Vusumuzi Dube
Sandisiwe Gumbo, Sunday Life Reporter
IN February 2022, a group of passionate deep house music producers and DJs embarked on a mission to bring the vibrant genre to the forefront of the music scene in Bulawayo.
Frustrated by the lack of pro house music events in the area, the team, consisting of Farai Haddon Hove, Mduduzi Ngoma, Bongani Dube, and Mqondisi Sibanda, came together to create “Something Strange”, an extraordinary group aimed at providing a self-rewarding experience for lovers of Deephouse.
The team was later joined by Thando Nkomo(Nkoks) and Nkosilobulelo Nyathi(Trickstar MusiQ) in November the same year. Unlike other events that often feature mixed genres, Something Strange focuses solely on the Deephouse genre.
“The idea behind Something Strange came from our own experiences as deep house producers and DJs. We realized that there was a need for genre-specific events that catered to the unique preferences of Deephouse enthusiasts,” explained Mduduzi Ngoma, also known as Mdusevan.
Since its creation, Something Strange has gained recognition in the local music scene.
The group has successfully promoted a number of organisations, including Marvel House, Winya and Inspirations Media. Their efforts have reached international borders as well, collaborating with artists such as Oscar Mbo from South Africa and Melo T from Canada. In addition to hosting events, Something Strange is committed to providing educational opportunities for artists and improving the overall music industry standards.
“We believe in mimicking international standards when it comes to stage setup and equipment used. By working with contracts and following a standard booking process, we aim to open the eyes of local artists to how things are done worldwide. The uniqueness of Something Strange lies in its mysterious approach to events.
From intriguing posters to extraordinary concepts, such as the event we held in Bulawayo’s Queens pool area in March, the organization prides itself on being a genre-specific grouping, DJ stable, and events coordination platform. They endorse house events, sponsor artists, and even provide standard DJ equipment for hire.
Our ultimate goal is to export local talent, especially young DJs, to international markets. We are putting in the work and building a profile to join the international festival circuit by 2024-25,” expressed Thando Nkomo, known by his stage name Nkoks.
Beyond their dedication to the music industry, Something Strange also engages in various community initiatives. They run a cancer awareness programme, support anti-drug abuse programes, and empower the girls’ child in the arts through DJing programmes.
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