5 African DJ producers every Musician need to know
Africa is a continent rich in musical diversity and creativity. From traditional rhythms and melodies to modern beats and genres, African
music has influenced and inspired artists all over the world. But who are some of the most innovative and influential African DJ producers today?
In this blog post, we will introduce you to five of them, and explain why every musician should know their names and their sounds.
1. Black Coffee
Black Coffee is arguably the most famous and successful African DJ producer in the world
Hailing from South Africa, he has been making waves in the global electronic music scene since his debut album in 2005. He has collaborated with artists like Drake, Alicia Keys, David Guetta, Usher, and Pharrell Williams, and has won several awards, including a BET Award and a DJ Award. His style is a blend of deep house, Afro-house, and soulful vocals, creating a unique and captivating sound that appeals to a wide audience.
2. DJ Maphorisa
DJ Maphorisa is a South African record producer and DJ who specializes in Amapiano, a subgenre of house music that originated in South Africa in the 2010s. Amapiano is characterized by slow-paced piano melodies, percussions, basslines, and vocals. DJ Maphorisa is one of the pioneers and leading figures of amapiano, having produced hits for artists like Kabza De Small, Sha Sha, Samthing Soweto, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Drake. He is also the founder of BlaqBoy Music, a record label that promotes amapiano artists.
3. Sango
Sango is an American DJ and producer of Angolan descent who is based in Seattle. He is known for his eclectic mix of hip-hop, R&B, electronic music, and Afro-Brazilian sounds. He has collaborated with artists like Bryson Tiller, Tinashe, Smino, GoldLink, and Xavier Omär. He is also part of Soulection, a collective of DJs and producers who showcase progressive music from around the world. His music is experimental, soulful, and groovy
4. Kabza de Small
Kabza de Small is a South African DJ and record producer who is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the amapiano genre. He has released several albums and singles that have topped the charts and earned him numerous awards and accolades. He is also known for his collaborations with other artists such as DJ Maphorisa, Samthing Soweto, Sha Sha, and Wizkid. Kabza de Small’s music is characterized by its blend of house, jazz, and kwaito elements, creating a unique sound that appeals to a wide audience. He has been praised for his creativity, versatility, and influence in the South African music scene.
5. Kaytranada
Kaytranada is a Canadian DJ and record producer who has been making waves in the music industry with his eclectic blend of electronic, hip-hop, R&B, and funk. He is known for his distinctive sound that incorporates soulful vocals, groovy basslines, and catchy beats.
Kaytranada has collaborated with artists such as Anderson .Paak, H.E.R, Alicia Keys, Kendrick Lamar, and The Internet. He has also won several awards, including the 2016 Polaris Music Prize for his debut album 99.9% and two Grammy Awards for his second album Bubba in 2021.
Kaytranada’s music is influenced by his Haitian heritage, his love for video games, and his passion for creating original and innovative sounds. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and versatile producers of his generation.
