South Africa boasts a rich and diverse musical culture encompassing traditional genres like kwaito and maskandi as well as contemporary styles such as hip-hop and house.
With something for every music lover, DJing is one of the most popular and influential forms of music in the country.
DJs not only entertain but also innovate, produce, and set trends in the music industry.
This article will delve into the world of South African DJs and explore their history, achievements, and unique styles.
We’ll also take a closer look at some of the top DJs in South Africa today and discover what sets them apart from the rest.
The History of DJing in South Africa
DJing is not a new phenomenon in South Africa.
It dates back to the 1950s when American soldiers stationed there during the Korean War introduced mobile discos to the country.
These discos, known as “maboneng,” which means “places of light” in Sesotho, became popular among the black urban youth who enjoyed dancing to the latest jazz, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll tunes.
In the 1970s and 1980s, DJing evolved with the emergence of new genres like disco, funk, and electro.
DJs began using turntables, mixers, and speakers to manipulate sound and create their own remixes.
Some of the pioneers of this era include DJ Khabzela, DJ Christos, and DJ Fresh.
Influenced by both local and international artists, such as Brenda Fassie, Hugh Masekela, Grandmaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa.
In the 1990s and 2000s, DJing reached new heights with the rise of house music in South Africa.
House music is a genre that originated in Chicago in the 1980s and combines elements of disco, soul, funk, and electronic music. It is characterized by a four-on-the-floor beat, repetitive bass lines, synthesizers, and vocals.
House music became a global phenomenon, and South Africa was no exception.
DJs like Black Coffee, Oskido, Euphonik, DJ Tira, and DJ Zinhle became household names in the country and abroad.
They also founded their own record labels, such as Soulistic Music, Kalawa Jazmee Records, Afrotainment, and Kalawa Jazmee Records.
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The Achievements of South African DJs
South African DJs have not only entertained millions of fans with their music, but also achieved remarkable feats in their careers.
Some of these achievements include:
Winning prestigious awards
South African DJs have won several local and international awards for their excellence in music.
For example, Black Coffee won the Best International Act: Africa award at the BET Awards in 2016, becoming the first South African to do so.
He also won the Best Deep House DJ award at the DJ Awards in Ibiza in 2017, making him the first African to win in that category.
Other award-winning DJs include DJ Zinhle, who won the Best Female DJ award at the African Muzik Magazine Awards in 2019, and Euphonik, who won the Best Compilation Album award at the Metro FM Music Awards in 2014.
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Breaking records
South African DJs have also broken records with their music.
For example, DJ Tira’s song “Malume” featuring Tipcee and Joejo became the most streamed song on Spotify in South Africa in 2017, with over 2 million streams.
He also broke the record for the most views on YouTube for a South African song with his hit “Thank You Mr DJ” featuring Joocy in 2019, with over 10 million views.
Other record-breaking DJs include Oskido, who became the first South African DJ to have his own show on MTV Base in 2015, and Black Coffee, who became the first South African DJ to perform at Coachella in 2016.
Collaborating with international stars
South African DJs have also collaborated with some of the biggest names in the global music scene.
For example, Black Coffee has worked with artists like Drake, Alicia Keys, David Guetta, and Usher.
He also featured on Beyoncé’s album “The Lion King: The Gift” in 2019.
Other DJs who have collaborated with international stars include:
- DJ Maphorisa, who produced Drake’s song “One Dance” featuring Wizkid and Kyla in 2016,
- DJ Sliqe, who featured AKA and Yanga Chief on his song “Bay 2” in 2016.
The Styles of South African DJs
South African DJs have also developed their own unique styles and subgenres of music, reflecting their creativity and diversity.
Some of these styles and subgenres include:
Amapiano
Amapiano is a style of house music that emerged in South Africa in the mid-2010s.
It is influenced by jazz, kwaito, and lounge music.
It features piano melodies, bass lines, percussions, and vocals.
Some of the popular amapiano DJs are Kabza de Small, DJ Maphorisa, JazziDisciples, and Josiah De Disciple.
Gqom
Gqom is a style of house music that originated in Durban in the early 2010s.
It is influenced by kwaito, techno, and hip hop.
It features heavy drums, distorted bass, and minimal vocals.
Some of the popular gqom DJs are DJ Tira, Distruction Boyz, DJ Lag, and DJ Bongz.
Afro house
Afro house is a style of house music that incorporates elements of African music, such as rhythms, instruments, and vocals.
It is popular across the continent and beyond.
Some of the popular afro house DJs are Black Coffee, Oskido, Culoe De Song, and Da Capo.
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Conclusion
South African DJs are among the best in the world.
They have a long and rich history of DJing, dating back to the 1950s.
They have achieved remarkable feats in their careers, such as winning awards, breaking records, and collaborating with international stars.
They have also developed their own unique styles and subgenres of music, such as amapiano, gqom, and afro house.
South African DJs are the masters of the mix, and they deserve our respect and admiration.
