In the world of music, house has always been the shapeshifter that adapts to any environment. It always assumes new interpretations with every new part of the globe it touches, fuelled by that inevitable need for uninhibited self-expression; a fundamental part that was behind its creation.
From South Africa via Bulawayo, the sounds of African house music have long been a notable feature of the Zimbabwean music landscape—from the days of Kwaito, right up to the continent's most recent house creation, 3-step. Not content to just be consumers, Zimbabweans have long added their voice and touch to the sound. This being ever more prevalent in recent times.
Afro house, a genre that is the sum of multiple components, is the sweeping wave that has come to the forefront of house music in the last few years. Driven by curated events such as Garden Of House, House In CBD, HiNDE, Afrobeyond, Roots and Deep End, the Afro house movement has slowly but surely made it's way into Zimbabwe.
"Afro house within the Zimbabwean context reflects a vibrant fusion of traditional rhythms and contemporary influences, showcasing the nation’s rich musical heritage," Ryan Synth, a producer and DJ from Bulawayo remarked.
"This genre not only embodies cultural expression but also serves as a platform for social connectivity and innovation in the local music scene. The genre has grown significantly in Zimbabwe, it’s such a beautiful sight to see."
The same ineluctable principles of collaboration and merging the communication of modern instrumental sounds with indegenous rhythms that define the genre for the rest of the continent, also define it for Zimbabwe. This has been evidenced by releases that cross the continent in their influences and resonate with people from every conceivable culture. It is this definitive feature that gives Afro house the allure it is now famed for in this day.
A stellar 2024 has put the sound on the precipice of something revolutionary on the Zimbabwean music landscape. So while there's been considerable growth, the unavoidable question to be asked is: what's next? What does the genre need in a local context?
We asked a few notable figures in the Zimbabwean Afro house scene what came to mind when they thought of the space and they had some interesting thinking points to address:
"As small as the community may be right now, we should strive to find our local sound through experimentation, it doesn’t have to be perfect but the intent to fuse our various local ethnic languages, sounds and culture within the house scene, should start now," Solomon Mash said.
Solomon Mash is one of the brains behind Afrobeyond, one of Harare's premier house music events. In addition to event hosting, he is a passionate videographer whose creative vision has been behind the recording of concerts and a multitude of other events in Zimbabwe.
For TAPIWA, Afro house is enjoying a favourable moment, and he views its growth as something we all should look forward to.
"Zimbabwean Afro house is the healthiest it’s ever been and I see it growing leaps and bounds in the next few years. We’re still behind South Africa and the global scene by a few pegs but we’re not too far behind," TAPIWA said.
"Every new producer I come across nowadays, sounds like something I’d hear in an Enoo Napa or Da Capo set which shows we’re getting there. In the next few years we’ll be a force for sure."
TAPIWA is a rising name in the Zimbabwean music scene. 2024 has seen him headline Afrobeyond, Hidden Culture's Deep End, Samuel Cosmic's Roots and KAOS, which are the 4 horsemen of Afro house on the Harare music scene. His previous singles “Within Me” and “Dancehall” received national radio support on BBC Radio 1Xtra in the UK, 5FM in South Africa, and notable and continued DJ support from Bob Sinclar and Lost Frequencies.
Ryan Synth had this to say: "I think we need some DJs to have an understanding of the music. You find some playing Afro house tracks like they’re hip-hop/rnb tracks, changing the song too quickly before the climax or just not knowing how to play the songs properly. Another thing I’ve noticed, a lot of us can’t differentiate between Afro house and Tech house.
"More research has to be done by our fellow DJs when it comes to how some play Afro house tunes and understanding what one will be playing, otherwise, the following of culture/movement has grown in a great way. A big shoutout to those that paved the way before us, they made it known to the masses."
Hailing from the City of Kings and Queens, Bulawayo, Ryan Synth is a DJ and producer on the pulse of everything House music in Zimbabwe. Renowned for his dexterous touch on decks, his name has become synonymous with Bulawayo's - and to some extent Harare's - night life. He's performed at festivals like Carpe Diem, HiNDE, Jacaranda Music Festival, and he recently shared the stage with the Scorpion Kings.
Nitefreak, one of the foremost names in Afro house spaces, opines that Zimbabwean producers should be more prolific in order to satisfy the surging demand for the music.
"More music needs to be made by Zimbabwean producers. We need to meet the demand with music not just DJ mixes and shows. People are paying attention now music will be the best way to build loyal fanbase," he said.
Named on EDM.com's Class of 2024 listing and 1001Tracklist’s The Future Of Dance 2023, marking him as one of the 10 talents shaping the future of electronic music, Nitefreak is bringing a truly fresh and unique approach to Afro house. The producer/DJ is at the forefront of the Afro-progressive house movement, and has made eminent strides to proliferate the genre in this regard.
His musical journey began in 2009 as a self-taught DJ and Producer, and by evolving and crafting his sound over the years, Nitefreak has received immense praise, play, and support from Diplo, Black Coffee, Shimza, and many other globally renowned acts. He is managed by the Forbes-recognized label Deep Root Records.
So what's clear from some of the names pushing the genre forward is that, we need to keep doing what we're already doing but more of it. It's now a matter of output and refining our expertise, with emphasis being on the output. This is almost the same place amapiano was in the mid to late 2010s. A foundation has been laid, the only thing left is to build the house.
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