South African Music Scene Mourns the Loss of DJ and Producer Poizen
The South African music industry is mourning the untimely passing of DJ and producer Poizen, real name Caven Masetla. The artist from Tzaneen in Limpopo lost his life in a car accident near Polokwane on August 30. He was traveling with fellow musician Chymamusique, born Collen Ntala Mmotla, after the two performed in Mokopane the previous night. Chymamusique survived the crash and is recovering in the Intensive Care Unit.
Poizen first rose to prominence as one half of the deep house duo House Victimz, formed with DJ Shiloe. The pair built a loyal following within South Africa’s house music community. In 2019, Poizen made the decision to leave the group and pursue a solo career. At the time, he shared an emotional statement with fans, explaining that the decision was amicable and that there was no bad blood between him and Shiloe. He expressed gratitude for the journey with House Victimz and encouraged supporters to look out for his solo projects. This marked a turning point in his career, allowing him to experiment with his own sound and gain recognition as an individual artist.
Since the news of his passing, tributes have poured in from fellow musicians, fans, and music organisations. DJ Lamiez Holworthy, who had performed with Poizen the night before his death, described her heartbreak at hearing the tragic news. She recalled the pair supporting her at a show in Turf, only for her to wake up hours later to news of the accident. Dwson remembered him as an influential figure in house music, praising his humility, selflessness, and consistency. SAMRO released a statement honoring Poizen’s contributions to South African dance music, noting his role as a beloved DJ, producer, and composer. Producer D. General added that Poizen’s legacy will live on through his music.
Outside the music industry, Limpopo’s Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye expressed condolences to the families involved and urged road users to exercise caution, highlighting the seriousness of reckless driving.
Though his life was cut short, Poizen’s impact on South African house music is undeniable. From his work with House Victimz to his solo projects, his catalogue continues to inspire fans and fellow artists. His songs remain a testament to his talent, creativity, and dedication to the growth of local house music.
Five songs in particular stand as a reminder of his artistry. “Is’nqanda Mathe,” from his recent album Ngiphe, blends heartfelt storytelling with house rhythms. “Shona Malanga,” created with E-FUNK and Young Nator, captures the joy of carefree nights and celebration. “Vulani,” an instrumental with Nani Experience, showcases his versatility and ability to craft mood-driven music without lyrics. “Amen for 8 Years Prayer,” produced during his time with House Victimz, remains one of the duo’s most iconic tracks. “Uthando,” a collaboration with Kaleido and Bonj, highlights the emotional depth of his sound, blending soulful vocals with deep house beats.
Poizen’s passing is a major loss to South African music. His legacy will continue to live through the songs that defined his journey and the influence he had on the Afro-house and deep house scenes.
