In the dynamic realm of African house music, a wave of female artists is not only making their mark but also redefining the genre. From Nigeria to South Africa and beyond, these women are blending traditional sounds with modern beats, creating a unique and powerful musical landscape. This article delves into the journeys and contributions of some of the most influential figures in the Queen African house music scene.
'This Is Amapiano' (Documentary) : DIRECTOR'S CUT BBC Africa
Niniola: The Nigerian Afro-House Queen
Niniola Apata, known professionally as Niniola, embarked on her musical journey as a balladeer. Her performance of "Itura" on Project Fame West Africa in 2013 showcased her inimitable voice and songwriting talent. Niniola's decision to embrace house music and infuse it with Ekiti Yoruba and Nigerian-English elements has set her apart in the Nigerian pop scene.
Niniola's debut single, "Ibadi," was a dance-floor-ready track that blended percussion with her unique vocal lines in English and Yoruba. She continued to refine her sound on subsequent singles like "Maradona" and "Sicker," both featured on her 2017 debut album, "This Is Me".
Speaking from Lagos, Niniola emphasizes that songwriting comes naturally to her, though she remains open to collaborating with other writers. All 13 songs on "This Is Me" were penned by her, demonstrating her impressive creative range.
Her collaboration with Sarz, a renowned beatmaker, has been particularly fruitful. Niniola describes their partnership as a "perfect match," noting Sarz's understanding of her vision and his exceptional creativity. "Maradona," produced by Sarz, stands out as one of the most elegant afro-pop beats of the year. Niniola recalls that the song came together quickly during a studio session where she expressed her desire for a "mad single."
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Niniola's music has garnered international attention, with "Maradona" becoming a hit in South Africa. She explains, "In Nigeria, I can't actually mention one artiste that does house. Outside Nigeria, I am so feeling the South Africans, and the way they have accepted my sound." She also acknowledges the influence of South African artists like Heavy-K and Bucie on her musical style.
Beyoncé’s 2019 album *The Gift*, a companion to her soundtrack to *The Lion King*, finds sturdy footing on its fourth track. Her latest release, “Fantasy,” came out on Thursday; it’s a wiry collaboration with the Nigerian luminary Femi Kuti driven by pinprick guitar, jolts of brass, and pattering hand-drums. It’s a long way from where she started.
Sha Sha: The Queen of Amapiano
Sha Sha, born Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, has been crowned the queen of Amapiano. This vibrant genre, originating from the townships of Gauteng, South Africa, has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. Sha Sha's unique voice and soulful delivery have made her a standout figure in the Amapiano scene.
Sha Sha walks me through the secret blend to the perfect amapiano recipe: “The main thing is the keys. Then there’s the lock drum and jazz element. Then, we add onto the sauce with some soulful vocals and nice chords. The fact that it’s dancey carries the whole thing together.
Her journey to success wasn't without its challenges. Initially working in the background, Sha Sha's voice became recognized through collaborations with prominent artists. Her first EP, "Blossom," marked her emergence from the shadows, symbolizing her growth and evolution as an artist.
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In 2017, a chance encounter with a taxi driver connected her to DJ Maphorisa, who introduced her to Kabza de Small. This collaboration led to the creation of "Akulaleki," a track that embodies the energetic spirit of Amapiano.
Sha Sha describes amapiano as more than just music; it's a lifestyle and a culture. She highlights the genre's fusionist nature, blending deep house, Afro-house, and lounge music with soulful vocals and danceable rhythms. Amapiano's roots in resistance and inter-ethnic pride resonate deeply within Black communities.
The Amapiano Recipe
The perfect amapiano recipe:
- The keys
- Lock drum
- Jazz element
- Soulful vocals
- Nice chords
DBN GOGO: Pioneering Female Producer in Amapiano
DBN GOGO is setting the pace as one of the only female producers in South Africa’s Amapiano scene. She is well known for her flawless presence in studio and on stage, DBN GOGO has made her name from performing at Afropunk to Tshwanefontein and ULTRA. Her debut album 'Thokoza Café', created in tandem with DJ and producer Dinho, features some heavy hitting basslines with carefully crafted tracks (one of which is the first ever Francophone amapiano track, 'French Kiss') with a spirited live set dubbed GlassOff that keeps everyone thoroughly entertained.
“Men just tend to give us the same thing over and over. And even when you go see them at a show, it's not something exciting... They all look the same; they're dressed the same, they're not doing anything new. You know, half the guys aren't even having fun while they're DJing. They're not even smiling! And it's just like... women have come into such a nice place in this industry to be able to not only show their talents, but express themselves as artists. We can go so much further than just DJing. Our whole aesthetic can play into it. We look more interesting. We sound more interesting. Our ideas are more interesting.
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Other Trailblazers in African House Music
Several other women are also making significant contributions to the African house music scene:
- Alba Nalo (Namibia): Championing her sound since 2012, Alba Nalo co-founded Afroberries, a platform empowering women in the music industry.
- Sio (South Africa): Transitioning from a featuring artist to a solo artist, Sio uses her music to address social issues and express her creative freedom.
- Lizwi (South Africa): Known as the Zulu “Queen of Tribal House,” Lizwi's captivating vocals have made her a global favorite in dance music circles.
- Labdi Ommes (Kenya): As one half of electro-duo Unganisha, Labdi Ommes adds her powerful Swahili vocals to dance tracks and challenges traditional gender roles in music.
- Toya Delazy (South Africa): Embracing her identity as a queer woman, Toya Delazy blends South African and UK culture in her unique "AfroRave" sound.
- Hibotep (Somalia/Uganda): Based in Uganda, Hibotep collaborates with artists like Titoffee to create love-laden tracks that celebrate African self and sound.
- Ms Selfie (Zambia): Spearheading groundbreaking work in Zambia's house scene, Ms Selfie is one of the few women embracing dance culture in the region.
- Thandi Draai (South Africa): A vocalist, producer, and DJ, Thandi Draai brings a refined ear to every aspect of the music she creates.
These women are not only creating incredible music but also challenging societal norms and empowering future generations of female artists. Their contributions are shaping the future of African house music and paving the way for greater inclusivity and diversity in the industry.
