Award-winning producer and Deep House tastemaker Fatso 98 has officially returned with THE XO EFFECT III, the highly anticipated third installment in his celebrated EP series, available now across all major digital streaming platforms.
Widely recognized for his signature producer tag, “Sho,” and his emotionally rich blend of Soulful and Deep House, Fatso 98 has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most consistent and forward-thinking electronic music creators. With THE XO EFFECT III, he continues that trajectory, delivering a project that champions authenticity, creative freedom, and the enduring spirit of Deep House culture.
First introduced in 2023, THE XO EFFECT—pronounced “The Sure Effect”—was conceived as a platform through which Fatso 98 could freely explore his artistic vision beyond industry pressures and trend-driven expectations. What began as a personal creative outlet has since evolved into a highly anticipated annual series, earning praise for its immersive soundscapes and collaborative approach to music-making.
The latest edition features six carefully crafted tracks and an impressive roster of collaborators, including Warren Justin, MDU aka TRP, Salvation Pablo, LebtoniQ, and recurring contributors Deep Essentials. The Tembisa-based duo reunites with Fatso 98 on the standout record “Ovi”—short for “Obvious”—further strengthening a creative partnership that has become a defining element of the series.
Throughout the EP, Fatso 98 showcases his ability to transform each collaboration into a cohesive and deeply engaging listening experience. Layered production, soulful textures, atmospheric melodies, and hypnotic grooves come together to create a body of work that is both reflective and dancefloor-ready.
More than just a collection of songs, THE XO EFFECT III serves as a statement on artistic integrity within South Africa’s thriving electronic music scene. Through its themes and sonic direction, the project encourages artists to remain true to their creative instincts rather than chasing algorithms, trends, or commercial validation.
As Deep House continues to gain global recognition and evolve into new forms, Fatso 98 remains dedicated to preserving the genre’s emotional depth and storytelling roots while exploring fresh sonic possibilities. The result is a project that feels both timeless and progressive, reaffirming his position as a key voice shaping the future of South African electronic music.
With THE XO EFFECT III, Fatso 98 once again proves that authenticity, collaboration, and musical craftsmanship remain at the heart of great Deep House music.
