LaTique Ushers in a New Era with Soulful and Sophisticated EP Winter Tone

Prolific DJ and producer LaTique, affectionately known as Mr Rare Dub, steps confidently into a new creative chapter with the release of Winter Tone, an eight-track EP that seamlessly fuses Deep House and Afro-tech into a matured, emotionally rich sound. Released at a pivotal moment in his artistic evolution, Winter Tone stands as both a statement of growth and a showcase of LaTique’s sharpened musical identity.

Born and raised in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, LaTique began his music journey in 2012, heavily inspired by his older brother and an early love for keys and production. Initially producing under the alias Harmony, he re-emerged in 2017 with a refined approach that the industry has come to respect and celebrate. Since then, his sonic catalogue has grown under prominent labels like Atjazz Record Company, House Afrika, and Stay True Sounds—alongside the steady rise of his own imprint, RVRE Recording Company.

Winter Tone is a finely woven sonic tapestry, layered with mood, rhythm, and forward-thinking production. Among its highlights is Ixesha, a standout collaboration with Mdu aka TRP featuring vocalist Zimvo. The track merges tribal house influences and amapiano sensibilities with LaTique’s deep house roots, offering a rhythmic and emotive blend that pushes genre boundaries. Zimvo’s compelling vocals and the track’s percussive momentum reflect LaTique’s gift for creating musical hybrids that still feel grounded and authentic.

Other key tracks like Amber and Excuses showcase his ability to channel deep emotional resonance through sound. Both feature lush chord progressions and atmospheric textures that pull the listener into introspective spaces. Excuses introduces a subtle log drum motif—touching on the ‘private school piano’ sound without losing LaTique’s signature deep house essence. These compositions serve as emotional anchors within the project, highlighting his evolving range as a producer.

Adding depth and dimension to the EP are a series of well-curated collaborations. Jonga Le features the smooth and expressive vocals of Sia Mzizi, while Let Go, co-produced with Mafia Natives, delivers a cinematic journey layered in groove and narrative tension. These guest features enrich Winter Tone, giving it the feel of a collective story rather than a solo effort.

Following the success of his 2024 breakout hit Hayi Baba, produced with Chronical Deep and Kabza De Small, Winter Tone reinforces LaTique’s reputation as a visionary artist in South Africa’s electronic music landscape. This project is more than a seasonal offering—it’s a fully realized artistic statement.

With Winter Tone, LaTique delivers a rare blend of maturity, emotional precision, and sonic innovation. It’s an EP that invites listeners into an immersive experience—introspective yet rhythmically compelling. Refined, resonant, and rooted in his distinct sound, Winter Tone is unmistakably LaTique at his finest.