After a five-year hiatus from the ULTRA stage, DJ and producer Chunda Munki is back to prove why he remains a powerhouse in the industry.
Ahead of his highly anticipated set, Chunda Munki talks about his evolution, the energy of the ULTRA crowd, and why this weekend is the “ultimate test” for his new music.
You’ve been a prominent name in South Africa’s electronic music scene for years. How would you describe your musical journey and how your sound has evolved?
I would describe my journey as both educational and exciting. Over the years, I have always tried to introduce the crowds to new sounds that I felt would push the scene forward, but the crowd, in turn, educates me. I learn from them; I see what they respond to and what they don’t. I take those lessons back to the studio and find ways to incorporate what I’ve learned, returning to the stage with my own interpretation of the dance music scene. Doing that is exactly what keeps my career exciting.
What does it mean to you to be part of the line-up at ULTRA South Africa this year? How does the festival compare to other stages you’ve performed on?
Playing on the ULTRA South Africa stage means the world to me. It has been five years since I last played this festival, and it feels so good to be back, performing for the crowds that made me who I am today. It’s always special because I get to showcase the best of what I have to offer. There is no room for complacency or laziness. You have to bring everything you’ve got! Truly, no other stage can compare to it.
ULTRA South Africa crowds are known for their energy. What kind of atmosphere do you hope to create during your set?
ULTRA crowds have incredible energy regardless of who is on stage. Everyone is excited to be there, and all I hope to accomplish is a crowd that is engaged and open-minded. When the drop hits, I want to hear them go, “YOOOOHHHH!” If they start the famous “CHUNDA F*CKIN MUNKI” chant, that’s just a bonus.
Without giving too much away, what can fans expect from your set this year?
I’m planning to showcase the music I’ve been working on throughout 2025 and early 2026. I have an album releasing soon, so this will be the ultimate test to see if these new tracks work on a major stage.
How do you usually prepare for a major festival performance like ULTRA South Africa?
The most important thing is ensuring I’m locked in the studio in the weeks leading up to the festival – finishing projects, mixing, mastering, and perhaps creating some special edits of my well-known tracks. After that, I just need to decide what I’m wearing. My cameras are charged and ready to capture the moments, but music prep comes first.
Your productions often blend different electronic styles. What inspires your sound and creative direction in the studio?
It often depends on what I’ve been listening to in the car or at home. However, my biggest inspirations come from watching other artists play in a club on a night when I’m not performing. Hearing tracks I’ve never heard before and watching how the crowd reacts from an outside perspective has a massive influence on what I decide to produce.
Are there any new tracks or upcoming projects that fans should keep an eye out for in the coming months?
As I mentioned, I have an album releasing soon, and I also have a few collaborations in the works with some good friends. I’m focusing on Europe this year as well, getting some new projects and shows off the ground.
ULTRA SOUTH AFRICA 2026 LINEUP
HEADLINERS (A-Z)
- AFROJACK B2B R3HAB
- AXWELL
- DENNIS FERRER
- DJ SNAKE
- JOHN SUMMIT
- SHIMZA
SUPPORT
- APASHE
- CAIIRO B3B DA CAPO B3B ENOO NAPA
- DBN GOGO
- KITTY AMOR
- KYLE WATSON
- MAJOR LEAGUE DJZ
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
- 2SHOES
- AIDIN CAYE
- BABY WHITZ
- CHUNDA MUNKI
- CINIMIN
- CONNIE
- DEAN FUEL
- DJ KENT
- DJ LAG x QUE DJ
- DLALA THUKZIN
- DWSON
- HEADROOM B2B GEOMETRIC FLUX
- INDIGO
- JEVAN BINDER
- KID FONQUE
- KURT APRIL
- LELOWHATSGOOD
- LIQUIDEEP
- MIA
- MILA-ROSE
- MPHO.WAV
- NISKERONE B2B DAKOTA
- OSCAR MBO
- ROZ
- SKELM
- SLOW POISON
- SUN-EL MUSICIAN
- THREEMANWEAVE
- TIMO ODV B2B KYLE CASSIM
- VIMO
Where and how to buy your tickets for ULTRA South Africa
Secure yours before prices increase. General Access starts at R1,095 (limited availability), while VIP is from R2,500 (limited availability), and VVIP (Johannesburg only) is from R5,500.
For those wanting to elevate their ULTRA South Africa experience and book an exclusive VVIP table, please email tables@ultrasouthafrica.com
Tickets are on sale now at https://ultrasouthafrica.com/
