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Thembelihle Lee-Anne Nkonyane is a woman of dualities. By day, the 24-year-old Mathematics and Computer Science graduate is focused on furthering her academic studies and navigating the quiet life of a scholar.
However, when the sun sets or the studio lights flicker to life, she transforms into Expo: a rising force in the Deep House scene with a sharp ear for rhythm and a growing reputation for technical precision.
Turning 25 this July, Expo is at a pivotal crossroads. Having spent five years behind the decks, she has built a loyal following that resonates with her curated selections. Now, she is ready to transition from being a selector to a creator.
Her upcoming album, ‘Phases’, marks her official debut as both a DJ and a producer. “I’ve been djying for five years now, and I feel I’ve established quite a fan base for my brand but now I want to take it to the next level. I started taking production lessons a year ago and now it’s time I introduce myself as a dj and a producer,” she explains.
The transition from the booth to the studio has been a collaborative masterclass. Expo describes a democratic and immersive creative process where ideas are layered like code. She works alongside figures such as Vintage Deep, Virtoul Souls and Mallow to craft a sound that is as intentional as it is emotive.
“During the creative process, we listen to inspiration tracks from other producers and discuss the kind of sound and feel we’re trying to make. And then each producer in the room gets a chance to add instruments and songs to the song until we have a final product,” she explains.
While the album is a collective effort, one track stands out as the crown jewel of the project. Titled ‘Eclipse’, the track is shrouded in anticipation due to high-profile collaboration. “The most exciting track on the album is called ‘Eclipse’ and fans should look out for it because of the producer I plan to work with on it,” she teases.
Despite her growing prominence, the DJ admits that the spotlight can be daunting. She is candid about her introverted nature, noting a genuine fear of crowds and a tendency to be soft-spoken. It is a striking contrast for someone whose career involves commanding dance floors.
“My strength is my faith, my faith that God has a plan to make things work out for me,” she says. “And my weaknesses are im genuinely afraid of crowds and I have a difficult time speaking up for myself when my toes are being stepped on,” added Expo.
This humility keeps her grounded. When she isn’t headlining events, she avoids the social whirl of the industry, preferring to spend her time indoors watching series or completing online courses.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
