House music is in the middle of a mainstream moment again with the recent release of Drake’s latest studio album, Honestly Nevermind, and Beyonce’s lead single, “Break My Soul.” from her forthcoming Renaissance Act I. The somewhat unexpected foray into house music by these big acts has renewed conversations about the genre’s place in and impact on popular culture.




House is first and foremost Black music. Black queer music, to be even more precise. The genre’s origin story is multi-layered and connects the east coast, midwest, and deep south of the United States with the Caribbean and continental Africa through a story of physical and sonic movement.




Bubbling up in early 80’s Chicago in the wake of disco’s decline and the AIDS crisis, the music and the spaces it created often became sanctuaries for those who society had decided to turn their back on. House music was popularized by such early figures as Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles, Mr. Lee, Chip E Farley, JM Silk, Marshall Jefferson, Larry Levan, and Larry Heard, aka “Mr. Fingers.”




Often utilizing the Roland TR-808 and the TR-909, early “house music” was so called as it referred to “The Warehouse” nightclub in Chicago’s South Side run by Knuckles. House music allowed producers to create its rhythms without access to a traditional recording studio.







House as a music subculture is mother to a myriad of subgenres of style within it. Often a reflection of their geography (for example, UK garage), Afro house finds its stylistic distinction rooted in the land and histories of continental Africa. The genre finds its beginnings in South African cities such as Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Soweto, combining elements of traditional sounds, deep house, and kwaito.









Kwaito is a genre of music developed in nineties South Africa, which blends house with African sounds and samples. Early style of kwaito, which combines everything from bubblegum disco tracks to traditional praise poetry, is usually played at a slower tempo than traditional house. The term developed from the vernacular of the townships where Afrikaans words weave into the Iscamtho township vocabulary, “kwaai” in Afrikaans means hot, angry.






In 1994 the South African system of apartheid ended with the African National Congress taking power under the leadership of the recently released Nelson Mandela. While its rhythms and lyrics may not be overtly political, Afro house’s development in post-apartheid South Africa spoke to the desire for release and freedom.









While utilizing the traditional tempo of house music, Afro house compositions and sets often take on a narrative quality. Listeners and dancers are taken on a journey from the primordial to the present and into the future. As a result, the music crescendos and abates, often played at a faster tempo (roughly 145-165 bpm) than the deep house and soulful house (roughly 120-130 bpm) that it incorporates into its distinctive sound. This uptick in tempo is especially present in Portuguese Afro house, for example, DJ Firmeza’s “Angola Rijo Na Terra PDDG” or DJ Tatz Bless’s 2018 “Club Controller” mixtape.









Kuduro, an uptempo genre combining electronic sounds with traditional Angolan rhythms, along with Kwaito, influenced the sound and dance culture of Angolan Afro house, which weaves in the local languages of Calão (Angolan Portuguese) and Lingala from the Democratic Republic of Congo.




Afro house has distinctive styles, with some music preferencing traditional tribal sounds and incorporating afrobeat while others incorporate more deep house, Chicago, and New York soulful house to create an even more hybrid sound.




Youth culture in European cities, like Lisbon, where there is a sizeable Angolan diaspora, have contributed to Afro house’s rich sonic palate.




Kuduro, widely popular in Portugal, is an integral component, but the Afro Portuguese style also includes batida, kizomba, funaná, house, afro house, and tarraxinha, genres mostly but not only rooted in Angola, Cape Verde, and São Tomé E Príncipe.









DJ’s Do Guetto Vol.1, released in 2006, is considered a landmark of the genre, with current acts like DJ Firmeza and DJ Liofox paying frequent homage. The unique culture of Afro-Portuguese Afro house developed amid Portugal’s discriminatory urban planning. With most of its African-born or descended residents living outside city limits, economic isolation imposed both hardship and an artistic distance that ironically provided space for musicians to create something entirely their own.









Musicians in the United States have also had a hand in shaping the sound of Afro house. Figures like Joe Causell and Ron Trent have worked the polyrhythms of African sound into their compositions since the mid-eighties. Claussell and Trent’s signature production styles combining electronic effects, live instrumentation, and Caribbean and African-influenced percussion are heard on tracks like “All Loved Out” and “Pop, Dip,” and Spin.”









Afro House’s landscape of influence continues to expand as its sound interacts with the diasporas in the States and the Caribbean. Unique places of reach for the genre are cities in the south, such as New Orleans, where a diverse house scene thrives among the city’s more well-known offerings. Collectives like Ascendance, Idapo, and Set de Flo, led by DJs Chinua, Funke, and Lil Jodeci, respectively, provide space for a community of listeners and musicians to grow.









Afro House has already produced offshoots such as amapiano emanating from South Africa and gaining worldwide popularity. Amapiano blends a slowed, Deep house with jazz, lounge sounds, synths, and percussive basslines.














South Africa’s most well-known Afro House musician, Black Coffee, released his self-titled debut album in 2005. He has become prominent among Afro house producers, including producing several tracks and executive producing on Honestly Nevermind.




The genre only continues to become more popular, raising concerns about appropriation and the potential whitewashing of its history as more people become a part of its listenership and bigger entities look to participate in Afro house. As such, the community built around the creation and appreciation for the roots of Afro house and house music will become an essential part of preserving the culture and continuing to push it forward into the future.



How South Africa Created the Blueprint for Afro House

Over the years, Afrohouse has been considered an underground genre across the African continent. But that’s all changing, as electronic music scenes have recently gained a foothold across the region. The rise in popularity is mainly due to the increase in multi-day music festivals such as Uganda’s Nyege Nyege, Kenya’s Gondwana, and South Africa’s Oppikoppi music festivals. And as artists like Black Coffee, Themba, and AMEME continue to tighten their grasp on dance floors across the planet, Afrohouse is firmly establishing itself as a worldwide dance music phenomenon.




The scene has turned many underground artists into regional touchstones for house heads. Many of these house artists lean heavily into traditional African sounds blended with electronic beats that are becoming hard to ignore. Here are 10 Afrohouse acts you simply have to know.




Black Coffee

Born Nkosinathi Innocent Sizwe Maphumulo, Black Coffee is a Grammy award-winning South African DJ, record producer, and songwriter. He’s built his career gradually over nearly two decades, riding the growing global interest in his home country’s burgeoning dance music scene and eventually becoming arguably the biggest DJ in Africa.


Black Coffee isn’t very demonstrative behind the decks. Instead, he maintains a cool demeanor while the entire dance floor goes nuts. With chart-topping albums such as Have Another One (2007), Home Brewed (2009), Africa Rising (2012), Pieces of Me (2015), and Subconsciously (2021), Black Coffee has been a fixture of the global electronic scene flying flags for both house music and the vibrant electronic scene of his native South Africa.




Follow Black Coffee on Instagram | Twitter







Sun El Musician

Sanele Sithole, also known as Sun-El Musician, is a South African Producer known and loved for his ‘golden ears’ in producing phenomenal dance music. Sun-El’s reputation was shaped by years of working with key producers like Demor Sikhosana, who helped get him started in the industry and producing tracks for the likes of Thiwe, Zakes Bantwini, and Shota.




The self-taught Sun-El has put all he’s learned into a label of his own, El World Music, which counts Simmy and S-Tone, who both appeared on his debut album Africa to the World, among its roster. With several hits under his belt and projects with well-regarded talents such as Samthing Soweto and Ami Faku, Sun El Musician has more than proven his worth as an artist and continues to be a pillar of African dance music.




Follow Sun El Musician on Instagram | Twitter




SURAJ

Kenyan-born DJ, Music Producer & Sound Engineer SURAJ creates contemporary electronic music infused with traditional African, cultural and musical elements. After making his debut in Nairobi, SURAJ has emerged as a dynamic and trailblazing DJ/producer in East Africa. Since then, he has set his sights on becoming a beacon in Africa’s burgeoning electronic music scene.




SURAJ simply doesn’t miss when it comes to carefully curating a sonic experience that compliments his surroundings. He is at the forefront of Kenya’s electronic music movement as the co-founder of Afro-house label Gondwana, which has grown to be a permanent fixture in Kenya’s electronic music scene.




Follow SURAJ on Instagram | Twitter







Prince Kaybee

South Africa’s Kabelo Motsamai, widely known as Prince Kaybee, is a household name in the African dance music scene. Spurred on by the phenomenal success of “Charlotte,” his hit single featuring Lady Zamar, the dance music star has been well on his way to taking on the world.




Prince Kaybee’s sound is almost like a genre on its own. Experiencing great production coupled with the authentic instruments, but there’s something more. Prince Kaybee is acknowledged for his top-notch mixing and electric shows, performing on some of the most prestigious stages in the world, propelling him into a unique league of dance stars.




Follow Prince Kaybee on Instagram | Twitter




Msaki

Asanda Lusaseni Mvana, known as Msaki, is a keystone in the African dance scene. She does not just write songs. She breathes life into them. The East London-born musician, composer, producer, and curator has carved a lane of her own making as she is the ethereal voice heard on multiple Afrohouse hits.




Msaki released her EP Nalithemba on her label Oneshushuday Artistry in 2013, her debut album Zaneliza (2016) and Platinumb Heart Beating (2021). Some of her collaborations include songs with Black Coffee, Black Motion, Mobi Dixon, Kid X, Revolution, and her song with Prince Kaybee, “Fetch your Life.”




Follow Msaki on Instagram | Twitter




Black Motion


The Johannesburg-based dance duo, Black Motion, composed of DJ/producer Robert Mahosana and percussionist Thabo Mabogwane, are always ready to bring the noise. Their sound is defined by lively traditional percussive elements blended with house music and multilingual vocals. Their interesting dynamic, and incredibly entertaining live shows leave crowds in awe.




The timeless sounds of Black Motion are ethereal, and the infusion of indigenous instruments certainly makes for a great listening experience. They have graced stages all over South Africa and Europe and are a distinct force to be reckoned with in this genre.




Follow Black Motion on Instagram | Twitter




Simmy

South African singer-songwriter Simphiwe Nhlangulela better known as Simmy, continues to carve out a distinctive position in the dance music scene. Simmy is part of the new generation taking the reins of African music, reminding us of the colorful and nostalgic pathways of African history.




Her sound is fueled by her deep rich, beautiful vocals and uplifting instrumentation. Under EL World Music, Simmy releases heavy hitters that touch on contemporary issues and more personal narratives speaking to life and love in the digital age.




Follow Simmy on Instagram | Twitter







Zakes Bantwini

Zakes Bantwini, affectionately known as the King of Dance, is noted for his electrifying presence on stage. Zakes is able to integrate respective cultures and musical backgrounds with their love for electronic music as a versatile singer, producer, and songwriter with a knack for a fusion of sound that employs music from different dance genres.




The South African producer is responsible for hits like “Osama,” which became one of the biggest 2021 dance anthems. This track and many others on his catalog serve as an aural embodiment of Zakes’ vibrant sound, with upbeat tempos laced with melodic percussions.


Follow Zakes Bantwini on Instagram | Twitter










Lemon & Herb

Childhood friends Skhumbuzo Radebe and Don Sithole from Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, form the music production duo Lemon & Herb.




The duo is famous for their distinctly South African rhythms fused with futuristic melodies packaged as warm tunes filled with meaningful messages that can be rocked on the drive home or in the club. Their ability to bring together futuristic melodies with world club appeal puts them front and center of the current African charge.




Follow Lemon & Herb on Instagram | Twitter




Caiiro

African Tribal rhythms layered onto satisfyingly haunting beats and an energetic tempo are the aesthetic of South African producer Patrick Dumisani Mahlangu better known as Caiiro.




In 2016, Caiiro released his debut album First Impressions, launching his musical journey to the global scene. His international music career has grown rapidly over the years, which has him touring Africa, Europe, and North America. Following in the footsteps of internationally acclaimed DJ Black Coffee, Caiiro aims to create and export music that will live on forever.




Follow Caiiro on Instagram | Twitter















10 Afro House Artists You Should Know

It's mid-May, and more people are arriving on the island to enjoy arguably the most exciting season in recent memory. The energy is palpable, and you can't help but have a great time with so many different options to choose from. Gray Area makes it easier to make plans with our weekly digest of the best Ibiza parties, beaches, and activities.


Pacha has been an Ibiza institution since it first opened in 1973, keeping its distinctive and authentic casa payesa (country house in English) style and curating an avalanche of massive DJs and party brands. It is one of the most iconic clubs on the island and has evolved with Ibiza and its nightlife scene. This week, the Cherries club is hosting a few opening parties.






Thursday, May 12: Pure Pacha opening party with Robin Schulz




Open spirit, freedom, and fun go hand in hand with one of the oldest parties on the island. The German DJ and producer Robin Schulz will lead the opening party with his singular music style that combines house and pop.




Get tickets for Robin Schulz at Pure Pacha opening


Follow Robin Schulz on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud











Friday, May 13: Music On Opening Party

Ten years have passed since Marco Carola's party arrived on the island. Music On is one of the most successful parties in Ibiza and was previously at Amnesia, where it stayed for seven years. In 2019, Marco moved his brand to Pacha. Visit the legendary venue on Friday, May 13, for the best underground and techno sounds from Carola and friends.




Tickets available for Music On opening party


Follow Music On on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud












Saturday, May 14: The Masquerade by Claptone 

The mysterious DJ Claptone brings his genuine old-school house and dance music on Saturdays to Pacha for the second season, beginning on May 14.


There's so much to discover from the man behind the golden mask at The Masquerade, an event featuring otherworldly dancers, performers, confetti cannons, and more!


Buy tickets for The Masquerade by Claptone


Follow Claptone on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud












After Space closed in 2016, a new club was born. Hï Ibiza opened a new era in Ibiza, refurbishing the building that dates back to 1986 and shortly became one of the leading clubs in the world.












Saturday, May 14: Black Coffee Opening Party

Hï Ibiza's first-ever resident was Black Coffee. It was also the South African DJs first booking on the island. This successful collaboration remains true to Saturday nights, and doors will open this season on Saturday, May 14, for 20 weeks.




Get tickets for Black Coffee opening at Hï


Follow Black Coffee on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

















On top of these parties, one of the most entertaining cultural events of the year starts Thursday, May 12, the Ibiza Medieval Festival. After a two-year hiatus, Ibiza's old town travels back in time to celebrate its cultural heritage.




This exclusive event takes place in Dalt Vila (upper town in English) until Sunday, May 15, transforming the city into a vast open-air street theatre. Inside the most well-conserved acropolis in the Mediterranean (named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999), all kinds of characters such as witches, jesters, knights, princesses, princes, warriors, wizards, dragons, and diverse handcraft artists fill all corners with the sounds, tastes, and aromas of the Middle Ages.









This unique fair is reminiscent of an era in which a multicultural population lived in peace and harmony on the island. It features a wide array of daily events and activities and live music—an essential attraction for all ages. Get lost amongst the labyrinth of market stalls and antique treasures, chocolate and jewel makers, and savor typical food and drinks while enjoying live performances.




This is the best way to discover the multicultural patchwork of Ibiza and its roots.












If you fancy a swim without leaving the city, visit Figueretas Beach, located just 15 minutes away from the center. This popular beach consists of a pedestrian walkway with easy access and is one of the best equipped in the area, with a wide range of shops, bars, and restaurants to enjoy. We suggest you sit on Oli Beach's terrace to taste delicious Spanish tapas and sangria.




















Robin Schulz, Marco Carola, Black Coffee & Claptone

Black Coffee Opening

Spain

Hï Ibiza

Having a residency at a club in Ibiza is something that most DJs only dream of. But, as we all know, dreams can come true and GRAMMY-nominated producer, and DJ Black Coffee realized his in 2017 when he secured his spot in the weekly lineup of events in Hï’s inaugural year.




In 2022, Black Coffee’s opening party takes place on Saturday, May 14th, and the residency lasts the length of the summer, finishing on October 1st. You can expect immersive visuals, Afro house, sultry techno beats, and a crowd under the complete control of the maestro himself - ready to go on any journey he’s willing to lead.






“Summer is always a special time of year because my residency at Hï Ibiza really allows me to explore every aspect of my sound," Black Coffee says. "It is going to be amazing to get back to the island and play music at a venue so close to my heart, with a crowd who really let me go really deep into the music I love. The countdown is on!” 




He first came onto the scene in 2003, when he was one of two South African participants in the Red Bull Music Academy. In 2005, he released his self-titled debut album, a true jumping point for his career. Since then, he’s been on a remarkable journey, gracing some of the biggest festival stages in the world. Black Coffee consistently lays down some of the freshest house and techno. Saturday nights are going to be a belter in Playa d’en Bossa!






Formerly known as Space, Hï Ibiza burst on the scene in 2017 after a serious round of renovations to bring the club into the 21st century. In its relatively short history, Hï Ibiza has already managed to bag a bunch of awards and was voted one of the best nightclubs in the world by DJ Mag. Incredible electronic music talent mixed with cutting-edge technology and a pumping sound system—music lovers worldwide flock to Hï by way of a summer pilgrimage each year.




Hï Ibiza has two main parts. The biggest room is The Theatre (where Black Coffee will be holding court). And then there’s The Club, a smaller room with sound that seriously packs a punch! 



For the opening party and throughout Black Coffee’s summer residency, creator of Crosstown Rebels Damian Lazarus will be taking control of The Club. The Day Zero festival founder is a true master when it comes to reading a room and elevating an audience. You won’t want to miss out on hearing his opening set of the summer.











Desert festivals might be some of the hardest to come by, and not just because those barren spaces are few and far between. Raving in 100-degree weather is just something that most people wouldn’t dream of, and it might seem even more improbable in such a remote location. So, why do ravers take to these arid sandscapes to dwell in the desert for days on end?

Despite the unforgiving environment, desert landscapes make for some of the best festivals in the world. Often without any towns or cities within earshot for miles, the lack of noise licenses allows for larger than average sound systems with no time constraints. Deserts also provide a completely blank slate meaning they can play host to any kind of creativity or blueprint, whether stages, art installations, or campsites. After dark, once the heat settles over the planes or dunes, it’s high time to let loose, and party as the dry daytime air subsides, creating the perfect starlit setting for any eager raver.

So, with that, let’s dig into some of the best desert festivals across the globe - and no, it’s not just Burning Man!




Monegros Desert Festival, Spain



We’re kicking off this list in Europe - an unusual spot considering the continent’s vast greenery. In the dusty region of Aragon, Northern Spain, a growing community sets up shop in the Monegros Desert, where the eponymous festival takes place. By day, festival-goers take shade under enormous fairytale-esque mushrooms, later lit up by trance-inducing lights transforming the space into a psychedelic oasis. Monegros Desert Festival is known for its prodigious lineup too. Promising one of the most exciting performances of the year as Wu-Tang Clan take to the stage in July 2022, accompanied by a slew of DJs including Adam Beyer, Charlotte De Witte, Seth Troxler, Maceo Plex, and more. This year’s event falls on July 30 for a full-frontal 24 hours.

Website | Instagram | Tickets







Transahara, Morocco



Over in the Sahara Desert, early summertime event Transahara kicks off this year on May 13th-17th deep in the barren zone amongst the “mythical dunes of Merzouga.” With a traditionally psytrance lineup, this South Moroccan festival is a great escape for fans of higher-tempo tunes. Yet, previous lineups have included house and techno artists whose soundscapes fit for the mystical desert environment like John Aquaviva, Nitin, Matt Caines, and D-Nox. Due to the fragility of the ecosystem surrounding the venue, the festival is capped at 1500 and accommodations in one of five hotels and camps nearby. Accommodations are quite reasonable ranging from $30-80 a night. Transahara beautifully fuses art, music, and culture for a grand celebration under the starlit sky every spring. 

Website | Instagram | Tickets




Burning Man, Nevada

Photo Credit: Michael Holden



Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without Burning Man. It might be the first one that comes to mind when you think of desert-based festivals, but many don’t know the full ins and outs of this unusual event. As thousands of people - 80,000 to be exact - make the pilgrimage each year to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, festivalgoers land in the barren metropolis of Black Rock City surrounded by art installations, burning structures, adventurous outfits, and a heck of a lot of bicycles. Black Rock City doesn't have traditional stages, the music is instead hosted by sound camps that each add their own artistic aesthetic to the dusty environment. Soundcamps like the fire-laden Opulent Temple, Debouchaerous day party Distrikt, and Carl Cox led Playground have hosted some of the biggest names in house and techno, including Carl Cox, The Martinez Brothers, and Joseph Capriati.

Website | Instagram | Tickets




Ragasthan, India

Previously dubbed ‘India’s craziest music festival’, Ragasthan has a lot to live up to - and it does. The three-day camping event takes place in the medieval trading town-turned-desert of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, just off the border of Pakistan. Boasting a lineup of both electronic and indie music, India’s top-tier festival also includes cinema screenings and fly-by art on top of late-night DJ sets from the likes of Christ Burstein, Bemet, and more amongst the mystical landscape. Ragasthan takes place each year in February to ease away those winter blues.

Website | Instagram | Tickets




AfrikaBurn, South Africa



Burning Man's sibling festivals are called regional burns. Founded on the same 10 Principles of Burning Man (Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Decommodification, Radical Self-reliance, Radical Self-expression, Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Leaving No Trace, Participation, and Immediacy) they give the worldwide community a chance to relish in its spirit closer to home.

Afrikaburn is the second largest regional event after its sibling festival Midburn in Israel. And it's a worthy contender. Originally taking place on Stonehenge farm, AfrikaBurn later moved to South Africa’s Quaggafontein, where it sets up a similar event with the same ethos as Burning Man. The experiencial festival is said to be a ‘playground without politic’ bringing together the South African Burner community. This year’s event kicks off in the Western Cape province on April 25th until May 1st.

Website | Instagram | Tickets




Desert Daze, California



California’s Desert Daze Festival has consistently had one of the better lineups over the past few years in the arid, mountainous destination of Lake Perris. Though more a beach than a desert festival, this dry setting has previously hosted the likes of Floating Points, Boards of Canada, Flying Lotus, plus a few pop, rap, and rock numbers. Desert Daze takes place annually toward the end of the year to avoid peak summertime heat, but with a lake just metres away, there’s always room for a quick dip. Expect some more magic in the desert this year from September 30th until October 2nd.


Website | Instagram | Tickets




Sandbox, Egypt



Sandbox is a once-in-a-lifetime event taking place mid-summer. As the sun hangs low over the Gouna Red Sea next to Egypt’s El Gouna desert, almighty lineups including Folamour, Palms Trax, Mella Dee, Sweely, and more play to intimate crowds. The desert plane hosting Sandbox sits next to the turquoise waters of the red sea, making it the perfect respite for anyone seeking some time away from the unforgiving heat. This year’s dates are currently unconfirmed, although you can bank on a glorious weekend somewhere in mid June.

Website | Instagram

Day Zero, Israel



Finishing off our selection is Israel's Day Zero festival hosted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada, not to be confused with the festival’s second event held in the jungle of Tulum. As termed by the festival itself, Day Zero is ‘a convergence of mysticism, music, natural wonder and apocalyptic sentiment’, set amongst the scenic desert space in the heart of Israel. Here, you can find a bill of impressive house and techno artists from all over the globe with previous residents including DJ Tennis, Black Coffee, Four Tet, and Dennis Cruz amongst others. Day Zero celebrates 10 years this year kicking off on September 23rd, 2022.

Website | Instagram | Tickets



Desert Festivals to Visit Around The World

Grammy-nominated South African DJ and producer Black Coffee (aka Nkosinathi Maphumulo) has been named Executive Music Producer for a project directed by Hicham Hajji of the film Redemption Day. The upcoming feature film called God is a DJ. It focuses on two up-and-coming minority DJs in the electronic music space.

The movie follows a Jewish man and Moroccan imam who begin a partnership as a DJ duo. As they gain recognition within their local communities, the story details the tribulations of collaboration as a musical duo, how they learn to trust each other despite their cultural differences, and the trials of taking a musical act on the circuit.   



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With this film, producer Hajji stated that he "aims to bring this nice music to the world through the minorities that understand it."  

This is the second feature film project Black Coffee is helming the music for, after the 2017 film 2017's Wizard. And with the nuanced understanding he holds for the story of a POC navigating the music industry, he will undoubtedly impact the movie in the best of ways. 

The film is in the pre-production phase, with the release date still unknown.





Correction (1/5/22): A previous version of this story reported Black Coffee as the Executive Producer of the film. It has been updated to reflect his role as Executive Music Producer.

Black Coffee is Producing Music for a Film Directed by Hicham Hajji 


Gray Area makes another step in its mission to “unify and strengthen the House Music community around the world,” today by partnering with Spotify for an official editorial playlist on the streaming platform. Gray Area Guest List launched with over five hours of house and techno from the forward-thinking and creative voices that are defining the myriad sounds of underground dance. 



Spotify’s Guest List playlists allow noted brands and artists to take over an official editorial playlist curating it from top to bottom precisely to match that brand’s unique footprint. And the Gray Area list is lovingly selected to reflect the future of dance music.



Included are songs from Gray Area Spotlight featured artists QRTR, LP Giobbi, Vintage Culture, and Will Clarke. Alongside bonafide legends like Ricardo Villalobos, Miss Kittin, Maya Jane Coles, Anja Schneider, Guy Gerber, Steve Bug, The Martinez Brothers, Joseph Capriati, Jamie Jones, Louie Vega, Pig & Dan, Royksopp, and Maceo Plex. 2022 GRAMMY Award nominee Black Coffee, Repopulate Mars boss Lee Foss, Drumcode front-man Adam Beyer, and Godfather of House Frankie Knuckles are also featured.


The Gray Area Guest List is a great way to get familiar with the sweeping sonic footprint of house and techno. Too often, we get stuck in our own lane, and the beauty of dance music is that it encompasses an array of shifting moods and aural textures. So take yourself on a journey through the expanse of underground dance music, turn up the volume and Let There Be More House Music.




Gray Area Takes Over Spotify's Official Guest List Playlist

We’re just days away from Miami’s infamous iii Points Festival. Since its debut in 2013, it’s won praise for its musical diversity, cultural art collaborations, and eye-popping art installations. iii Points offers a wide range of musical acts from hip-hop, pop, mainstream/ rock, and dance. Here are picks for the top house and techno artists to catch while you're in Miami.







Jamie xx

A forward-thinking beatmaker and producer helped shape the sound of the late 2000s and beyond with his English indie group the xx. As a solo artist, he tempered the restraint of his other work with his reverence for dance music's power to move bodies and hearts. His artful blend of kinetic and atmospheric is equally innovative and evocative.




Nicola Cruz

Latin American DJ and producer has always been captivating. His creative process involves a careful curation of life, nature, and sound to form a unique vibey rhythm that speaks to his roots. Intertwining the siku into his melodies, a wind instrument of Andean origin, is highly symbolic in ancestral rituals. Cruz continues to expand his vision towards new stories and other cultures as sources of inspiration. 







Black Coffee 

The South African DJ and producer built his career gradually over nearly two decades crafting a unique jungle house signature sound inspired by his cultural heritage and a love of house music. On the decks, he’s a perfectionist and delivers a euphoric performance each time he steps on stage. In 2010, he attained the Guinness World Record for longest-ever DJ set with a non-stop 60-hour set. As a producer, he’s collaborated with a wide range of artists including Usher, Diplo, Elderbrook, and David Guetta. He’s led the charge for an influx of talented artists from Africa and is arguably the continent's largest dance music export.










Peggy Gou

Hailing from South Korea, DJ and producer one of the leading ladies in house and techno. Gou became internationally renowned for her energetic sets and acclaimed tracks such as “It Makes You Forget (Itgehane),” “Starry Nigh”, and “I Go.” Her vibrant, joyous productions echo vintage deep house and post-disco without sounding like throwbacks.




Maceo Plex

A legend in the techno scene, Eric Estornel has produced and performed under numerous aliases like Maetrik and Mariel Ito. It’s under his Maceo Plex moniker that he is most well known for. The Miami-based DJ and producer played at countless iconic festivals and released a slew of records, singles, projects, and is the owner of Ellum Audio. His sound is dramatic and elegant, an aesthetic you can hear on the ambitious “Solar,” named after his son. He’s adept at mixing dark, more sci-fi-influenced tones with moving melodies. A true master of the craft who always performs with quality.




Patrick Topping

Hailing from England, the savvy DJ and producer has contributed a constant flow of positivity to the music scene he loves so dearly. He’s known for vibrant tech-house tracks such as “Be Sharp Say Nowt,” “Forget,” “Rocket Fuel,” and the infamous collab with Green Velvet “Voicemail.” Equally talented as a DJ, Patrick has attained international status as a headline act. His illustrious discography, blossoming label TRICK, and affiliation with party brands such as elrow prove he is at the top of his game. As he continues to inject his energy into refining his craft and building his crew of talented acts, Patrick is entering a new level of artistry.




Cristoph 

Inspired by the progressive sounds of musical legends like Sasha and Digweed, Christoph has developed his take on melodic house that’s as emotional as it is dance floor ready. He mastered his craft on vinyl and then developed a sound that gained the notice of Eric Prydz. In the last few years tracks like “Sleepless Nights,” “Out of Reach,” and “Breathe” with Camelphat have catapulted him to the top of the charts. He continues to release more music along with his radio show Consequence of Society. 




Michael Bibi

A certified icon of the underground scene, the English producer has crafted countless killer tracks. His raw passion for music began at a young age. Bibi has carved out and established a distinct signature sound translating into support from some of the industry’s biggest names. He’s also got a signature haircut that’s often imitated, but never quite duplicated. Bibi's unique production style and off-the-wall vocals are the keys to his success. 




Fjaak 

The German duo is known for their driving, energetic tracks ranging from house to storming warehouse techno. They are also known to toss in an occasional U.K. garage, dub, or breakbeat hardcore tune for good measure. The weed-loving duo consists of Felix Wagner and Aaron Röbig, who commonly perform in dark dungeonous settings, so iii Points will be a unique opportunity to experience a slice of rave in the sunshine. Filled with grit and sensuality, their tracks are all composed entirely on analog equipment. 







Danny Daze 

The Miami native is known for mixing classic electro, Detroit techno, and funk with glistening 80s-90s vibes. Daniel Gomez makes raw and authentic tracks supported by many of the other pristine techno artists who will also be playing at the festival. His radical approach to preserving music’s integrity while breaking its boundaries may seem volatile, but it’s not random. 






Black Coffee

Kristina Kay Robinson

Lauryn Njeri

Pilar Lopez

Tiffany Bennett

Sam Morges

Alicia Baron

Alexander Dias

Meagen Surowiecki