Benny Maverick is preparing to release his highly anticipated debut solo album, "VALENCIA", a deeply personal project inspired by his mother.
Image: Cedric Nzaka
The festive season is approaching, and with it comes a surge of new singles and albums.
Artists are aiming to dominate the dance floors this summer, and among them is DJ, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur Benny Maverick, whose real name is Philani Kweyama.
Maverick is set to release his debut solo album, “VALENCIA”, on Friday, October 31, through Gamma, a global music and entertainment company that supports African creativity and artists worldwide.
The album’s lead single, “Uyadladla”, featuring Sykes, Orchid Musiq, GL_Ceejay and Zeh McGeba, was released last Friday.
For Maverick, the album represents a turning point in his career.
The project is a deeply personal work inspired by his mother, Valencia, whose strength and courage shaped his life.
The name, which has Spanish and Latin roots meaning “strength”, “vigour” and “brave-hearted one”, reflects her resilience in raising her sons alone after the passing of their father. Maverick described the album as a story, a tribute and a declaration of growth.
“‘VALENCIA’ is my story, my tribute and my declaration of growth,” he said.
“It is about embracing your roots, pushing creative boundaries and staying true to yourself.”
Maverick began his career in 2008 as a young DJ in Durban’s nightlife scene. After facing challenges in securing bookings, he founded Goodsundae, an urban youth event that became one of Durban’s most prominent.
His breakthrough came in 2017 with the hit “Memeza”, featuring Dladla Mshunqisi, a track that dominated dance floors. Another collaboration with Mshunqisi, “Omunye” by Distruction Boyz, won the Record of the Year at the 2018 South African Music Awards (Samas).
In 2021, Maverick teamed up with DJ Stanky, also known as Sizamavezi Kweyama, to form Kweyama Brothers.
Together, they released the Platinum-certified EP “Mpumalanga" and the internationally recognised album “Piano Over Poverty" in 2022, which led to performances across Europe and expanded their global presence.
Outside of music, Maverick is an entrepreneur and cultural innovator. He is behind urban events such as Saso’s House, which celebrates Durban’s energy and culture, and the annual One Man Concert held over Easter.
He also owns Maison on Florida, a restaurant in Durban, and manages Sundance Music and One Man Concert Productions, creating live entertainment experiences.