From Cape Town to Amsterdam: Dwson on music, balance and building legacy

Cape Town-born producer, DJ, and creative powerhouse Dwson continues to make waves internationally.

Fresh from performing at the 2025 Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) through a partnership with Jägermeister’s Global Music Pass 3.0, the deep house innovator is setting the tone for an exciting new chapter, one that includes a forthcoming album and the 10th anniversary of his celebrated event brand, Dope Room.

With a sound that fuses emotion, rhythm and soul, Dwson, real name Ashwin Julies, has become one of South Africa’s most forward-thinking electronic music artists. His work embodies a deep, spiritual connection to sound, blending genres such as R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and three-step to create an instantly recognisable sonic signature.

Performing three sets at ADE, the world’s leading electronic music conference and festival, marks a major milestone in Dwson’s career.

In conversation with IOL, Dwson expressed appreciation for major brands that authentically support artists and culture.

“I'm not just here to have brands on board just to sell their product. It's not always about that — it’s about longevity and consistency,” he says. “Whichever brand we work with should align with my artistic goals and have an organic approach to the partnership.”

For Dwson, genuine alignment is non-negotiable. While he recognises that big visions require big budgets, he is selective about collaborations that don’t feel true to his artistry.

Despite his growing international presence, Dwson remains grounded and introspective. Describing himself as an “ambivert,” he admits that self-promotion doesn’t always come naturally.

“I have to find the courage to tell people what I do,” he laughs. “There are so many shows I still need to play abroad, and events like ADE push me to overcome the nerves, step forward, and be bold in those spaces. You never know what can happen from just one simple conversation after you perform.”

This ability to balance humility with ambition is part of what makes Dwson’s journey relatable. His authenticity extends beyond his music; it’s woven into how he navigates the industry itself.

Dwson’s creative process is fluid, emotional, and intuitive. His sound isn’t the result of rigid formulas or trend-chasing but rather an honest expression of mood and feeling.

“Most of my best music comes from a flow-like state,” he explains. “It’s not calculated, it’s natural. Even if my music doesn’t always have words, it still touches people.”

His influences are diverse, from hip-hop and R&B to jazz and deep house, but his execution is unmistakably his own. This organic approach has earned him recognition both locally and abroad, placing him at the forefront of South Africa’s deep house evolution.

Even his signature blonde-tipped dreadlocks have become part of his identity, a personal and spiritual symbol of growth.

“People always say, ‘Don’t cut it, this is you, this is your brand,’” he smiles. “There’s strength in the hair. But more than that, the strength comes from God. Samson lost all his power when he cut his hair. There’s definitely something spiritual about it, and I feel it.”

Being a DJ involves working odd hours in the studio, performing gigs, and back-to-back travel, which can take a toll on one's mental health. For Dwson, it’s important to prioritise his fitness and living a balanced life.

Dwson doesn't drink or smoke, which helps him avoid the trap of the nightlife and stick to his passion and business goals.

Being a DJ and producer can involve physically draining elements like long travel and carrying bags, making it essential for him to maintain health and fitness to combat the crazy hours.

Dwson is also an entrepreneur, hosting his own event property called "Dope Room" for 10 years. He hosted another edition on November 1, which was met with positive reviews from attendees.

He started the event in his hometown and firmly believes success comes from sticking to one's vision and consistency.

Dwson advises artists to focus on building things themselves, emphasizing the need to "grow the roots strong before you branch out to other places," noting that Cape Town's current positive state is due to consistency and the groundwork of local artists.

2026 is two months away and Dwson has already plans locked in. He has wrapped up production on his album set for release next year. 

He describes it as a diverse, deep house project with R&B vocals, a first for him to have a full vocal project. The album will feature artists like Zion from Liquid Deep and Liv East from the UK. 

Dwson has had a fruitful year with international shows and three successful track releases, and revealed plans for an all-nighter show next year where he could be playing for six to eight hours.

IOL

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