Afro tech

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Afro tech, (also Afro-tech, AfroTech or 3 step) [1] [2] [3] is a sub-genre of house music which originates and is predominantly made in South Africa. [1] [2] [4] It emerged in the 2000s. South African DJs and music producers who pioneered and popularized the genre globally are Black Coffee, Culoe De Song, Euphonik, Punk Mbedzi, [5] [6] [7] DJ Tira, Zakes Bantwini, [8] Shimza [9] and Da Capo. [5] [10] [11]

Contents

Name and characteristics

The name appears to be in direct symmetry with afro house whereas in frame of reference the prefix 'afro' defines anything relating to African culture as well as Africa. [12] The suffix 'tech' appeared to be designated on account of the seemingly, evident immediate connection to techno.

"Zulu singers in London" Maud Cuney Hare-55-Zulu Singers in London.jpg
"Zulu singers in London"

Vocals or lyrics are predominantly delivered in Xhosa and Zulu. [13]

Afro-tech is a combination of modern electronic and techno sounds, led by South African percussion and other various African instruments [14] [10] ,depicting a descedent genre of afro house inclusive of a bond between techno and deep house. [15] [16] [17] The genre appears to be both a sub-genre as well as fusion genre of afro house. There are point of views that it is "still, afro-house". [13]

Traditional African instruments of the Marutse-Mabunda kingdom, 1881. Seven Years in South Africa, page 147, musical instruments of the Marutse.jpg
Traditional African instruments of the Marutse-Mabunda kingdom, 1881.

History

The genre seemingly emerged in the 2000s. However, it appears its visibility only became proverbial in the 2010s. The genre ostensively materialized as South African afro house artists ostensibly began to venture into what appeared to be a departed sound, reminiscent of afro-house, although dominated by an increased techno-like, sound. Additionally, certainly not traditional techno nor deep house such as displayed in DJ Tira's EzaseAfro Vol.1 "Won't Let Go" as well as Black Coffee's "We Dance Again". [11] [18]

2010s

In 2015, Grammy award-winning artist Black Coffee received the Breakthrough of the Year award at the DJ Awards, primarily due to his afro tech song "We Dance Again" featuring Nakhane. [19] His win appeared to highlight the genre, increasing its popularity. [15] [20]

Singer, activist and songwriter, Nakhane. Nakhane live at Omeara.jpg
Singer, activist and songwriter, Nakhane.


In 2016, there appeared to be relatedness between gqom and afro tech as a South African presumably Durban based gqom artist, DJ Sbucardo described the genre as "3 step", too. [21]

In 2018, Punk Mbedzi recorded a live mix for Redbull. [5]

Gqom, DJ and producer, DJ Lag released a song titled, "3 Step Culo". [22] Some of his work additionally showcased the sub-genres' fusion properties. [23] [24]

Euphonik [25] changed his stage name to "DJ Themba". [26]

Maya Jane Coles, most famed for techno collaborated with Culoe De Song, in 2018. MJC3 (By Mike Massaro).jpg
Maya Jane Coles, most famed for techno collaborated with Culoe De Song, in 2018.

Culoe De Song released the album "Black" which featured British-Japanese techno musician, Maya Jane Coles as well as Da Capo. The album was especially curated for the event "Black NYC" in New York City which was headlined by De Song and German, DJ Dixon. [27]

In 2019, Holly Rey [10] was the first woman in 20 years to win the South African Music Awards, Record of the Year , award for her single "Deeper". She had taken over from Brenda Fassie who won the award in 1999 for "Vulindlela". [28] In 2023, she collaborated with Kenyan musician, Blinky Bill on the song "25 To Life". [29]

2020s

In 2020, DJ Shimza [9] became the first DJ, ever to play a set on Robben Island. [30] During the apartheid regime, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on the island for 18 years. [31]

Bill Clinton on a tour of Robben Island pictured with Nelson Mandela, in 1998. Clintons tour Robben Island in 1998 G name.png
Bill Clinton on a tour of Robben Island pictured with Nelson Mandela, in 1998.

In 2021, Black Coffee collaborated with the singer, Cassie on a song titled, "Time". [32]

" IMali " was released by Grammy-award winning musician Zakes Bantwini, songstress Nana Atta and Karyendasoul. The song was certified platinum and debuted at number 1, on South African, charts. [33]

In 2022, Caiiro and Enoo Napa performed a back to back, set for Mixmag's , In The Lab Johannesburg . [34]

In 2023, Spotify established the "AfroTech Now" playlist. [35]

Karyendasoul released his debut album, "We Live 4 Our Music". The album included other acclaimed afro house and afro tech artists such as songwriters and singers Ami Faku, Msaki, Simmy and Zakes Bantwini. [4] The album was listed in DJ Mag's , top albums of 2023. [36]

" iPlan " by Dlala Thukzin debuted at number 1 on Billboard South Africa songs, [37] and on The Official South African Charts, [16] also surpassed 2 millions streams, [38] and achieved double-platinum status in 2 weeks. [39] [40]

DJ, Desiree [41] was announced as the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs Future Star, winner. [6]

Lizwi [42] released "Prayer". The song's delivery is a Christian prayer in Zulu. [13]

Portuguese, duo Afrokillerz released their 11 songs, debut album, "UKÄRÄ" featuring Angolan artist Irina Vasconcelos and singer, Szon. [17]

Heavy-K, released a 3-step and afro house album titled, "Respect The Drum Boss 2 (3-Step Edition)". [43]

In 2024, GIMC Afro Tech 5.0 was held in Botswana. The event was established in April 2022. Previously South African 3 step acts such as Da Capo, Culoe De Song, Sun El Musician, Black Motion, Lemon and Herb amongst local acts Africa Da Deep, Nurogroove and Raul Bryan were showcased. Event organizer, Fish Pabalinga stipulated that "the event has positively impacted the growth of Afro Tech in the country". [3]

American singer Aloe Blacc most noted as the songster on Avicii's, "Wake Me Up" collaborated with DJ Shimza for single "Darling" an afro-tech and soul interpretation of Ben E. King's 1961 single, "Stand By Me". [44]

DJ Tira, Heavy-K, Makhadzi, Afro Brothers and Zee Nxumalo released "Inkululeko" meant to be interpreted as 'freedom'. The song was inspired by June 16, 1976 the Soweto uprising which were student-lead protests during apartheid which accelerated the resistance of the regime both locally as well as internationally. [45] [46]

"Ode to Ancestors" by Black Coffee featured Benin actor Djimon Hounsou as presumed guest peformance vocalist on Rebel Moon –Songs Of The Rebellion which was compiled for and inspired by Zack Snyder's Netflix sci-fi, space opera film series, Rebel Moon-Part 2. The extended play included other artists such as Tokimonsta and aespa. "Ode to Ancestors" was specifically inspired by the character, General Titus played by Hounsou. [47] [48]

Noteworthy record labels

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References

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