Zimbabwean Afro House artists are coming together on a new compilation that seeks to showcase the country’s electronic music talent to audiences beyond its borders.
The project, Inner Visions, brings together nearly 16 DJs, producers and artists, including Nitefreak, DJ Stavo, Dr Chaii, Ryan Synth, MIčI, Reverb, TAPIWA, Simbai, Tashinga, Shona (SA), PA NGU, Afro Wav, Takue SBT, Josh Major, Daphfinee and Taarof Adder.
The compilation was initiated and curated by South Africa-based Zimbabwean DJ and producer Dr Feel, who says the project is about creating a space where Zimbabwean artists can celebrate their shared musical identity while reaching new audiences.
“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,” Dr Feel said.
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Rather than focusing on a single artist, Inner Visions brings together established and emerging names from Zimbabwe’s Afro House scene, offering a snapshot of the different sounds and approaches developing within the genre.
For Dr Feel, the project is also an opportunity to show what can happen when artists work together rather than pursuing international audiences individually.
“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. I wanted the world to hear Zimbabwe the way I hear it,” he said.
Dr Feel has built an international career in Afro House and Tech House, with more than 200 singles and more than 10 EPs, as well as the albums Made in Africa and Indalo.
His music has featured on labels including Defected, Sondela, Deep Root Tribe, Nervous and Aluku, and has received support from artists such as Black Coffee, Keinemusik, Shimza, Themba and Djeff.
He has also performed in several international markets, including the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Kenya, Cyprus, Zambia and South Africa.
Inner Visions, however, extends beyond his own career, bringing together artists with different experiences and audiences.
Tendai Joe, the project’s PR and communications manager, said the collaboration could help create more opportunities for Zimbabwean House music and its artists.
“I’m happy to see the unity and the willingness of DJs and producers across the ecosystem to come together with the intention of creating a united front and a united platform that can help everyone grow, both individually and collectively,” he said.
Joe said the project comes as House music continues to reach audiences around the world and could help Zimbabwean artists build stronger connections with international markets.
“Ultimately, we want to raise the Zimbabwean flag, see our artists performing in different markets around the world and create more opportunities for Zimbabwean House music to be heard, experienced and recognised internationally,” he said.
The compilation is due to be released in November through South African House music label Mansa Musa
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