House is where the heartbeat is
My love affair with the mesmerising beat of South African House music.
I can’t pinpoint the exact moment when I first encountered South African house music. Born in the early ‘90s, I grew up during a period when Kwaito held sway over the music landscape.
House music was just starting to gain recognition. I witnessed its gradual ascent, as it transformed into a defining element of South African culture.
By the time I reached my teenage years, house had become an integral part of the mainstream.
To some, house is simply music to dance to.
For others, it can invoke healing, helping them process emotions and experiences.
House music has been my constant companion in life, accompanying me through various phases and experiences.
When I was facing unemployment as a new graduate, I found comfort in the lyrics of Someday by Black Coffee.
“Someday I’ll rise and touch the sky, and float amongst the stars,” it goes, “I believe it, yes I believe it”.
It was a song of hope, the lyrics assuring me that I wasn’t alone and that better days were coming.
My passion for writing was ignited by the vibrant world of house music. I embarked on a journey of exploring the genre, delving into its history and culture, and interviewing some of South Africa’s most talented House artists.
This boosted my confidence and courage and deepened my connection to the music.
Getting to know the artists behind the beats, learning about their stories, struggles, and passions, deepened my love of the genre and my desire to share its impact with others.
I am proud of its history, its influence on dance culture, and the way the music weaves into the fabric of everyday life.
To me, house is a celebration of the creativity that unites us, as I carry on dancing to its soulful and vibrant beats.
“Someday I’ll rise and touch the sky, and float amongst the stars. I believe it, yes I believe it”.