DON TALI ECHO

Selector

Born Naphtali Njabulo Mdluli/Ntombela, TALI ECHO is a selector, sound system builder and cultural practitioner from Johannesburg, South Africa. Raised within the legacy of his father, GLADY WAILER, one of the pioneers of South African roots reggae and founder of the legendary CUTTING EDGE SOUND SYSTEM, TALI inherited not only the technical craft of building sound systems, but also the values of Rastafari, community and conscious musical practice that continue to shape his work today.

Before founding WAILING ECHO HIGH POWER SOUND SYSTEM in 2026, TALI spent years touring with KEBRA ETHIOPIA SOUND SYSTEM, contributing to a new generation of South African roots and dub culture. His journey has included a selector set for BOILER ROOM, while remaining firmly rooted in the communities from which his practice emerged.

With WAILING ECHO HIGH POWER, TALI continues a lineage that reaches back to the early days of South Africa’s reggae and Rastafari movement. Inspired by the Jamaican sound system tradition, his work is dedicated to preserving and carrying forward a living culture through handcrafted speaker systems, carefully curated selections and community gatherings.

Our connection with TALI ECHO grew through HEAVY FEELINGS’ ongoing dialogue with Johannesburg and our radio programme. His takeover alongside GLADY WAILER reflected a shared commitment to giving space to the histories, values and cultural practices that continue to shape communities across generations, an approach that remains at the heart of the HEAVY FEELINGS platform.

Listen to the RADIO SHOW on SOUNDCLOUD
DON TALI youtube
TALI ECHO on IG
WAILING ECHO HIGH POWER on IG