Thabo Mapoulo, professionally known as Napsoul (also Napsoul Magic), is a self-taught South African music producer and DJ whose sonic journey is rooted in authenticity, emotion, and a deep reverence for groove. 

Since embarking on his musical path in 2015, Napsoul has quietly crafted a space for himself within the evolving landscape of Deep House, gradually emerging as a voice of innovation and soul. He began his journey exploring a wide range of genres—from Hip Hop and R&B to Lo-fi—working solo and alongside close friends as he developed his skills and signature sound.

But it wasn’t until 2021 that Napsoul discovered his true creative home in Deep House. The genre’s introspective atmosphere and rhythmic depth provided the perfect canvas for his emotional expression. In 2022, he released “Lesego,” a touching debut single dedicated to a late friend. The track was a turning point, not only musically but personally—laying bare the depth of feeling that would come to define his work. His 2023 follow-up, “Roscommon and Love,” became a breakout success, earning him critical praise and a growing fanbase drawn to his meditative, soulful sound.

In 2024, he expanded into DJing and collaborated with fellow talents such as Kaynine Deep, KoptjieSA, Lexiton Deep, and X-soul RSA. His work has been released by notable labels, including Deep Clicks Music, Fynn Music Company, Inkognito Records, Less BlaBla Records, Sound Vessel Records, and Trusted Rhythm Records to name a few. His standout track “Take It Deep” released under Stork Recordings, earned him a spot on the Essential Deep House and Deep House 100 playlists on Traxsource. Napsoul continues to push the boundaries of Deep House in South Africa and beyond.

Now stepping into the world of DJing, Napsoul brings his studio sensibilities to live sets, curating immersive journeys that mirror the energy of his productions. Grounded, intentional, and deeply passionate, he continues to grow as one of South Africa’s most authentic voices in Deep House.

Off the back of his new EP ‘The Wave’ on Dealt With Records we caught up with one of South Africa’s latest rising stars for a chat…

1 – Where did you grow up, and how did your environment shape your relationship with music?

I was born and raised in Kwa-Thema, a small township in the City of Ekurhuleni on the far east of Johannesburg. Later, my parents and I moved to another area in the city, but it always remained home for me because of my grandmother’s love and the deep sense of belonging I had there.

I don’t come from a musical background, but it was in that community where my love for music truly began. The culture was so rich – from soulful Sundays, when people would play old-school R&B and Soul Classics while doing chores, to embracing the annual Rastafari celebrations that brought everyone together through singing and dancing. Those experiences, subtle as they seemed at the time, played a huge role in shaping my relationship with music and laid the foundation for the love, passion and commitment I have for the artform.

2 – Who was the most influential person in your life growing up in terms of your musical development?

My greatest musical influence growing up, although short-lived, was my father. He was an avid music collector, with hundreds of cassettes, CDs, and vinyls spanning gospel, reggae, soul, R&B, house, and kwaito. At the time I was too young to fully appreciate it, but that exposure gave me a deep appreciation and understanding of different styles of music, something I still carry with me today.

3 – What’s the first memory you have of making music?

My earliest memory of making music always makes me laugh because, honestly, I had no idea what I was doing. At the time, I was a Deep House Head surrounded by friends who were all into Hip-Hop, and that influence actually pushed me in the opposite direction of the music I create now. But I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything – those early days were the purest and most genuine. There was no pressure, no scrutiny, just a group of young boys using music as an escape while trying to find our place in a constantly changing society.

One of my fondest memories is when I finally got my hands on a home studio setup. I’d be a complete pain to my friends, singing my lungs out at every chance I got. Little did I know back then that those playful moments would shape me and ultimately change the way I see life through music.

4 – When you think back to your earliest projects, what’s something you would do differently now?

To be honest, aside from learning how to play an instrument earlier, I wouldn’t do anything differently. I believe everything unfolds the way it’s meant to. My earlier projects were a reflection of healing and self-discovery, and that process is priceless – something money can’t buy.

5 – Why do you think persistence is such an important part of making it in the music industry?

I believe the idea of “making it” in the music industry is very subjective. These days, society often defines it in monetary terms or through tangible achievements, which in my opinion, isn’t the best reason to stay persistent. That said, persistence is still absolutely key! Finding your sound, your style, and your voice takes time – just as it takes time for people to connect with it. Rushing the process can create illusions and false expectations. For me, persistence should always be tied to what you’re truly aiming to achieve, and it’s about trusting the process every step of the way.

6 – What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there’s real beauty in imperfections – especially in a subjective art form like music. What one person might find unlistenable, another might find deeply moving. A happy song to me could feel like a sad song to someone else, and vice versa. It’s all about perception, and that can’t be controlled.

For me, the turning point was realizing that the most important part of creating art is simply putting it out there and letting it live. I stopped overthinking and started embracing who I am and what my music represents at its core. The most valuable lesson of all, though, is that life is short – it’s not worth leaving songs locked away on an old hard drive. The music will always outlive me, and that’s part of the legacy I want to leave behind.

7 – What’s a key piece of advice you would give to your younger self at the start of your journey?

This one is funny because old habits die hard, but don’t delete the music! Be a student of the game, and never stop learning.

8 – Who’s been your biggest supporter throughout your career, and what’s their impact been on your success?

From the earliest of days, my biggest supporter has always been my mother. She doesn’t fully understand what I do or the kind of music I make, but she supports me as if it were her own journey. She’s my number one fan and never stops rooting for me. Having someone who believes in a bigger vision, even beyond what I can see myself, has been incredibly impactful. Her unwavering support has played a huge role in helping me believe in myself and the music I create.

Buy/Stream ‘The Wave’ EP HERE