In a moment that reverberated across the global music landscape, South African DJs Shimza and Black Coffee shared the stage at their country’s most loved Afro house event Kunye (meaning Together).
It was more than a musical performance; it was a symbolic convergence of talent, history, and cultural significance that echoes the seismic impact of the Beatles’ first arrival in America.
Shimza and Black Coffee are torchbearers of African electronic music. Their collaboration signifies both a homecoming and an expansion—a fusion of roots and global reach, epitomizing the concept of “Glocal.”
Shimza’s 2024 has been filled with power plays, including a four month international tour and a highly acclaimed headline show at Cercle. In October he released his four track EP Dreaming, supported by artist services company Platoon, this union will see the release of The Future Is Afro, a compilation featuring some of the best global Afro house rising stars to have graced the Kunye stage.
Shimza does this all while championing one of South Africa’s biggest cultural curators and labels, Kunye, and has solidified himself as the future of Afro – this confirmed by Beatport awarding Kunye with Hype Label of the Month for November.
Hours before a surprise Black Coffee 90 minute back to back set broke the internet, the legendary South African DJ Fresh played a back to back vinyl set with Shimza as the event neared sunset on the more intimate TGTHR stage.
This follows Shimza playing a back to back classic house vinyl set with Kabza De Small at the previous Kunye event.
The setting of Kunye adds layers of meaning to this event. “Together” is not just a name but a philosophy that encapsulates the spirit of unity and collective progress at the very heart of the culture, a platform that produces community.
In an industry often marked by individual pursuits, the coming together of Black Coffee and Shimza, in the midst of global sensation Gordo, with Amapiano Dons Major League DJz and Kwaito House Legend Oskido, all there to witness this moment, under the banner of Kunye sends a powerful message about the strength found in unity.
This Kunye event highlighted the dynamic interplay between homecoming and expansion. The world has embraced Afro-house, and now its pioneers are channeling that energy back home, creating a feedback loop of inspiration and innovation.
