We headed to Soweto, South Africa for the latest edition of Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music Studios. This year’s line-up, curated in collaboration with Njelic, championed the artists who have taken the South African sound to the global stage. King of the amapiano Kabza De Small, Afro Tech key player DJ LeSoul, jazz sensation Nkosi Zuthulele and queer party Le Grand Ball all formed the line-up.
IN CONVERSATION WITH NJELIC: how the township shaped South African music
In this in-depth conversation experienced journalist and presenter Mpumelelo Frypan Mfula sat down with Njelic to discuss his legendary career in the SA house scene spanning over two decades.
We also listened to key players of the South African scene discuss how the township of Soweto shaped the country’s dance music history, including Nkosi Zuthulele (of BCUC), kwaito’s living legend M’du Masilela, rising talent Lady Sakhe and Soweto native Nobantu Vilakazi.
TRUE MUSIC STUDIOS soweto party
Kabza De Small, Kamo Mphela, Njelic and more took to the decks.
TRUE MUSIC STUDIOS Le Grand Brand Satin return ball
Le Grand Brand presented the first ever vogue ball extravaganza to be hosted as a part of Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music Studios, featuring some of SA’s most exciting LGBTIQA+ Hauses and collectives, alongside some hotly-tipped new DJs and artists you will soon be knowing about.
Hosted by Delta The Leo, the genre-bending line-up included the ground-shaking afro tech grooves of DJ LeSoul, a live performance from kwaai diva Umlilo and friends, beautiful chaos courtesy of gqom princess LIKKYLIKS, multifaceted Joburg club staple Teedo Love, and the charismatic and party-starting founder of GSPT, Rarri.
AMAPIANO MOVES AND CHOREOGRAPHY WITH KAMO MPHELA
Queen of Amapiano Kamo Mphela delivered a Masterclass in the genre’s key moves and choreography. Both the public face and physical embodiment of the joyous musical energy emanating from her hometown of Soweto, don’t miss this.
Why not try our cocktails created as part of Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music Studios in Soweto.
THERE’S NO WRONG WAY TO MIX FINEST
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True Music Studios
Broadcasting local sounds and ideas from around the world. Moving music culture forward together.
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