Amsterdam Dance Event 2024 showcased Afrohouse in all its forms, evidencing the genre’s exponentially expanding influence and appeal. Once an underground movement known for its deep, soulful grooves, it's no secret that Afro House is surging into dance music's mainstream. And the 2024 Amsterdam Dance Event left no doubt about its broadening global reach. This year's [...]
Pioneered by Thakzin and co-signed by Kaytranada, this twist on Afro house combines elements of amapiano, Afro tech and broken beat. Shiba Melissa Mazaza charts the genre's rise. It was a sweltering December evening in Johannesburg and I was perched onstage behind a speaker, only arm's length from the decks. All around me, a [...]
In South Africa's burgeoning ballroom scene, pioneering figures and DJs are finding their own ‘Ha’ in the country's past, and in the contemporary sounds of gqom, amapiano, and Afrobeats. Tazmé Pillay learns more “DJ, cut the beat.” The room falls silent — an unforgivable sin anywhere else, but this is no nightclub. This is a [...]
This frenetic, TikTok-ready sound is taking over the streets of Lagos—and beyond. But is it ready to go mainstream? The Nigerian genre cruise (AKA freebeat or cruise beat) seems designed to cause the body to move before the mind understands what's happening. It's a delirious blur of vocals and drums, influenced by other African [...]
Upon Mavin Records' 10 year anniversary, Madzadza Miya speaks to founder Don Jazzy and the label's roster of talented stars and staff about its decade of dominance and role in making Afrobeats a global phenomenon WORDS: MADZADZA MIYA | PHOTOS: RICHIE IGUNMA | ART DIRECTION: VASSILIS SKANDALIS | ART DESIGN: JUDE AMPONSAH | ASSISTANT & [...]
