Online Reporter
Gift Moyo
ZIMBABWE’S Afro House scene is set to get a major international showcase with the launch of Inner Visions, a compilation bringing together 16 artistes from across the genre.
The project, scheduled for release in November through South African House music label Mansa Musa, features a mix of established and emerging Zimbabwean talent.
It was initiated and curated by South Africa-based Zimbabwean Afro House DJ and producer Dr Feel, who said the project was aimed at showcasing the depth and diversity of the country’s growing Afro House movement.
Among the artistes featured are DJ Stavo, Nitefreak, Dr Chaii, Ryan Synth, MIčI, Reverb, TAPIWA, Simbai, Tashinga, Shona (SA), PA NGU, Afro Wav, Takue SBT, Josh Major, Daphfinee and Taarof Adder.
Unlike compilations built around a single sound or generation, Inner Visions brings together different interpretations of Afro House from artistes working across the genre.
Dr Feel said the project was inspired by the idea of artists looking inward and drawing from their personal identities, memories and experiences.
“Inner Visions is about looking inward before you look outward. This is Zimbabwean Afro House, told by the people making it right now, for anyone in the world who wants to listen,” he said.
He said the compilation would also help document the work of a generation of Zimbabwean producers, DJs and artistes whose music is increasingly finding space in the wider African and international Afro House scene.
“Inner Visions is bigger than any one of us. It’s a record of where Zimbabwean Afro House stands right now, made by the people building it. With this project, I want the world to hear Zimbabwe the way I hear it,” Dr Feel said.
Dr Feel, who has built a career spanning Afro House and Tech House, has released several tracks and albums, including Made in Africa and Indalo.
His music has featured on international Afro House labels and platforms including Defected, Sondela, Deep Root Tribe, Nervous and Aluku.
He has also received support from internationally recognised artistes such as Black Coffee, Keinemusik, Shimza, Themba and Djeff.
Dr Feel said Inner Visions was expected to form part of a broader effort to expose Zimbabwean Afro House artistes to audiences beyond the country.
