Da Gifto - | Grateful Ep Vol. 2

The Verdict: Soulful Reflection and Amapiano Warmth

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5) Genre: Amapiano / Soulful House / Afrobeats

If Grateful EP Vol. 1 was the introduction, Vol. 2 is the affirmation. Da Gifto returns with a project that feels less like a collection of dance tracks and more like a spiritual cleanse. While the "Amapiano" tag is technically correct, this EP leans heavily into the soulful and melodic side of the genre. It is a project rooted in gratitude, love, and emotional vulnerability, proving that Da Gifto is as much a storyteller as he is a hitmaker.

Production Quality: Warmth Over Loudness

One of the standout features of Da Gifto - Grateful EP Vol. 2 is the mastering approach. In an age of the "Loudness War," Da Gifto and his mastering engineer have opted for dynamic range. Play this EP on a club system, and the bass feels physical. Play it on headphones at midnight, and you’ll hear the ghost notes—the room ambiance, the pedal noise of the piano, the subtle tape saturation on the master bus.

The frequency spectrum is skewed toward the low-mids and highs, leaving the sub-bass region surprisingly open. This makes the EP ideal for vinyl pressing (rumors of a limited 12" run are circulating on Da Gifto’s Bandcamp page) and rewards high-quality listening setups.

Themes: More Than Just Music

At its core, Grateful EP Vol. 2 is a philosophical work. It asks difficult questions:

• Can you be grateful for a gift you haven’t received yet?
• How do you maintain humility when algorithms start validating you?
• Is gratitude possible without acknowledging the people you lost along the way?

Da Gifto refuses to answer these questions dogmatically. Instead, he embodies the struggle to answer them. This is what separates him from peers who treat gratitude as a performative hashtag. For Da Gifto, gratitude is the lens through which he views systemic inequality, mental health, and artistic integrity.

How Da Gifto Stands Out in 2026’s Crowded Market

The current music landscape is flooded with disposable content. Streaming algorithms favor high-volume output, leading many artists to release shallow, repetitive projects. Da Gifto takes the opposite approach. Da Gifto - Grateful EP Vol. 2 is a testament to the power of intentionality. There are no "filler" tracks designed for playlists; every song serves the central theme.

Furthermore, Da Gifto’s visual accompaniment for the EP—a series of short films directed by Elara Voss—adds a cinematic layer to the music. The "Pressure Makes Diamonds" music video, shot in black and white at an abandoned steel mill, has already surpassed 500,000 views on YouTube.

1. Press Release / Bio Style

Da Gifto Returns with Soul-Stirring Sophomore Project: Grateful EP Vol. 2

Following the warm reception of his debut, Da Gifto unwraps the next chapter of his sonic journey with Grateful EP Vol. 2. True to its name, the 5-track project is a heartfelt testament to growth, resilience, and the power of appreciation.

Blending smooth Afrobeat rhythms with introspective lyrics and mellow R&B undertones, Da Gifto delivers his most personal work to date. From the reflective opener “Lessons in the Pain” to the celebratory closer “Overflow,” each track serves as a diary entry, reminding listeners that gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice.

Standout Tracks: “Still Standing” (feat. Lila Ray) and the acoustic-tinged “Thank You, Next Chapter.”

“This EP is for everyone who has felt overlooked but kept going. The gift is being alive to see another day.” — Da Gifto

Grateful EP Vol. 2 is available now on all streaming platforms.

Final Spin

With Vol. 2, Da Gifto proves that gratitude isn’t a passive emotion—it’s a rhythm. It’s a choice to find the groove in the mundane. Whether you’re a DJ looking for your next warm-up track or a listener seeking solace after a hard week, this EP delivers exactly what it promises.

So turn off the noise, put on some good headphones, and press play. You’ll leave feeling a little lighter, a little warmer, and yes—a little more grateful.

Rating: 8.5/10
Must-listen track: “Echoes of Yes”
Stream it: [Link to streaming platform]

Have you listened to Da Gifto’s new EP? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Review: Da Gifto – Grateful EP Vol. 2 The South African deep house scene has long been a breeding ground for emotive, percussion-heavy soundscapes, and Da Gifto has emerged as one of its most consistent architects. Released on June 9, 2023, Grateful EP Vol. 2 serves as a sophisticated follow-up to his 2021 debut in the series, further cementing his reputation for blending soulful melodies with dancefloor-ready basslines. A Deeper Look into the Tracklist

Spanning approximately 65 minutes across eight tracks, the EP is a masterclass in patient, atmospheric production. Da Gifto utilizes a collaborative approach, bringing in vocalists and instrumentalists to add layers of human emotion to his digital foundations. Track Name Featured Artist Sul'inyembezi Who Stole My Sax Mr Groove SA Good For You Zelda Armando Ungokhethiweyo Brandon Dhludhlu Good For You (Instrumental) Andikhoni (Instrumental) Zelda Armando Standout Moments

The EP opens with "Sul'inyembezi," featuring long-time collaborator Bikie. It sets the tone with haunting vocal arrangements that sit atop a steady, driving rhythm. For those who prefer a more organic jazz influence, "Who Stole My Sax" introduces Gundo Sax, whose brass contributions provide a bright contrast to the deep, moody synths.

One of the project's most popular offerings, "Good For You" featuring Angelica, showcases Da Gifto’s ability to craft a "vocal house" anthem that feels both intimate and expansive. The inclusion of instrumental versions for the standout vocal tracks allows DJs and listeners to focus purely on the intricate production work that has become Da Gifto's signature. Musical Evolution Da Gifto - Grateful EP Vol. 2

Compared to the first volume of the Grateful EP (2021), which was a tighter three-track release, Vol. 2 is significantly more ambitious in scope. It transitions from the raw energy of his earlier work into the more polished, "soulful mix" territory seen in his later 2024 and 2025 projects like Shadow & Light and Love EP ll. Where to Listen

You can find Grateful EP Vol. 2 on all major streaming platforms: Listen on Spotify Stream on Apple Music Purchase on Amazon Music Grateful EP Artist - Da Gifto Release Date - Facebook

Grateful EP Vol. 2 Deep House album by South African producer , released on June 9, 2023 . The project serves as a continuation of his

series, showcasing his signature soulful and rhythmic production style across eight tracks. Apple Music Album Overview Release Date: June 9, 2023 Total Runtime: 1 hour and 5 minutes Deep House / Soulful House 5243820 Records DK Apple Music Tracklist & Features

The EP is characterized by its collaborative nature, featuring several prominent vocalists and instrumentalists in the South African house scene. Amazon.com Track Name Feature(s) Sul’inyembezi Who Stole My Sax Mr Groove SA Good For You Zelda Armando Ungokhethiweyo Brandon Dhludhlu Good For You (Instrumental) Andikhoni (Instrumental) Zelda Armando Availability

You can stream or purchase the EP on major digital platforms: Apple Music Amazon Music Apple Music similar artists

in the South African Deep House scene, or would you like to explore Da Gifto's more recent Grateful, Vol. 2 - EP - Album by Da Gifto - Apple Music

Released on June 9, 2023, Grateful EP Vol. 2 by South African Deep House producer Da Gifto is a soulful exploration of rhythmic house music. Spanning 1 hour and 5 minutes, the 8-track project blends melodic instrumentation with vocal collaborations, continuing the artist's signature polished sound. Tracklist & Featured Artists The EP features a mix of vocal tracks and instrumentals: Sul'inyembezi (feat. Bikie) Who Stole My Sax (feat. Gundo Sax) Pixels (feat. Mr Groove SA) Good For You (feat. Angelica) Andikhoni (feat. Zelda Armando) Ungokhethiweyo (feat. Brandon Dhludhlu) Good For You (Instrumental) Andikhoni (Instrumental) Genre & Style

Da Gifto is recognized as a Deep House artist. The EP's style is often categorized alongside other prominent South African house figures like Knight SA, CocoSA, and Artwork Sounds. The inclusion of Gundo Sax on tracks like "Who Stole My Sax" highlights a strong jazz-influenced, soulful house aesthetic. Where to Listen You can find the full EP on major streaming platforms: Spotify Apple Music Deezer Amazon Music

Check out the visualizers and official audio tracks from the EP here:

Style: His sound is heavily influenced by Da Capo, leading to a signature "Afro Tech" feel . The Verdict: Soulful Reflection and Amapiano Warmth Rating:

Education: He began producing music in 2019 while studying at the University of Venda .

Recognition: He gained significant industry attention following his collaborations with Brandon Dhludhlu on the Love EP series . Where to Listen You can find the EP on major platforms: Spotify Apple Music Deezer Amazon Music Grateful, Vol. 2 - EP - Album by Da Gifto - Apple Music

Da Gifto – Grateful EP Vol. 2: A Soulful Evolution in Deep House

South African producer Da Gifto (born Ndou Livhuwani) continues to solidify his presence in the Deep House and Amapiano scenes with the release of Grateful EP Vol. 2. Released on June 9, 2023, via 5243820 Records DK, this eight-track collection serves as a sophisticated follow-up to his 2021 debut in the Grateful series. The Sonic Identity of Grateful Vol. 2

Clocking in at approximately 65 minutes, the EP is a masterclass in immersive soundscapes. Da Gifto, hailing from Tswinga Village in Limpopo, leverages his background in a musical family to blend deep basslines with melodic keys, a signature style that has become his hallmark.

While his earlier work often leaned into the rising energy of Amapiano, Grateful Vol. 2 leans heavily into Soulful Deep House. The tracks are characterized by their length—most exceeding seven minutes—allowing for patient, emotive builds that cater to both dedicated listeners and club dancefloors. Key Collaborations and Tracklist

The EP thrives on its diverse collaborations, featuring a roster of talented vocalists and instrumentalists:

"Sul'inyembezi" (feat. Bikie): An emotive lead track featuring hauntingly beautiful vocals from frequent collaborator Bikie.

"Who Stole My Sax" (feat. Gundo Sax): A standout instrumental-driven piece that highlights the organic, jazzy textures Da Gifto incorporates into his digital productions.

"Good For You" (feat. Angelica): A nearly 10-minute odyssey that exemplifies the EP's soulful depth, also provided as an instrumental for DJs.

"Ungokhethiweyo" (feat. Brandon Dhludhlu): Featuring the vocals of Brandon Dhludhlu, with whom Da Gifto later released the successful Love EP series. Full Tracklist: Sul'inyembezi (feat. Bikie) – 7:47 Who Stole My Sax (feat. Gundo Sax) – 7:25 Pixels (feat. Mr Groove SA) – 8:24 Good For You (feat. Angelica) – 9:26 Andikhoni (feat. Zelda Armando) – 7:59 Ungokhethiweyo (feat. Brandon Dhludhlu) – 6:42 Good For You (Instrumental) – 9:25 Andikhoni (Instrumental) – 7:59 Artistic Growth and Impact

Since starting his production journey in 2019 while studying at the University of Venda, Da Gifto has rapidly ascended the ranks of the South African music industry. Grateful Vol. 2 marks a pivotal moment in his discography, bridging the gap between his early independent releases and more recent acclaimed projects like Shadow & Light (2024) and The Weight Of Silence (2025).

The EP received a warm reception upon its release, with fans on Facebook describing the work as "impressive" and a significant contribution to the "Deep in Africa" sound.

You can find Grateful EP Vol. 2 on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer.

Da Gifto - Grateful EP vol.2 Officially out today 🥳🔔🔔 Play here 👇🏾 https://songwhip.com/dagifto/grateful-ep-vol2 Download here👇🏾 https://dhfmp3s.com/album/downloads/WKb4TAghcQrguaDAaQHY

Visual Art Piece: "Ethereal Blooms"

Inspired by the themes of gratitude and upliftment in Da Gifto's Grateful EP Vol. 2, I present to you a digital art piece titled "Ethereal Blooms." This artwork aims to capture the essence of appreciation, growth, and the beauty that emerges from a mindset of thankfulness.

Description:

"Ethereal Blooms" features a mesmerizing, dreamlike landscape dominated by soft, pastel hues that evoke feelings of serenity and hope. At the heart of the composition is a magnificent, glowing flower with petals that shimmer like stardust. This ethereal bloom represents the spirit of gratitude, radiant and captivating, symbolizing how thankfulness can illuminate one's life and surroundings.

Surrounding the central flower are smaller, delicate blooms of various colors, each representing different aspects of life for which one might be grateful: vibrant red for love, soothing blue for peace, warm yellow for joy, and gentle purple for wisdom. These flowers seem to float or gently descend from the sky, suggesting they are being bestowed upon the viewer, symbolizing the abundance of blessings that gratitude can attract.

The background of the piece transitions from a soft, misty dawn to a clear, azure sky, signifying the clarity and renewal that comes with a grateful heart. Subtle, shimmering particles are scattered throughout, representing the magic and wonder that gratitude can bring into one's life. Can you be grateful for a gift you haven’t received yet

Symbols and Details:

• Butterflies: A few delicate, iridescent butterflies are seen fluttering around the flowers. They symbolize transformation, growth, and the positive changes that can occur when one adopts a mindset of gratitude.
• Leaves and Vines: Intertwining leaves and vines in shades of green signify harmony, balance, and the interconnectedness of all things. They also suggest that gratitude, like nature, is constantly growing and evolving.
• Dew Drops: Tiny, sparkling dew drops adorn the petals of the flowers, representing freshness, purity, and the beauty of new beginnings.

Color Palette:

• Pastel shades of pink, blue, yellow, and purple for the flowers and background.
• Soft greens for the leaves and vines.
• Iridescent and shimmering effects for the butterflies, dew drops, and particles.

Style:

The artwork blends elements of digital painting and fantasy illustration, with a focus on creating a serene and uplifting atmosphere. The style is ethereal and somewhat abstract, encouraging viewers to interpret the piece in their own personal way while feeling the universal message of gratitude.

Mood:

The overall mood of "Ethereal Blooms" is one of peace, appreciation, and joy. It invites viewers to pause, reflect on their blessings, and embrace the beauty and positivity that gratitude can bring into their lives.

Technical Details:

• Format: Digital artwork, created with layers and textures to achieve depth and a tangible feel.
• Software: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for creation and refinement.
• Dimensions: 1920 x 1080 pixels, suitable for desktop wallpapers, social media posts, or digital exhibitions.

"Ethereal Blooms" serves as a visual reminder of the power of gratitude to transform and uplift. It's a piece that not only celebrates the beauty of thankfulness but also inspires viewers to cultivate a grateful heart, embracing the abundance and wonder of life.

Dive Into the Deep: Reviewing Da Gifto’s “Grateful EP Vol. 2”

If you’re a fan of soulful house with a deep, rhythmic edge, then Da Gifto’s Grateful EP Vol. 2 is likely already on your radar—or it should be. Released on June 9, 2023, this 8-track project is a masterclass in atmospheric production and emotive collaboration.

Following the success of his earlier works, Da Gifto continues to solidify his place in the house scene, delivering a collection that spans over an hour of immersive soundscapes. Tracklist Breakdown

The EP features a blend of vocal-driven hits and polished instrumentals, showcasing a diverse range of talent:

Sul’inyembezi (feat. Bikie): A standout opener that sets a soulful tone.

Who Stole My Sax (feat. Gundo Sax): Infuses the project with a smooth, jazz-inspired energy.

Pixels (feat. Mr Groove SA): A deep, driving track perfect for late-night sets.

Good For You (feat. Angelica): Includes both a vocal and an instrumental version, highlighting Angelica's melodic contribution.

Andikhoni (feat. Zelda Armando): Another dual-release track, provided as both a vocal and instrumental mix.

Ungokhethiweyo (feat. Brandon Dhludhlu): A powerful collaboration with frequent partner Brandon Dhludhlu. Why You Should Listen

This EP isn't just a collection of songs; it’s a cohesive journey. Listeners have praised the project for its "impressive" quality and polished "good work," reflecting Da Gifto's growth as an artist. Whether you're looking for the vibrant brass of "Who Stole My Sax" or the deep, soulful grooves of "Ungokhethiweyo," there is something here for every house enthusiast. Where to Listen You can stream or purchase the full EP on major platforms: Listen on Spotify Stream on Apple Music Listen on Deezer Available on Amazon Music Which track from the EP is your favorite, or