Martin Garrix in the Studio in Cape Town: What’s Exciting About the New Project with ATHANATHI MBILINI?

Martin Garrix, the world-renowned Dutch DJ and producer, continues to expand his global reach—not only through mainstage anthems and festival takeovers but also through surprising studio collaborations. His latest creative endeavor has brought him to Cape Town, South Africa, where he has been working with emerging local talent Athanathi Mbilini. This unexpected partnership has already stirred buzz across both the African and global music communities.

While details remain under wraps, what we do know so far points to a bold new sound direction, infused with South African rhythms, electronic textures, and cultural storytelling. For Garrix, it’s more than just a song—it’s a deeper artistic exploration and an opportunity to connect with a new generation of creators.

Why Cape Town? Garrix’s Global Vision Expands

While Garrix has studios in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, and occasionally sets up in Ibiza, his trip to Cape Town signals a conscious shift toward working outside his comfort zone. Cape Town is not only a cultural hub—it’s also home to a wave of experimental electronic artists, vocalists, and producers who are gaining international recognition.

In a recent Instagram post, Garrix captioned a behind-the-scenes shot from the studio with:

“Cape Town vibes are unmatched. Magic happening in the studio with Athanathi. Can’t wait to share.”

That single post sent fans and music blogs into a frenzy. Why Cape Town? Why Athanathi? Why now?

The answer, according to insiders, is simple: Garrix wants to tap into something fresh, raw, and real.

Who Is Athanathi Mbilini? A Star in the Making

Athanathi Mbilini, though not yet a global household name, is already making waves in the South African music scene. Known for his soulful vocals, poetic lyrics, and his ability to blend genres like Afro-house, Amapiano, and neo-soul, Mbilini represents the new voice of contemporary African music.

Garrix reportedly discovered Athanathi through a local music scout during his brief visit to Johannesburg late last year. After hearing a demo, he was instantly captivated by Mbilini’s tone and authenticity.

“Athanathi has this unfiltered emotional quality,” Garrix told a South African radio outlet. “His voice tells a story even before the lyrics come in.”

This mutual admiration led to several jam sessions, which eventually turned into full-fledged studio recordings.

What Do We Know About the New Music?

While no track titles have been officially confirmed, a short teaser video posted to the STMPD RCRDS social media page hints at a melodic and cinematic track, merging tribal percussion, ambient synth layers, and emotive vocal refrains. One of the lyrics picked up by eagle-eyed fans seems to be:

“We rise like thunder, born from the fire of home.”

This poetic line, believed to be sung by Athanathi, reflects themes of identity, resilience, and unity, which many speculate will form the lyrical backbone of the project.

According to sources close to the studio, the project may evolve into an EP or even a short visual album, capturing Cape Town’s vibrant street life, its coastline beauty, and its deep historical roots.

Collaborating Across Cultures: A Deeper Purpose

More than just a musical experiment, Garrix’s collaboration with Athanathi is being framed as a celebration of artistic equality. Rather than overshadow his collaborator with superstar branding, Garrix is said to be co-crediting the track, ensuring Mbilini gains the spotlight he deserves.

This approach follows Garrix’s increasing trend of mentorship and empowerment, particularly through his label STMPD RCRDS, where he’s helped spotlight young talents like Julian Jordan, Mesto, and Dyro. Working with Athanathi marks another milestone in Garrix’s commitment to global inclusivity in music.

The Studio Environment: A Creative Sanctuary

Photos and videos from inside the studio show a relaxed, high-energy vibe. Garrix, dressed down in a hoodie and joggers, plays with analog synths while Athanathi rehearses melodies in a corner. Candle-lit ambiance, live percussion instruments, and improvised vocal loops dominate the space.

In one clip, Athanathi can be heard saying:

“This is more than music—it’s a conversation between where we come from and where we’re going.”

Clearly, the Cape Town sessions are more than just about chasing the next club banger. They’re about creating moments of truth through sound.

Reactions from Fans and Industry Insiders

The unexpected nature of the collaboration has sparked intense excitement. South African fans are celebrating the exposure for their local scene, while Garrix’s global audience is eagerly anticipating how this new sound will expand his artistic range.

Critics have noted that this move could signal a pivotal creative reinvention for Garrix as he nears his 30s. After years of dominating EDM with high-BPM festival hits, this could be a new chapter of storytelling, authenticity, and fusion genres.

Major outlets including DJ Mag and Billboard have already hinted at a potential Grammy campaign if the collaboration lives up to the early hype.

When Will the Track Be Released?

Although no official release date has been announced, Garrix confirmed in a Q&A that the music will “definitely drop before the end of summer 2025.” He also hinted that the track could debut during one of his upcoming headline sets, possibly at Tomorrowland or during his rumored Ibiza residency.

Additionally, rumors suggest the track might be accompanied by a short documentary showcasing the Cape Town sessions—further evidence that this is more than just a single song.

Martin Garrix Reinvents Through Connection

As Martin Garrix and Athanathi Mbilini continue crafting what could be one of the most authentic and emotionally powerful collaborations of the year, one thing is certain: Garrix is embracing artistic evolution. He’s showing the world that innovation doesn’t always come from louder drops or bigger shows—it often comes from listening, learning, and collaborating across boundaries.

With Cape Town as their backdrop, and raw talent fueling the process, this cross-cultural partnership might just be the most meaningful music Garrix has made in years.