Sho Mag Afro House Magazine
“UPZ”, the producer/DJ that has given us singles like “Pure Surprise, Believing, Uzongilinda (UPZ rmx), What’s The Point, Afrika Wo-man (with Black Motion), Love Is Not For Hire (Black Coffee Remix), Happy Days, Disco Girl and A Dream Away (with Sio)” has released a career spanning compilation in his final year under the UPZ moniker. “UPZ “, real name Avi Elman – will no longer be releasing new music and is scheduled to perform his final dj shows as UPZ this year.
“I really enjoyed working as UPZ and have been flattered with the great responses and support received. During the past few years, however, I have been feeling personally and professionally challenged, and came to the conclusion that it is time for me to move on to other endeavors and music projects. The UPZ brand may no longer be actively around, but the music will still be there for all to listen to and hopefully enjoy. To those that truly supported and took part, thank you for the incredible journey” – UPZ
Throughout the years, UPZ has worked with “Black Coffee, Black Motion, Cuebur, DJ Ganyani, Sio, Proverb, Mariechan, Abicah Soul, Stephanie Cooke, Kafele” and many more, while DJ’ing in multiple continents and events. Support has come in from industry giants “Louis Vega, Dimitri from Paris, Satin Jackets, Fresh, Euphonik, Vinny Da Vinci, Black Coffee, Christos, Kid Fonque, Shimza” and more.
“UPZ” first burst into the SA scene with a blend of vocal based soulful, afro and latin influenced house. The single “Pure Surprise” that appeared on Lulo Cafe’s 2009 compilation, went on to become a nationwide fan favorite and featured on over 16 compilations and charted at number one nationally on South African Radio Stations. It’s iconic chorus and sing-along stature has continued to grow and today the track is considered an SA house classic that can still be heard on a regular basis in South African clubs, shebeens, parties and radio.
“UPZ” has released multiple singles and three albums throughout his career that has spanned over a decade. 2007 saw the release of his first album under Rambling Records, Japan. In 2012 UPZ ‘s compilation album “Pioneers of House: UPZ” was released under Soul Candi and in the same year he collaborated with Black Motion on the single Afrika Wo-man. In 2017 UPZ releases his final artist album called “Drop It” (soWHAT Records) that included tracks like “Say What U Want (feat Mariechan & Proverb) , Sangoma’s Theme, Disco girl and single A Dream Away with Sio”. Over the past six months the producer released singles including Mind & Body, Fly Away (with Sean PM), Keep Me and These Words (with Jabzz Dimitri) before deciding to quit the moniker.
Born in Israel but raised in South Africa, UPZ has dual citizenship and over the years has been splitting his time between Tel Aviv and Johannesburg,
