In South African electronic music, deep house often gets boxed into one lane: late nights, heavy bass, hypnotic loops, rinse and repeat. Dwson has never really fit into that box — and with his sixth studio album Nothing to Lose, he doesn’t just step outside it, he completely redraws the map.
Released on 6 February 2026, Nothing to Lose feels less like a collection of club tracks and more like a fully told story. Dwson leans into emotion and songwriting in a way that’s rare, ensuring that all 15 tracks feature vocals — sometimes front and centre, sometimes woven subtly into the rhythm. The result is soulful, melodic, and deeply human, tapping into the spirit of early-2000s R&B while keeping one foot firmly planted in modern, experimental production.
This album wasn’t rushed. Crafted over three years, it plays as a continuous journey, stitched together with interludes and a consistent sonic palette that favours feeling over formula. The title track, “Nothing to Lose” (feat. Unwnd), sets the tone immediately. It’s not just an opener — it’s a mission statement. The song confronts fear, self-doubt, and the weight of past expectations, inviting both artist and listener to take that uncomfortable but necessary leap forward.
That theme hits close to home. Dwson’s own path hasn’t been linear. During his early days studying at Soul Candi in Cape Town, he nearly walked away from music altogether, overwhelmed by the technical brilliance around him. Encouragement from his mother and guidance from tutor Mike Kelly helped him push through — a decision that eventually led to award wins, platinum certifications, and a clearly defined sonic identity. Nothing to Lose sounds like the clarity that comes from surviving that moment.
The album’s emotional core runs deep. “Selfish” (feat. Ziyon of Liquideep), completed years ago, became the project’s compass — blending nostalgic vocals with Dwson’s sleek, modern textures. “Oh My Love”, featuring the late producer Poizen, stands as a powerful tribute, sampling the spirit of Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much” and already resonating strongly in live settings.
Dwson isn’t afraid to experiment either. “Falling”, with beatsbyhand and LA vocalist Leiah, dips into a bold 3-step sound, pairing heavy low-end pressure with airy, soulful vocals. Meanwhile, the mysterious Unwnd appears across several standout moments, injecting a fresh, R&B-driven energy that feels both new and perfectly at home within the project.
From reflective cuts like “Don’t Deserve Me” to expansive closers like “Shadows”, Nothing to Lose is the sound of an artist who’s faced uncertainty and come out the other side with purpose. Dwson delivers his most complete and emotionally rich body of work yet.
“With Nothing to Lose, Dwson transforms deep house into a deeply personal narrative
