ESA WILLIAMS
London-based South African DJ and producer Esa Williams has spent the past two decades exploring the spaces where club culture, African musical traditions and global sounds intersect. Born and raised in Cape Town, Esa’s musical language is shaped by his roots, his years in the UK and a constant curiosity for music beyond genre boundaries.
After moving to the UK, Esa became a resident at Glasgow’s legendary Sub Club, where he developed his approach to long-form DJing and deep musical selection. His career has since taken him through clubs, festivals and radio platforms internationally, including Phonox, Worldwide FM, Dekmantel and Glastonbury. His productions and collaborations have appeared on labels including BBE Music, Dekmantel, Brownswood, Rush Hour, Mule Musiq and Soundway, alongside his own Aweh imprint.
Esa’s work has always extended beyond simply making or playing records. His travels through South Africa, East Africa, Cuba and Mexico have shaped an approach centred on musical exchange, collaboration and discovery. He has worked with artists including many artist while developing projects that connect electronic production with live musicians and traditional forms.
In 2026, Esa released his debut album Dala What We Must on BBE Music, a personal record shaped by his Cape Town upbringing, two decades of musical exploration and the experiences gathered along the way. The album brings together electronic production, live instrumentation and collaborators from different parts of Esa’s musical world, reflecting his interest in connection rather than fixed genre definitions.
Alongside his production and live projects, Esa has continued to develop his identity as a DJ. He is a regular at London’s new club OM, where he plays extended eight-hour sets every two months, using the length of the format to explore deeper and more unexpected musical connections.
Whether behind the decks, in the studio or working with musicians, Esa’s approach remains rooted in curiosity, rhythm and movement, connected to South Africa, shaped by London and always looking outward.
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