Johannesburg pulsed with anticipation as the final beat dropped on one of the country’s most exciting talent searches. After a nationwide hunt that unearthed some of South Africa’s most promising electronic music talent, the inaugural MXD DJ Search reached its electrifying conclusion — and a new name has officially stepped into the spotlight.
Emerging victorious from a fiercely competitive field, DJ Axe Cllusive (real name Xolisa Willie) has been crowned the champion of the MXD DJ Search on the Road To Ultra, marking a defining moment not only in his career, but in the evolution of South Africa’s electronic music scene.
Held in Johannesburg, the high-energy finale brought together the country’s top unsigned DJs — each representing a unique sonic identity shaped by their city, culture and craft. But it was Axe Cllusive’s set, a seamless fusion of Afro House and Amapiano, that ultimately captured both the crowd and the judges. With precision, confidence, and a deep understanding of rhythm and audience connection, he delivered a performance that felt both grounded in local sound and ready for global stages.
Judged by an influential panel including Kyle Cassim, Hype, MORDA, and DWSON, the competition demanded more than technical skill — it required authenticity, presence, and the ability to move a crowd. Axe Cllusive delivered on all fronts.
“This platform has given me an opportunity I’ve dreamed of for years,” he shared after his win. “To go from playing local sets to performing at Ultra is something I’ll never take for granted.”
From Underground to Ultra
The victory secures Axe Cllusive a career-changing opportunity: a performance slot at Ultra South Africa 2026 on 26 April — one of the biggest dance music stages in the country. It’s a leap that few artists make so quickly, catapulting him from underground circuits to an international-calibre platform.
Beyond the stage, the win carries long-term impact. Axe Cllusive will also receive mentorship through the Bridges For Music Academy, as well as a year-long ambassadorship with MXD — a combination designed to nurture both his artistry and career trajectory.
With five years behind the decks, Axe Cllusive has built a reputation for energetic performances and an instinctive ability to read the room. His signature style, blending Afro House and Amapiano, is driven by groove and connection — a sound that has already found expression in his live mix series, Party With The Groovist.
A Nationwide Movement of Sound
The MXD DJ Search was more than a competition — it was a cultural journey. Spanning cities from Pretoria to Cape Town, Durban to Johannesburg, the initiative tapped into a new generation of DJs redefining the country’s electronic soundscape.
The grand finale at The Naked Woolf was a celebration of that journey. Alongside the finalists, the stage came alive with performances from MORDA, DWSON, and Champuru Makhenzo, while runners-up included Johannesburg’s Mad Braul and Durban’s Gqom duo Mad Buddies.
“Platforms like this are important because they create real opportunities,” noted DWSON. “There’s new talent coming through with a clear sense of identity and a deep understanding of how to connect with audiences.”
Building the Future of South African Electronic Music
Beyond crowning a winner, the MXD DJ Search has positioned itself as a meaningful pipeline for emerging talent — one that reflects the depth, diversity, and global potential of South Africa’s electronic music scene.
Candice van den Bosch, SAB Beyond Beer Brand Director, emphasised the importance of such platforms: “MXD exists to celebrate individuality and self-expression, and this platform has brought that to life in a way that feels truly authentic to South Africa’s music culture.”
As Axe Cllusive prepares to take on Ultra South Africa’s massive stage, his journey represents something bigger than a single win. It signals a shift — a new wave of artists rising with confidence, originality, and a sound rooted in homegrown influence yet ready for the world.
From underground decks to festival mainstages, the message is clear: South Africa’s next generation of electronic music talent has arrived — and they’re just getting started.
