Face to Face with BUN XAPA: my music around the world

October 2026: BUN XAPA lands on My Other Side of The Moon with Bun is Bun!, a title that works as a statement of intent. Born Andile Kato in Thaba Nchu, South Africa, BUN XAPA moved from hip hop beats into Afro House, and DJ Satelite’s Seres Producoes gave him the platform for his 2021 debut album Amasukwini, a tribute to his ancestral clan. That sound has drawn support from Diplo, Black Coffee, and Francis Mercier, plus a 2025 collaboration with Emmanuel Jal on “Chaak” via Diplo’s Higher Ground. Bun is Bun! runs on strong melodies, thick chords, and a rhythm that stays hypnotic with energy that never drops. Let’s get to know him better with this face-to-face interview.

Who and who inspired you to become a DJ?
It was the DJ culture in my community. I grew up surrounded by house music purists, people who had a real love and respect for the music. Seeing how passionate they were about playing and sharing records inspired me. It wasn’t one particular person; it was the environment I grew up in.

Which kind of music did you listen when teenager?
Hip-hop. House music was all around me growing up, but hip-hop was what I personally listened to a lot as a teenager. I also started making hip-hop beats before moving into Afro House.

And now?
I listen to a lot of hip-hop, rap and amapiano. That’s what I enjoy outside the music I produce and play in my sets.

Which platform do you use to listen to music?
I’m open to all of them. I don’t really have one platform that I’m loyal to. Wherever I can find and enjoy good music works for me.

Why Africa is becoming so important in the electronic music scene?
For me, Africa has always had something important to say musically. More people around the world are now paying attention. There are so many different cultures, rhythms and approaches to making music across the continent, and artists are bringing those identities into electronic music in their own ways. As a South African artist, I want to contribute something that feels true to where I come from while still exploring how far I can take my sound.

Your favourite djs and producers.
Moojo, Da Capo, FKA Mash, Kasango and DEMAYA. Each has their own identity, and that’s something I really appreciate in an artist.

Your favourite clubs and festivals.
Hï Ibiza, DC-10 in Ibiza, FITZ Madrid, FITZ Marbella, ZAZU Tribe, Kunye and Ultra. I’ve had the opportunity to play Hï Ibiza, both FITZ venues and ZAZU. DC-10, Kunye and Ultra are also among my favourites, although I haven’t played them yet.

The most important record in your box?
Tiki Tiki 3.0. That’s an essential record in my sets.

Your all time favourite track?
My own track, Amsterdam. If I have to choose one, that’s my answer.

How to send you promos?
You can send promos to bunxapa@gmail.com.

Your favourites food / actor / football team / tv series
Food: Asian cuisine. Actor: Alan Ritchson. Football team: Liverpool FC. TV series: Rick and Morty.

Your hobbies?
Gaming. That’s one of the things I enjoy doing when I’m away from music.

Your upcoming projects and label?
Bun is Bun! with My Other Side of The Moon is a project I’m excited about. I’m also bringing my event brand, Kontrol, to Amsterdam Dance Event on 21 October at Soulkitchen, together with Lektro. Kontrol started in Nairobi and is a very personal expression of who I am: my world, my music, my friends and the artists I’m a fan of. Bringing it to ADE means a lot to me. There’s more music in the works, but I’m keeping the details to myself until the time is right.

Why did you select My Other Side of The Moon for your upcoming release?
It’s a cool label with a great catalogue and history. What I respect is their commitment to authentic Afro House. They don’t compromise on that identity, and that matters to me. When I thought about the right home for Bun is Bun!, it just made sense.

Your life long dream?
To take my music around the world, play the biggest stages and build something that lasts, while staying true to myself. With Kontrol, I want to create a world that reflects who I am and eventually grow it into a record label with events and club residencies internationally. Being able to do what I love, look after my family and have control of my own journey is the dream.