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South African deep house music scene.

Step into the world of South African deep house music.

Let the soulful beats transport you to a new dimension of sound and movement.

Underground South African house music is played in every corner of the country. From Amapiano DJs to Deep House Heads to Gqom, each subgenre has its own unique South African flavour consisting of magnetic rhythms and mesmerising beats.

House music in South Africa is so well loved and spread that some may argue it is the best house music in the world.

The history of Deep House in South Africa

Deep house is a style of house music that first originated in Chicago in the 1980s. It is characterized by a soulful, sensual sound and slow tempo.

South African deep house, originated in the 1990s. The genre is characterized by a fusion of traditional South African sounds with electronic beats and synths, which are usually slower than the mainstream 120 bpm deep house tracks.

The history of deep house music in South Africa can be traced back to the early 1990s when it was first introduced by DJ Sbu to the South African public at his club, Bhekumuzi Wezinsizwa. He was one of many DJs who were influenced by Chicago’s deep house scene and played it on their sound systems at clubs around Durban and Johannesburg during that time period.

Many South African DJs and producers during this time had been exposed to these sounds through tapes received from America which would be played for audiences at home.

As time progressed, South African artists added their own flavour to the genre, introducing new and unique blends of house such as “Amapiano” and “Gqom”.

Recently South African dance music has taken the globe by storm with the rhythmic sounds and hypnotic melodies. It is truly one the most unique, spiritual genres that South Africans have truly made their own.

Uncover the best underground South African deep house DJs and Producers.

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Press Play

Experience the best of South African deep house with our curated playlist of 20 hottest tracks.

From underground hits to soulful melodies, this selection showcases the diverse sounds of deep house music in South Africa. Follow this link to open the playlist in Spotify and immerse yourself in the full listening experience.

Open in Spotify

Where it all began

Deep house music has a rich history in South Africa, with its origins dating back to the 1980s. Over the years, the genre has evolved and spawned several sub-genres, including Gqom and Amapiano. These newer styles have gained popularity in recent years and have helped to bring deep house music to a wider audience.

Despite the emergence of these new genres, deep house remains a beloved and integral part of South Africa’s musical landscape.