a reminder of our shared humanity. Soulful Hedonism embraces the richness of Black musical heritage, the ritual of repetition, and the radical act of feeling deeply in a world that often numbs. It’s about dancing not just to move, but to remember who we are, where we come from, and the sound systems that shaped us.

The journey begins in 1997, with a track that feels prophetic: Chris Brann’s “Journey to the Centre.” This isn’t just the first step it’s the thesis statement. Atmospheric and meditative, it lays the philosophical groundwork for what’s to come: house music not just as sound, but as soul science.

Enjoy!!

A journey through the soul of South African house music, spanning 29 tracks and the full emotional spectrum of deep house, Deep Songs From The South is more than a mixtape, it’s a love letter to a pivotal era, a personal tribute, and a masterfully curated sonic odyssey.

The House Music Pedagogue weaves together a three-hour set that begins with warm, soulful grooves, dives deeper into moody, immersive rhythms mid-set, and then blooms into the rich, drum and horn-laced textures of vibey Afro-jazz in the final hour, an unmistakable precursor to today’s private school amapiano.

Drawn from releases between 2010 and 2015, the mix captures the essence of a golden age in South African house, when Pretoria pulsed with creativity, and the decks at places like Café Del Khuze and Dukes Grill told stories late into the night. From the mellow elegance of Scotch Flavio's "Fountain Of Love" to the wistful uplift of Kojo Akusa's reimagination of Adele's "Rolling In The Deep" and to the percussive heartbeat of Deep Xcape's "After Da Rain", every track was chosen for its mood, message, and mastery. This anthology pulses with rhythm and reverence, spotlighting anthems and underground gems.

Though 27 of the tracks were produced in South Africa, even the two remixes by international producers UPZ and Trinidadian Deep are grounded in local vocals and visions, honoring the South African artists at their core.

This mixtape is dedicated with love and gratitude to my friends and fellow DJs who shaped my musical identity during my time in Pretoria: Muzi Ntunja, Tiyani Ngobeni, Given Sefara, and Theobald Mhinga. Your ears inspired the journey and your taste, the compass.

And with deepest respect, we remember the late Scotch Flavio and Cannon Soul, artists whose work continues to echo in dancefloors and headphones across the country.

This is Deep Songs From The South.

The Return of The House Music Pedagogue is a 3-hour soulful journey that celebrates the timelessness of house music, blending classics with contemporary sounds. Beginning with two Louie Vega jazzy tracks, the mix slowly transitions into deep, soulful house vibes, with Nutty Nys’ Amahubo initiating the pedagogical tone.

The mix features house music pioneers like Kerri Chandler, Eric Kupper, Terry Hunter, DJ Spinna, and John Cutler, alongside remakes of timeless classics, such as Marshall Jefferson’s Move Your Body and Robert Owens' Deep Down. Tracks from South African legends like 60 Hertz & Shane D are highlighted, while new voices Nae SA, Bumi Thomas, Shalati, and Andre Espeut bring fresh energy to the scene.

A standout moment comes with Stim Dyzl, who teams up with Mark Francis on Kilomanjaro, showcasing a soulful New York vibe. Interspersed throughout are spoken word reflections on the spiritual journey of house music, the evolution of deep house, and its roots in American ghetto culture.

The mixtape features tracks dating back as far as 2003, 2004, and 2005, reinforcing the enduring legacy of house music, blending the past with the present and proving that the genre remains as relevant today as ever.

Life is full of transitions, and jazz, in its purest form, mirrors these shifts with delicate nuances. Sad Departures is not just about loss, but also about the beauty found in goodbyes, the wisdom in solitude, and the bittersweet nature of change. It is a musical narrative that pays homage to the deep and often unspoken emotions we experience when we part ways with people, places, or moments in time.

The Soulful Amapiano Journey continues well into the Year 2025.

Goya MusicMan, a pseudonym for a dedicated and passionate DJ, began his musical journey in 1999 at the young age of sixteen. What started as a hobby during his high school years quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit of musical excellence. By 2008, Goya MusicMan had transitioned into a semi-professional DJ, marking the beginning of a career that has since spanned over two decades.

His early professional experience includes a residency at Platinum Lounge in Potchefstroom, where he played from October 2008, to April 2009. This period laid the foundation for his growth in the South African music scene. Following this, he joined Café del Khuze in Pretoria as one of the resident DJs, performing there from May 2010, to January 2012. His reputation as a versatile and dynamic DJ continued to grow, leading to his role as the main resident DJ and events organizer at Dukes Grill Lounge in Pretoria from December 2011 to October 2015.

Between 2016 and 2019, Goya MusicMan embraced the freedom of freelancing, touring with King Maestro of Konka Plastic. This collaboration took him to various locations, including Pretoria, Rustenburg, Tzaneen, and Polokwane, where he continued to refine his sound and connect with diverse audiences.

Between 2019 and 2021, Goya MusicMan took a step back from the club scene to focus on his academic pursuits, studying political science at university. However, his love for music never waned. During this time, he experimented with new sounds and produced mixtapes for his podcast, "The Goya MusicMan Show," available on Hearthis.at and Apple Music Podcasts. This platform allowed him to share his evolving musical tastes with a broader audience.

In March 2022, Goya MusicMan returned to working as a freelancer and consultant, developing music event themes and concepts for The Sauce Lifestyle Café in Polokwane, a role he fulfilled until March 28, 2024. The most notable of these concepts was "The PLK Plastic Affair," a strictly vinyl records event that ran for nine episodes between April 2, 2022, and March 28, 2024. The event was a resounding success, hosting international acts such as Alton Miller of Detroit, Michigan, and Jan Kincl of Zagreb, Croatia, and further cementing Goya MusicMan's reputation as an innovative force in the industry.

On December 8, 2022, he was contracted by Seventh House Ltd. (Music Publishing) to design a music mix for the promotion of jazz saxophonist Eddie Harris. This project, completed on January 3, 2023, showcased Goya MusicMan's ability to blend genres and create compelling auditory experiences.

Today, Goya MusicMan continues to push the boundaries of his craft. As the director of Goya Music SA, an aspiring record label, he is committed to releasing the best alternative music in South Africa. He also remains active as a DJ, regularly uploading mixtapes of various genres to his podcast. Additionally, he is currently training to become a music executive producer under the mentorship of Victor Duba at Lepatata Records in Polokwane.

Goya Musicman's journey, marked by growth, exploration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, continues to inspire those around him.

When I started working on Goya's Lament for the Deeper Sound, I knew I wanted to create something that was both reflective and rich in emotional depth. For me, music is more than just beats or melodies, it's a language for exploring what lies beneath the surface of human experience. That's why I crafted my "Lamentations" series, to express this deeper side of sound. By blending jazz and funk samples with deep house grooves, I wanted to evoke a sense of emotional reflection that people could connect with on a personal level.

The concept of a musical lament has always fascinated me. Historically, laments were used to express grief and sorrow, whether in classical pieces by composers like Monteverdi or in folk traditions. I drew inspiration from that tradition but adapted it to a modern setting. In my mixes, I aim to take the listener on a journey through layered, introspective soundscapes. It's not just about mourning; it’s about creating space for contemplation and personal emotion.

I see my work as part of the evolution of musical laments. While early laments focused on literal loss or sorrow, my approach reflects a more abstract exploration of those feelings. By mixing traditional influences with contemporary elements, I hope to create something that resonates with today’s listeners, offering them an opportunity to reflect, think deeply, and experience the full spectrum of emotion through music.

In the end, Goya's Lament isn't just about sadness, it's about capturing the complexity of human emotion through sound, something I strive to achieve with every mix I produce.

Summer is here, lets enjoy it with a beautiful Soundtrack, an addition to my Rhythm & Soul Series.