South African Local House Music: What You Need to Know

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

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If you’re a fan of electronic dance music, then you’ve probably heard of South African house music. This genre of music has been gaining popularity around the world, and it’s no wonder why. South African house music is characterized by its catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and soulful vocals.

If you’re curious about this genre of music, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll give you a crash course on South African house music.

Introduction to South African Local House Music

South African Local House music is a subgenre of electronic dance music that developed in South Africa in the late 1980s. The music is a blend of American house music and African anthems. It is characterized by its use of African percussion and melodies.

Origins of South African Local House Music

South African Local House music is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 1990s in South Africa. It is a fusion of African and Western electronic dance music styles, and typically features synthesizers, drum machines, and vocoders.

Local House music originated in the township of Soweto, and its popularity spread throughout the country. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Local House music began to gain international attention, with artists such as Black Coffee and Shana playing at major clubs and festivals around the world.

Today, Local House music is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds in South Africa, and its popularity continues to grow globally. If you’re interested in learning more about this exciting genre of music, read on for everything you need to know about South African Local House music!

Characteristics of South African Local House Music

South African Local House music is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 1990s in the townships of South Africa. It is a fusion of traditional African music with elements of techno, hip hop and house. The style is typified by minimalistic percussive beats, deep basslines and repetitive vocal hooks.

The genre has its roots in the Johannesburg township of Soweto, where DJ Spheron developed a style of music he called ” township house ” . This style was influenced by the American house music he heard on radio station POWER 106 , as well as by the local mbaqanga and kwela music popular in the township. Township house was characterised by its use of traditional African instruments like drums, bass and percussion, as well as by its heavy use of rhythm and melody.

In the early 2000s, producers began to experiment with incorporating elements of other genres into their tracks, resulting in the emergence of a new subgenre known as kwaito-house. Kwaito-house tracks typically featureminimalistic beats, deep basslines and repetitive vocal hooks. The genre has been likened to American electro and French house music.

Today, South African Local House music is enjoyed by people all over the world. The genre has spawned numerous subgenres and derivatives, making it one of the most diverse and dynamic forms of electronic dance music in existence.

The Popularity of South African Local House Music

In recent years, South African local house music has become increasingly popular, both in South Africa and abroad. The genre is a unique blend of traditional South African music, techno, and hip hop, and is known for its catchy, rhythmical beats. If you’re a fan of dance music, then you need to check out South African local house music.

The Rise of South African Local House Music

Since the early 2010s, South African local house music has been on the rise in popularity, both within the country and internationally. Also known as kwaito, township house, or Gqom, this genre of music is a blend of African Sounds with elements of hip hop, electronic, and sometimes even traditional South African music. The result is a sound that is uniquely South African and extremely danceable.

While local house music has been around for decades in some form or another, it was the release of Maphorisa & Clap’s 2013 track “Woza My Love” that really brought the genre into the mainstream. The track went viral, sparking a new interest in local house music both at home and abroad. In the years since, numerous other artists have emerged onto the scene, helping to cement local house as one of South Africa’s most popular genres of music.

If you’re looking to get into local house music, there are a few artists you should definitely check out. Grammy-nominated artist DJ Maphorisa is often credited with popularizing the genre, so his tracks are a good place to start. Other popular local house artists include Kabza De Small, Wizkid SA, and Lady Zamar. No matter who you listen to, you’re sure to enjoy this unique and energetic style of music.

The Global Appeal of South African Local House Music

South African music, and particularly South African house music, has been growing in popularity around the world in recent years. The genre has been able to cross over to a mainstream audience in a way that other African music has not, and it has become one of the most popular sub-genres of electronic dance music (EDM).

So what is it about South African house music that has made it so popular? There are a few key elements that make the sound unique and appealing to a global audience.

First, the use of traditional African instruments and sounds gives the genre a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other forms of EDM. This gives the music an organic quality that is often lacking in more synth-heavy genres.

Second, the beats are usually slower and more groove-oriented than other styles of house music. This makes the music more accessible and easy to dance to for people who are not used to the faster, more aggressive sounds of other sub-genres.

Finally, the use of positive and uplifting lyrics is another key element that sets South African house music apart. The focus on positive themes provides a welcome respite from the often dark and depressing lyrics of other genres.

All of these factors combine to create a sound that is both unique and appealing to a wide range of listeners. It is no wonder that South African house music is becoming increasingly popular around the world.

The Future of South African Local House Music

South African Local House music is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1980s. The style is defined by its use of African percussion and melodies, as well as its incorporation of elements of house and techno. South African Local House music is a popular choice for many clubs and parties, and has even gained international recognition in recent years.

The Growth of South African Local House Music

House music has been popular in South Africa since the early 1990s, but it was only in the last decade or so that the local version of the genre, known as South African house music, really started to take off.

Since then, South African house music has gone from strength to strength, evolving and growing in popularity both at home and abroad. So what does the future hold for this vibrant and exciting genre?

One of the biggest trends in South African house music at the moment is the move away from traditional 4/4 beats towards broken beat and other more experimental rhythms. This has led to a more diverse and interesting sound, which is helping to attract new listeners to the genre.

Another trend that looks set to continue is the use of traditional South African instruments and sounds in house tracks. This gives the music a unique flavor that is unlike anything else currently being produced.

With its infectious rhythms and catchy melodies, South African house music is sure to keep on growing in popularity both at home and abroad. So if you haven’t already, be sure to check out some of the best local house tracks for yourself!

The Impact of South African Local House Music

The future of South African house music is shrouded in a bit of mystery. The genre has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, but it’s unclear where it will go from here.

One thing is certain: the impact of South African local house music has been profound. The sound has been adopted by global DJs and producers, and has inspired a new generation of musicians.

South African local house music is unique in its ability to fuse traditional African sounds with modern electronic production. This fusion has resulted in a sound that is both fresh and nostalgic, and that appeals to a wide range of listeners.

As the genre continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it affects the global dance music scene. One thing is for sure: South African local house music is here to stay.

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