AWARDED
I DID THAT CRAFT AWARDS
Judge’s Pick
IDIDTHAT JUDGE
Saf Sindhi
AWARDED
5 November 2025
JUDGES COMMENT
“This piece of film translates the artist’s music visually and beautifully. It could easily have been just another doccie-style endorsement, but instead, every frame mirrors the syncopated rhythm and experimental pulse of 3 Step Afro House. The texture, color grading, and lensing choices build a world perfectly suited to Thakzin’s story.
Nothing feels manufactured. It’s not trying to prove it’s African, or cool, or cinematic, it just is. That kind of quiet confidence is rare, especially in branded work.”
View I DID THAT Craft Awards October 2025 showcase
ABOUT THE WORK
Every now and then someone comes along who changes their piece of the world forever.
Thakzin – real name Thabang Mathebula – Producer, DJ, and part Ninja is one such artist. 🎶 Inspired by the deeply spiritual sounds of his upbringing, listening to the sounds of sangomas chanting through the night. The originator of 3-Step, which is now an Amapiano sub-genre has played a part in Thakzin’s musical career going on an incredible trajectory. Taking him to headline clubs and events in Europe, North America and beyond. Thakzin’s groundbreaking style caught the attention of Spotify. He is now featuring on the Spotify Radar series, a documentary online series with its finger on the pulse on artists on their upward journey.
Spitfire Director, Katlego Baaitse, was approached by Spotify Africa to create a short documentary about Thakzin, his life, his music and the people around him. Created, is a film that pulls you from the beginning with its immersive chants and dreamlike cinematography. The film is layered with complex and rhythmic sound design, with music playing a part in the storytelling.
It’s a project that’s sparked a healthy dose of intense creativity in Katlego himself, because the extraordinary power and elegance of his latest work for Spotify is matched only by Thakzin’s own obsessive and uncompromising commitment to his art.
CREDITS
Client/Brand: Spotify
Head of Marketing: Sithabile Kachisa
Content Marketing Manager: Rifumo Mdaka
Artist & Label Partnerships Manager: Jodie Tabisher
Film Production & Crew
Production House: Spitfire Films
Director: Katlego Baaitse
Executive: Producer: Liesl Lategan
Producer: Bale M
Production Manager: Relebohile Thianye
Cast Coordinator: Hloni Ntsooa
Production Assistant: Neo Dlukulu
1st AD: Cameryn Clarke
DOP: Jonathan “Jono” Kyriakou
Unit B – DOP: Marty Bleazard
Focus Puller: Tyrone Poipao
Loader: Siya “Mangoes” Ndlovu
DIT/VT: Nhlakanipo “Hippo” Nhlapo
Sound: Ruan de Wilzin
Key Gaffer: Malcolm Stone
Best Boy Lights: Vukani Khawula
Spark: Malikhaya “Cash” Radebe
Art Director: Shané Badenhorst
Props Master: Sabina van Rooyen
Wardrobe Stylist: Neo Serati-Mofammere
Hair & Makeup Artist: Nokuthula “Nox” Mfopi
Medic: Richard Langa
Unit Assistant: Siphiwe Banda
Unit Assistant: Zakhele Ndlovu
Security: B-Force Security
Craft Leader: Thobeka Mtshali
Catering Driver: Sizwe Phungula
Post House: (Not an IDIDTHAT member)
Post Production Supervisor: Ed van Blerk
Editor: Anlerie Cilliers
Online Artist: Michael Langer
Colourist: Kylee Stroebel – The Refinery
Final: Kyle Gerhardt
Music: Thakzin
Team Thakzin:
Thabang “Thakzin” Mathebula
Artist Manager: Smanga Memela
Creative Director/ Artist Manager: Phil darimont
Dad: December Thebza Jacob Mathebula
Sister/ Road Manager: Nhlanhla “Smith” Mathebula
*If your company collaborated on this project and you’re not featured, please contact studio@ididthat.co and we’ll help you become a member.
