Da Gifto - Grateful Ep Vol. 2 May 2026
The finale brings back the energy but filters it through a lens of release. A driving tech-house kick propels the track, but the melodic content is pure euphoria. A plucked harp melody (surprisingly, a real harp sampled by Da Gifto during a studio session in Prague) dances over a rolling baseline.
The title is a playful nod to moving forward without resentment. The breakdown invites a full hands-in-the-air moment, but unlike commercial EDM, Da Gifto pulls back just before the drop, letting the tension simmer in a percussive bridge. When the kick finally returns, it feels earned. The track fades on a single note held by a cello, leaving the listener in a state of resolved stillness.
One of the strongest elements of Da Gifto - Grateful EP Vol. 2 is its sonic cohesion without monotony. The executive producer, Mira "Midas" Chen, has crafted a soundscape that feels simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic. You can hear echoes of Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak in the Auto-Tune reverb, Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon in the atmospheric textures, and a uniquely African rhythmic sensibility (a nod to Da Gifto’s Nigerian heritage) in the percussion.
The EP masterfully uses dynamic range—songs like "Pressure Makes Diamonds" hit at commercial loudness, while "Safe Zone" and "Please Don't Miss Me" breathe with quiet intimacy. This makes the project ideal for both high-end headphones and car stereo systems, a deliberate choice by the mixing engineer.
"Grateful EP Vol. 2" is a triumph of consistency and heart. It serves as a reminder that art can be entertaining and spiritually edifying simultaneously. Da Gifto has carved out a niche for himself as an artist who can deliver "vibes" without sacrificing the "message."
If you are looking for a soundtrack to reset your mindset and realign your focus, this EP belongs in your rotation. It is a project that invites you to dance, reflect, and ultimately, be grateful.
Rating: ★★★★½
Where to Listen: Grateful EP Vol. 2 is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Boomplay.
Right from the opening seconds, Grateful EP Vol. 2 distinguishes itself with its analog warmth. Da Gifto avoids the sterile, overly compressed sound that plagues modern dance music. Instead, the listener is greeted by dusty percussion, vinyl crackle (used sparingly, thank goodness), and basslines that pulse rather than pound.
The title isn’t just a label; it’s a production philosophy. Each track feels built from moments of joy—chopped vocal chops that sound like laughter, piano chords that shimmer with sunrise energy, and pads that wrap around you like a familiar hug.
Arguably the hardest-hitting single on the EP, this track showcases Da Gifto’s ability to oscillate between melodic crooning and rapid-fire bars. The production, handled by frequent collaborator KevRel, layers a soulful chop of a 70s gospel record over trap hi-hats. The hook—"They thought I was glass 'til I shattered the mold / Pressure makes diamonds, that's what I was told"—has already become a viral soundbite on social media. This song is the heart of Da Gifto - Grateful EP Vol. 2, summarizing the project's core message of transformation through adversity. Da Gifto - Grateful EP Vol. 2
Since its soft launch via Bandcamp and subsequent expansion to all streaming platforms on June 14, Grateful EP Vol. 2 has garnered significant traction. Independent music blog The Daily Volume called it "a masterclass in emotional sequencing," while RapReviews.com noted that "Da Gifto has found the sweet spot between conscious rap and mainstream accessibility."
Fan reactions on Reddit and Twitter (X) have been overwhelmingly positive. One viral thread reads: "I wasn't ready for ‘Grateful EP Vol. 2.’ Track 5 made me call my mom. Track 2 made me hit the gym at 5 AM. No skips." Others have praised the EP's length, noting that its 7 tracks respect the listener's time while delivering a complete narrative arc.
Introduction
Context and intent
Sonic characteristics and production techniques
Lyricism and narrative strategies
Structure and sequencing
Emotional and cultural resonance
Examples (concrete sketches)
Marketing, presentation, and release strategy The finale brings back the energy but filters
Critical considerations and potential pitfalls
Legacy and evolution
Conclusion
Grateful EP Vol. 2 by Da Gifto is an eight-track project released on June 9, 2023 . Rooted in Deep House
, the EP is characterized by its soulful melodies and polished production, a signature style of the South African producer. Amazon.com Key Tracks and Features
The EP features collaborations with several notable artists in the deep house scene: Apple Music Sul'inyembezi
(feat. Bikie): One of the project's standout tracks, later receiving various remixes and revisits. Ungokhethiweyo
(feat. Brandon Dhludhlu): A collaboration with longtime partner Brandon Dhludhlu, who frequently appears on Da Gifto's most popular works. Who Stole My Sax
(feat. Gundo Sax): Adds instrumental flair with prominent saxophone lines. (feat. Mr Groove SA): A deeper, more atmospheric track. Good For You (feat. Angelica): Included as both a vocal version and an instrumental , providing more utility for DJs. (feat. Zelda Armando): Also includes an instrumental version Full Tracklist Sul'inyembezi (feat. Bikie) Who Stole My Sax (feat. Gundo Sax) (feat. Mr Groove SA) Good For You (feat. Angelica) (feat. Zelda Armando) Ungokhethiweyo (feat. Brandon Dhludhlu) Good For You (Instrumental) (feat. Angelica) Andikhoni (Instrumental) (feat. Zelda Armando)
The EP is available for streaming and purchase on major platforms such as Apple Music by Da Gifto, such as Shadow & Light Love EP II Grateful EP vol.2 - Album by Da Gifto | Spotify Right from the opening seconds, Grateful EP Vol
Released on June 9, 2023, Grateful EP Vol. 2 by South African Deep House producer Da Gifto is a soulful exploration of rhythmic house music. Spanning 1 hour and 5 minutes, the 8-track project blends melodic instrumentation with vocal collaborations, continuing the artist's signature polished sound. Tracklist & Featured Artists The EP features a mix of vocal tracks and instrumentals: Sul'inyembezi (feat. Bikie) Who Stole My Sax (feat. Gundo Sax) Pixels (feat. Mr Groove SA) Good For You (feat. Angelica) Andikhoni (feat. Zelda Armando) Ungokhethiweyo (feat. Brandon Dhludhlu) Good For You (Instrumental) Andikhoni (Instrumental) Genre & Style
Da Gifto is recognized as a Deep House artist. The EP's style is often categorized alongside other prominent South African house figures like Knight SA, CocoSA, and Artwork Sounds. The inclusion of Gundo Sax on tracks like "Who Stole My Sax" highlights a strong jazz-influenced, soulful house aesthetic. Where to Listen You can find the full EP on major streaming platforms: Spotify Apple Music Deezer Amazon Music
Check out the visualizers and official audio tracks from the EP here:
Grateful EP Vol. 2 Deep House album by South African producer , released on June 9, 2023 . The project serves as a continuation of his
series, showcasing his signature soulful and rhythmic production style across eight tracks. Apple Music Album Overview Release Date: June 9, 2023 Total Runtime: 1 hour and 5 minutes Deep House / Soulful House 5243820 Records DK Apple Music Tracklist & Features
The EP is characterized by its collaborative nature, featuring several prominent vocalists and instrumentalists in the South African house scene. Amazon.com Track Name Feature(s) Sul’inyembezi Who Stole My Sax Mr Groove SA Good For You Zelda Armando Ungokhethiweyo Brandon Dhludhlu Good For You (Instrumental) Andikhoni (Instrumental) Zelda Armando Availability
You can stream or purchase the EP on major digital platforms: Apple Music Amazon Music Apple Music similar artists
in the South African Deep House scene, or would you like to explore Da Gifto's more recent Grateful, Vol. 2 - EP - Album by Da Gifto - Apple Music
For those familiar with Da Gifto’s earlier work—specifically the Midnight Rituals EP (2022) or his remix of Awen’s "Silent Water"—Vol. 2 represents a significant artistic leap. Earlier releases showcased a producer with technical skill but occasionally generic song structures.
Here, Da Gifto has found his voice. The "Grateful" series has become his signature. Where Vol. 1 was about the struggle to find light, Vol. 2 is about living comfortably in that light. It is a more confident, less anxious record. You can hear the smile in the synth stabs; you can feel the relaxed shoulder of the drummer in the swung hi-hats.