In this video above, the producer duo Frigid Armadillo discuss how they draw the energy from the streets of Johannesburg into their music, their inspirations of American Gospel music, and their journey as producers to find their authentic sound.
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During apartheid, music was a powerful tool of resistance and cultural identity. Traditional African rhythms, jazz, and protest music were used to maintain a sense of unity among oppressed communities. Afro House, which later emerged, inherited this spirit of resistance and storytelling, blending electronic beats with indigenous sounds and themes of struggle, hope, and resilience.
Johannesburg has long been a hub for deep house music, which was introduced in South Africa during the 1990s through influences from Chicago and Detroit. Over time, it fused with local sounds like Kwaito—a slowed-down house genre with heavy basslines and township slang. Johannesburg-based producers infused traditional African instruments and indigenous chants with house music production techniques to give Afro House its signature South African feel.
Johannesburg's thriving club and festival scene provided the perfect environment for Afro House to grow. Legendary clubs like Truth and And Club hosted deep house and Afro House DJs, while festivals like Ultra South Africa and Oppikoppi showcased the sound to larger audiences. The underground township scene also played a major role, with spots like Konka and Disoufeng becoming Afro House hotspots. Radio stations like Metro FM and YFM also played Afro House extensively, helping it reach mainstream audiences. DJs and hosts promoted local producers, allowing the genre to gain traction beyond the underground scene.
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With Johannesburg as a launching pad, Afro House has spread worldwide. Major labels like Soulistic Music and Stay True Sounds have signed artists who push the genre beyond South Africa. The sound is now popular in Europe, Latin America, and the US, with Johannesburg serving as its epicenter.
From this cultural landscape emerged Frigid Armadillo - a duo consisting of Johannesburg based producers Siyabulela Buhlungu and Lebohang Lechela. In this video, they talk through some of their influences and what sets South African Afro House apart from the more global varieties.
Snag these infectious global rhythms of Afro House and download the Afro House Yethu : Frigid Armadillo sample pack by clicking the button below!