Hailing from South Africa, Themba Nkosi—more commonly known by his onstage moniker, a stylized version of his first name, THEMBA—channels a great deal of his heritage into his music, weaving the sounds of his home into the house and techno genres that he also inhabits. His sound is a slowed-down take on these genres with a meditative, even mystical, bent, one which transports listeners and has critics, tastemakers, and superstar artists all equally taking note.

Since his 2018 global debut in the dance music world, THEMBA has racked up a slew of accolades that are each impressive in their own right. Most notable is Nkosi’s long standing support from the legendary Black Coffee, who is also a native of South Africa. The two have shared the stage numerous times, at venues like Cape Town, South Africa’s Shimmy Beach Bar and Ibiza’s Hï.

THEMBA has also earned nods from the likes of Pete Tong, who chose the artist’s Miami Music Week set as a BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix, as well as artists like Adam Beyer, Hot Since 82, Damian Lazarus, and more. His 2021 track, “Ashamed,” featuring Brendan Praise, a fellow native of South Africa, received a true celebrity treatment with a remix by The Martinez Brothers.

THEMBA has taken his unique sound to clubs and venues across the globe including Las Vegas’s Zouk, Toronto’s Noir, and Madrid’s LABtheCLUB, to name just a few. The artist also has his own event series at Ibiza’s Club Chinois, called Colours, which takes over the venue on Wednesdays. In addition to making his mark on the world of dance music, Nkosi also hopes to make a difference in the wider world by becoming an ambassador for Bridges for Music, a charity that provides young musicians the tools to learn and grow their skills.

South Africa

THEMBA

Spain

Anna Tur

DJ Chus

Netherlands

Franky Rizardo

United Kingdom

Mason Collective

United States

QRTR

Westend

Italy

Yaya

OCHO Episode 6

Sweden

Adam Beyer

Germany

Âme

Anfisa Letyago

Black Coffee

The Blessed Madonna

Boris Brejcha

Boys Noize

Türkiye

Carlita

Carl Craig

Chloé Caillet

Colette

Cristoph

Dennis Cruz

Derrick Carter

Dixon

DJ Heather

DJ Lady D

DJ Minx

France

Dombresky

Eli Brown

Eric Prydz

Fatboy Slim

Australia

FISHER

Fleur Shore

Franky Wah

Gene Farris

Hiroko Yamamura

Hot Since 82

Ilario Alicante

James Hype

John Summit

Ireland

KETTAMA

Kevin de Vries

Kyle Walker

Lee Foss

Loco Dice

Mall Grab

Ukraine

Miss Monique

Brazil

Mochakk

Moodymann

Nic Fanciulli

Russia

Nina Kraviz

Patrick Topping

Peggy Gou

Sam Divine

Tale of Us

Tinlicker

Toni Varga

Vintage Culture

Wade

Walker & Royce

Austria

Cassy

Dalton Taylor

Dax J

David Castellani

Eskuche

Iglesias

Henry Brooks

Inphinity

Kevin Knapp

Mike Dunn

Phuture

Sara Landry

Schak

Shimza

Tara Brooks

Terry Hunter

ARC Music Festival is a relatively new addition to Chicago's rich festival scene, celebrating house and techno music. Hosted at the historical Union Park in Chicago, this festival aims to gather top-tier artists from these genres, giving attendees an immersive experience in the world of electronic music. Reflecting the city's deep-rooted house music culture, ARC Music Festival stands as a testament to Chicago's legacy and continuous contribution to the electronic music world.

THEMBA

Past events

Other artists