Afro tech, (also Afro-tech, AfroTech or 3 step)[1][2] is a sub-genre of house music which originates and is predominantly made in South Africa.[1][2][3] 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,[4][5][6] DJ Tira, Zakes Bantwini,[7] Shimza[8] and Da Capo.[4][9][10]

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.[11] The suffix 'tech' appeared to be designated on account of the seemingly, evident immediate connection to techno.

Vocals or lyrics are predominantly delivered in Xhosa and Zulu.[12]

"Zulu singers in London"
"Zulu singers in London"

Afro-tech is a combination of modern electronic and techno sounds, lead by South African percussion and other various African instruments[13][9],depicting a descedent genre of afro house inclusive of a bond between techno and deep house.[14][15][16] 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".[12]

Traditional South African instruments of the Marutse-Mabunda kingdom, 1881
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 Ezase Afro Vol.1 "Won't Let Go" as well as Black Coffee's "We Dance Again".[10][17]

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.[18] His win appeared to highlight the genre, increasing its popularity.[14][19]

Singer, activist and songwriter, Nakhane.
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.[20]

In 2018, Punk Mbedzi recorded a live mix for Redbull.[4]

Gqom, DJ and producer, DJ Lag released a song titled, "3 Step Culo".[21] Some of his work additionally showcased the sub-genres' fusion properties.[22][23]

Euphonik[24] changed his stage name to "DJ Themba".[25]

Maya Jane Coles
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 muscian, 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.[26]

In 2019, Holly Rey[9] 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".[27] In 2023, she collaborated with Kenyan musician, Blinky Bill on the song "25 To Life".[28]

2020s

In 2020, DJ Shimza[8] became the first DJ, ever to play a set on Robben Island.[29] During the apartheid regime, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on the island for 18 years.[30]

Bill Clinton on a tour of Robben Island pictured with Nelson Mandela, in 1998.
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".[31]

"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.[32]

In 2022, Caiiro and Enoo Napa performed a back to back, set for Mixmag's , In The Lab Johannesburg.[33]

In 2023, Spotify established the "AfroTech Now" playlist.[34]

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.[3] The album was listed in DJ Mag's , top albums of 2023.[35]

"iPlan" by Dlala Thukzin debuted at number 1 on Billboard South Africa songs,[36] and on The Official South African Charts,[15] also surpassed 2 millions streams,[37] and achieved double-platinum status in 2 weeks.[38][39]

DJ, Desiree[40] was announced as the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs Future Star, winner.[5]

Lizwi[41] released "Prayer". The song's delivery is a Christian prayer in Zulu.[12]

Portuguese, duo Afrokillerz released their 11 songs, debut album, "UKÄRÄ" featuring Angolan artist Irina Vasconcelos and singer, Szon.[16]

Heavy-K, released an afro house album titled, "Respect The Drum Boss 2 (3-Step Edition)".[42]

Noteworthy record labels

References

  1. 1 2 "Afro-tech house lovers get a treat". MmegiOnline. 22 May 2023. Archived from the original on 9 November 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  2. 1 2 "AfroTech is taking over, an exclusive with Holly Rey". 5FM. 30 July 2021. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  3. 1 2 Geqiwe, Anele (3 May 2023). "Karyendasoul's debut album is a must-listen for Afro-Tech House fans". GQ. Archived from the original on 9 November 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 Kriger, Themba (23 January 2018). "Explore Afro Tech with Punk Mbedzi in the mix". Redbull ZA. South Africa. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  5. 1 2 Hylton, Ria (14 November 2023). "DESIREE is the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs 2023 Future Star winner". DJ Mag. Archived from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  6. ↑ Mazaza, Melissa Shiba (14 September 2021). "The Sound Of: Gondwana KE". DJ Mag. Archived from the original on 14 September 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  7. ↑ Darangwa, Shingai (27 October 2023). "Zakes Bantwini: 'This is a moment I've been working towards for my entire career'". The Africa Report. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  8. 1 2 "Ibiza By Night meets SHIMZA: the exclusive interview!". Ibiza By Night.Net. 22 June 2019. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  9. 1 2 3 Ndlela, Nkosazana (11 April 2023). "An Afro Tech Music Take Over". Zkhipani. Archived from the original on 11 April 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  10. 1 2 Mbayimbayi, Asanda (29 August 2023). "'Malume Way': DJ Tira celebrates 47th birthday with new album". The Citizen. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  11. ↑ "Afro-". Collins Dictionary. Archived from the original on 8 June 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  12. 1 2 3 Mohlomi, Setumo-Thebe (6 December 2023). "Journey Music: South Africa's Afro Tech sound travels globally and transports spiritually". Mixmag. Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  13. ↑ Kidman, Jerome (28 February 2023). "CROSSOVER AND COLLECTIVITY: WHY LONDON'S HOUSE UNDERGROUND IS EVOLVING". Mixmag. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  14. 1 2 Vikilahle, Luthando (28 April 2023). "Award winning Afro-tech DJ Rabs Vhafuwi returns with yet another enchanting music". GQ. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  15. 1 2 "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 10 Week 41-2023". TOSAC. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  16. 1 2 3 "UKÄRÄ, AFROKILLERZ release debut album". Mixmag DE. 3 November 2023. Archived from the original on 5 December 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  17. ↑ Orlov, Piotr (2 September 2016). "Songs We Love: Black Coffee, 'We Dance Again (Feat. Nakhane Toure)'". NPR. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  18. ↑ RDM, NEWS WIRE (30 September 2015). "DJ Black Coffee Scores Award in DJ Capital Of The World". Sowetan Live. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  19. ↑ Mphande, Joy (26 June 2023). "Gwara gwara originator DJ Bongz embarks on his Afro Tech journey". Times Live. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  20. ↑ Weichenrieder, Phillip (19 April 2016). "Gqom-Musik aus Südafrika". Taz (in German). Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  21. ↑ Bruce-Jones, Henry (10 August 2018). "Gqom king DJ Lag drops new single from forthcoming EP Stampit". FACT Magazine. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  22. ↑ "Six More Artists You Have to See Right Now". Redbull. 15 May 2023. Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  23. ↑ Hinton, Patrick (21 December 2020). "IN SESSION: DJ LAG An impactful mix of gqom, afrotech and Sgubhu from the South African pioneer". Mixmag. Archived from the original on 22 December 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  24. ↑ Seemela, Masego (24 October 2019). "Black Coffee commends DJ Themba for starting 'afresh'". Times Live. Archived from the original on 24 October 2019. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  25. ↑ Kekana, Chrizelda (20 July 2018). "Euphonik bags a DJ Award nod as DJ Themba!". Times Live. Archived from the original on 20 July 2018. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  26. ↑ Holbrook, Cameron (20 March 2018). "Culoe De Song reveals his rhythmically distinct mix album 'Black'". Mixmag. Archived from the original on 3 July 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  27. ↑ "Holly Rey becomes first woman to win SAMA 'Record of the Year' in 20 years". East Coast Radio. 5 June 2019. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  28. ↑ Choge, Peter (27 September 2023). "Holly Rey teams up with Blinky Bill on 25 To Life track". Music in Africa. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  29. ↑ Kekana, Chrizelda (20 July 2020). "Siya Kolisi and DJ Shimza make music and history". Sowetan Live. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  30. ↑ Diaz, Jaclyn (7 January 2022). "The key to Nelson Mandela's Robben Island prison cell is returning to South Africa". NPR. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  31. ↑ Shabangu, Nobantu (5 February 2021). "Black Coffee drops highly anticipated album 'Subconsciously'". Okay Africa. Archived from the original on 1 June 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  32. ↑ Gusha, Anelisa (13 June 2022). "Karyendasoul's struggle for success rewarded with Sama nominations". Dispatch Live. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  33. ↑ "Caiiro B2B In The Lab Johannesburg". Mixmag. 14 July 2022. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  34. ↑ "AfroTech Now". Spotify. 2023. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  35. ↑ "DJ Mag's top albums of 2023". DJ Mag. 13 December 2023. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  36. ↑ Cusson, Michael (15 February 2022). "South Africa Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on 24 August 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  37. ↑ Moloto, Phehello (11 October 2023). "Dlala Thukzin's 'iPlan' hits top spot on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music Charts". Zkhipani. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  38. ↑ Pasiya, Lutho (6 October 2023). "Dlala Thukzin is taking the music industry by storm". IOL.Sunday Tribune. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  39. ↑ Darangwa, Shangai (8 November 2023). "Song of the summer 'iPlan' goes double platinum, continues to top several charts". Independent Online. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  40. ↑ Khalfe, Farah (16 August 2022). "Women in Charge: Meet afro-electronic DJ, Desiree". Glamour Magazine. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  41. ↑ Bambalele, Patience (4 February 2022). "Lizwi uses her voice to make her mark globally". Sowetan Live. Archived from the original on 9 November 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  42. ↑ Shumba, Ano (19 December 2023). "SA: Heavy-K drops Respect The Drumboss 2 (3-Step Edition) album". Music In Africa. Archived from the original on 19 December 2023. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
  43. ↑ Birjalal, Alyssia (4 April 2022). "Shimza's label Kunye to launch artists in London". IOL. Archived from the original on 4 April 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
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