2013 report Do you Agree or Not?
10. Da Capo
Easily one of the youngest producers on the list
and undoubtedly one of the most talented. Born Nicodimas Sekheta Mogashoa, Da
Capo has been serving tantalizingly soulful music to the house starved for over
three years now. His remixes are more sought after than gold and he is
certainly working his way up to being one of the biggest names in house. His
biggest hits include the remix of Cosmic Gate’s “Over The Rainbow”, Ralf Gum’s
“Linda” and the infectious “African Sax” by Brazo Wa Afrika.
9. Heavy K
Proudly repping the Eastern Cape, Heavy K
started out as an integral member of house outfit, Point 5. Now the young man
is flying solo and soaring at dizzy heights to! Although he is barely in his
twenties, his list of hits read like a page taken straight out of the book of
veterans. From producing hits for the likes of Professor, to remixing Oskido’s
“Shela”, Heavy K has proved that he can go head to head with the production
heavyweights and still hold his own.
8. DJ Cleo
One of South Africa’s most revered DJs and
undeniably gifted, it’s DJ Cleo! With over 10years experience and nine albums
under his belt, the award winning Cleo is one of South Africa’s best producers.
His musical hand has been the guiding force behind massive stars like Pitch
Black Afro and Bricks. Cleo’s latest offering is Eskhaleni 9, a double disc
that offers both soulful mature house and his trademark dancefloor filling
tunes. Cleo would certainly be higher up on the list but a series of hit and
miss productions have left a dent on his otherwise impeccable career.
7. Zakes Bantwini
Widely regarded as one of the best live
performers of our time, Zakes Bantwini not only thrills on stage but behind the
sound-desk as well. Before his name was up in bright lights, Zakes produced for
the likes of L’Vovo Derango and has also worked closely with his good friend
Black Coffee. The “Wasting My Time” hit maker is also a gifted songwriter and
penned the 2009 anthem “La La La” by DJ Sndara. Zakes is currently riding the
wave of his latest single “Ifunaya” featuring J. Martins from Nigeria.
6. Culoe De Song
The Prince of Ancestral House. From his first
release, Culoe hit the ground running and hasn’t looked back since. The Red
Bull Music Academy graduate first captured the ears and souls of the house
fraternity with his hauntingly beautiful “The Bright Forest”. From that point
on and under the tutelage of Black Coffee, Culoe has released two studio
albums, numerous remixes and is currently working on his forthcoming offering
Exodus.
5. Dr Duda
The younger generation may only identify Dr.
Duda with the house trio Mi Casa but Duda has actually been around since the
beginning of South African house. Before the success with Mi Casa threw his
name into the spotlight, Duda was quietly cooking up hits with his partner in
crime, Dr. M-Bee. Classic house albums and compilations like the Soul Candi
Sessions would be incomplete without the inclusion of Duda’s gems “Thola” and
“Change The World”. Alongside being the heart of Mi Casa, Dr. Duda is also an
in-house producer at Soul Candi Records.
4. Uhuru
It’s near impossible to search any top urban
chart and not find a production by Maphorisa, Clap and Xelimpilo, otherwise
known as Uhuru. The trio has been instrumental in the return of Mafikizolo as
well as breathing new life into the Kalawa Jazzme label. The Uhuru sound has
ushered in a new era in the local dance scene and is appreciated as far as
Nigeria and Angola
3. Black Motion
When Oskido first introduced Black Motion and
their breakthrough single, “Banane Movoko,” it was clear that the two young men
had ignited fire to something phenomenal. Not only did their single become the
staple diet for party goers the world over, their mesmerizing stage presences
and performance skills saw them quickly shooting to the top of the most wanted
DJs list. The duo has been on the scene for little over two years and is
already on their second studio album. There is no denying that the drums of
Black Motion will continue to resonate for years to come.
2. Black Coffee
The man who needs little introduction. The
“Superman” who cast his “Juju” on the world so we can “Arise & Shine”! It’s
none other than Black Coffee! A testament to how hard and smart work pays off,
Black Coffee is undoubtedly the biggest DJ in South Africa by a long mile.
After carving his unique blend of authentic African percussion, soulful
melodies complemented by thoughtful lyrics and beautiful vocals, it didn’t take
long before Black Coffee’s sounds became synonymous with quality South African
house. He is certainly one of the best to ever do it.
1. DJ Kent
DJ Kent’s career started out with his partnering
with DJ Euphonik to form the iconic Kentphonic. After the two DJs went their
separate ways, Kent then set out to forge his own musical brand. Not only did
he become the pioneering force behind the art of mega-mixing, Kent also released
countless hits and is currently enjoying the success of a certified Gold album,
‘The Weekent,’ and his current radio hit “Spin My World” featuring The Arrows.
His massive crossover appeal, steady growth and unmatched creativity earns him
the number one spot on our list.
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