South African DJ, songwriter, producer,
and entrepreneur Benny Maverick (Philani Kweyama) officially returns with his highly
anticipated debut solo album, VALENCIA, released through gamma., the global music and
entertainment company empowering African creativity and artists worldwide.
VALENCIA marks a defining moment in Benny Maverick’s career – a deeply personal body
of work inspired by his mother, Valencia, whose unwavering strength, vigor, and courage
shaped his journey. The name, derived from Spanish and Latin origins meaning “strength,”
“vigor,” and “brave-hearted one,” represents the resilience of a woman who raised her sons
single-handedly after the passing of their father.
“VALENCIA is my story, my tribute, and my declaration of growth,” says Benny Maverick.
“It’s about embracing your roots, pushing creative boundaries, and staying true to yourself.”
The project’s lead single, “Uyadlala,” is available today, Friday, 10 October 2025, alongside
the album pre-order, with the full album officially releasing on Friday, 14 November 2025
across all major streaming platforms.
Benny Maverick’s journey began in 2008 when he emerged as a determined young DJ
seeking to make his mark in Durban’s nightlife scene. After facing challenges securing
bookings, he founded Goodsundae, which became one of Durban’s most celebrated urban
youth events. His breakthrough came with the smash hit “Memeza” ft. Dladla Mshunqisi
(2017) — a record that dominated dance floors and contributed to the SAMA Award-winning
hit “Omunye” by Distruction Boyz.
In 2021, Benny joined forces with DJ Stanky (Sizamavezi Kweyama) to form Kweyama
Brothers, a collaboration that produced the Platinum-certified EP Mpumalanga and the
internationally acclaimed album Piano Over Poverty (2022), which opened doors to multiple
European performances and expanded their global footprint.
Beyond his success as an artist, Benny Maverick is a dynamic entrepreneur and cultural
innovator. He is the creative force behind iconic lifestyle experiences such as Saso’s House
- a high-end urban event celebrating Durban’s energy and culture – and One Man Concert, a
flagship annual production held over the Easter weekend, known for its large-scale
performances and cutting-edge production.
With VALENCIA, Benny Maverick steps into a bold new era – one that fuses authenticity,
gratitude, and musical evolution while staying rooted in his Durban heritage and his mother’s
enduring influence.
“Uyadlala” is out today. The full album, VALENCIA, will be released on Friday, 14 November
2025.
