Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
AFRO HOUSE producer and wheelspinner DJ Josh Major (born Joshua Kudzaishe Murwira) is stepping into a new chapter of his artistic journey following his inclusion in Inner Visions, a collaborative compilation bringing together 16 DJs, artistes and producers from Zimbabwe’s Afro House community.
Curated by Dr Feel, the project features artistes including DJ Stavo, Dr Chaii, Nitefreak, Ryansyth, MIčI, Reverb, TAPIWA, Simbai, Tashinga, Shona (SA), PA NGU, Afro Wav, Takue SBT,
Daphfinee and Taarof Adder, alongside Josh Major.
DJ Josh Major contributes “Kumba” to the project, bringing his Zimbabwean-inspired production style to a collective musical vision centred on collaboration, cultural identity and expanding the reach of Zimbabwean Afro House beyond the country’s borders.
DJ Josh Major said the initiative has allowed him to work alongside fellow artistes and contribute to a shared creative direction.
Full sparticipate in a project that highlights the evolving sound of Zimbabwe’s electronic music community.
It is important to me because it’s really beautiful to see us uniting to push one vision, which is pushing our Zimbabwean Afro House beyond borders.
“I have spent over a decade developing my craft as a self-taught producer and DJ. My musical journey began in Bulawayo, where early exposure to house music and experimentation with a family computer helped shape my interest in music production,” said DJ Josh Major.
He said he draws inspiration from artistes and producers including Black Coffee, DJ Kent, Euphonik and Julian Gomes.
“I have developed a sound that combines melodic creativity, intricate percussion and Zimbabwean musical influences. My production approach reflects an ongoing exploration of the relationship between my musical roots and the broader Afro House landscape.
“My catalogue includes ‘Mweya,’ with DJ Stavo and Bryan K and ‘Abalele,’ with MJ Sings and GhostZWE. I have also released ‘Makhokhoba to Mbare,’ ‘Parinobuda Zuva,’ and the Our Roots project through Lagera Records,” he said.
DJ Josh Major said “Kumba” represents another step in his creative development.
“The title, meaning ‘home’ in Shona, carries a connection to my Zimbabwean roots and my interest in creating music that reflects my origins while engaging with international audiences.
“Alongside my studio work, I have continued developing my profile as a performing DJ. My experience includes appearances at Garden of House Festival in Bulawayo and Roots in Harare, as well as performances at Alliance Française, Emagumeni, Smoke House, Moto Republik, Afro Politan, Box Park, and Kings Kraal. I have also shared a stage with Nitefreak and Samuel Cosmic at Roots in Harare. My appearance at Garden of House Festival marked an important milestone as my first experience performing on a major stage,” said DJ Josh Major.
DJ Josh Major said his music has also received exposure through radio and music platforms in countries including Ethiopia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
“As I continue to develop my career, I am pursuing new collaborations, international performances and opportunities to connect with audiences across Africa and beyond. My ambitions include reaching markets such as South Africa, Kenya, France and Ibiza. My upcoming projects include collaborations with South African Afro House vocalist Ayah Tlhanyane and Nigerian vocalist EL-
JAY, alongside further music in development. I have also set a personal ambition of reaching one million monthly listeners across digital streaming platforms.
“With my contribution to Inner Visions, I continue to build through collaboration and production while contributing to a broader platform for Zimbabwean Afro House talent,” said DJ Josh Major.
—@mthabisi_mthire
