DE ROSE RELEASES DEBUT SOLO SINGLE “EMSOTRA” FROM UPCOMING PROJECT 9 TO 5

Umlazi-born singer, songwriter, and composer Thandeka “De Rose” Cele announces her debut solo single, “Emsotra,” available on all streaming platforms this Friday through Haus of Kulture distributed by gamma. Africa. The track is the first taste from her upcoming project, 9 to 5, setting the tone for her highly anticipated solo artistry.

Following a series of celebrated collaborations with Sfarzo Tee, DJ Jaivane, Frank Mabeat, Gaba Cannal, and Soa Mattrix, De Rose delivers a deeply personal and soulful Amapiano anthem that bridges her Durban roots with the energy of Soweto.

Emsotra tells a story of belonging and connection – an ode to the vibrant spirit that unites two of South Africa’s most iconic townships.

“As a girl born and raised in Umlazi, when I went to Soweto (Emsotra) for the first time, I felt like I was still in my hood – just a different language. Besides that, I felt like I belong. Emsotra is home,” shares De Rose.

The single was brought to life by producers Thebza and Frank Mabeat, who crafted an enchanting soundscape that merges soulful chords, deep basslines, and hypnotic percussion.

“Thebza and Frank Mabeat made it magical,” De Rose recalls. “I wasn’t feeling well that day, but the moment I stepped to that mic, I knew what I wanted and how I wanted it.”

Her raw vocal delivery and signature warmth shine throughout the record, capturing both the grit and grace that define her artistry.

“You can take me out of the ghetto, but you can’t take the ghetto out of me,” she adds.

For De Rose, the word “Emsotra” – Soweto slang she often heard while spending time there – represents more than a place. It’s a feeling. A rhythm. A sense of home that transcends borders and sound.

Now officially signed to Haus of Kulture, De Rose continues to carve her path as one of South Africa’s most distinctive Amapiano voices, proudly representing her roots while expanding her reach across the continent. With over 120 000 monthly listeners on Spotify and growing, she’s proving that authenticity always resonates.

Thandeka “De Rose” Cele is a South African singer, songwriter, and composer from Umlazi, Durban. Her music fuses soulful storytelling with the pulse of Amapiano, reflecting both her upbringing and creative evolution. Known for collaborations with Sfarzo Tee, DJ Jaivane, Frank Mabeat, Gaba Cannal, and Soa Mattrix, De Rose’s voice embodies warmth, power, and authenticity. Now signed to gamma. Africa, she continues to represent a new generation of South African musicians shaping the continent’s sound

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