Top DJs Mörda, Dwson, And Hype Factory, Launch Search For Mzansi’s Next Breakout DJ

MXD introduces a nationwide DJ Search to find South Africa’s next star of the electronic music scene

The countdown to ULTRA South Africa 2026 officially just shifted into a higher gear. As the country prepares for the return of the world’s premier electronic music festival on April 25 and 26, MXD has stepped in as the official partner for a high-stakes national search to find the emerging talent ready to graduate from local club residencies to the festival spotlight.

The MXD DJ Search isn’t just a competition; it’s a career-defining bridge for the artists who keep South Africa’s groove life alive and have honed their craft behind the decks night after night. To find the right fit, MXD has assembled a heavyweight panel of judges led by Grammy-nominee and SAMA-winner Mörda, alongside deep house extraordinaire Dwson, and YFM’s Hype Factory. Together, they’re searching for DJs with true resident DJ DNA – the ability to read a room, control the energy of a crowd, and hold a floor for hours on end. 

The search serves as a headline feature of the Official ULTRA South Africa Countdown, an expansive 24-stop tour hitting the hottest spots across Southern Africa. While the tour kicks off in Nairobi on March 14, the search for the winner will ignite during live regional heats in Pretoria at Europa (March 20), Cape Town at Club Paradise (March 27), and Durban at Harry James (April 1). Attendees to the events will be able to vote for their favourite DJs on the night and stand to win tickets to Ultra in Cape Town on April 25 and Johannesburg on April 26.

Two standouts from each of these major hubs will form a national Top 6, representing the best the country has to offer.

The stakes are unprecedented for an emerging artist. The winner will secure a performance slot at ULTRA South Africa 2026 on the Confessions Stage, a year-long MXD Ambassadorship, professional mentorship from Bridges For Music, and guest mix sets on both 5FM and YFM.

How to Enter

The search is open to DJs across South Africa. Aspiring talent must submit a 15-minute showcase mix via MXDofficial.co.za by March 15, 2026. 

Don’t miss your chance to become the next breakout DJ on the national stage!