The enduring impact of Gospel Music on Afro House
In this video above, DJ and producer Dr Feel talks about how his musical upbringing through his church, performing percussion, dancing, and singing, paved the way for a career in Afro House. Inspired by his introduction to rhythms and melodies from church sermons, Dr Feel has built a name for himself creating music that moves everyone towards enlightenment on the dance floor.
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Gospel music has had a profound impact on the development of Afro House in South Africa. Many Afro House producers and artists have drawn inspiration from gospel’s melodic, harmonic, and emotional depth, blending it with deep house beats to create a unique and soulful Afro House sound.
Many South African Afro House artists and vocalists grew up singing in church choirs, where they developed their skills in harmonization, vocal control, and emotional delivery. This church training gave them a strong foundation in music, which they later brought into the Afro House scene. Quite a few DJs and producers started as church musicians, playing keyboards or drums in gospel bands before transitioning into electronic music.
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One such musician is a Zimbabwean-born Afro House DJ and producer Dr Feel, who is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr Feel brings his signature sound to the launch of Splice Sessions: South Africa with his pack Ngoma Afro House.
Born into a culturally rich environment that instilled a love for church music from an early age, Dr Feel's arrival in the music industry was marked by determination and a relentless passion for sharing his musical vision. Starting from humble beginnings, he began experimenting with music production as a hobby, creating tracks that garnered attention in local clubs. His drive to connect with fellow artists inspired him to work with emerging talents in his home village of Bulawayo, leading to his first recordings.
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His diverse tastes and interests, extensive experience, and electrifying talent allow him to explore any style of music with his collaborators. He has shared the stage with some of the biggest artists in South Africa such as AKA, Oskido, Shimza, Dj Tira, Professor, the late HHP, CassperNyovest. Lulo Café, DJ Naves, and DJ C-live, to name a few. He has also been a resident DJ at Jack Friday’s in Moreleta Park, Niche in Rosebank, and Cubana Club.
When not making music, Dr Feel is focused on charitable and activism work with an elderly shelter called Lobelia Seniors Club from Cape Town. He also worked with Jack Fridays to collect clothing and care packages when Cyclone Idai hit many parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi in 2019.
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing rhythms and sounds of Afro House and download the Ngoma Afro House sample pack by clicking the button below!