Dust-stomping playlist
So much of this continent’s cultural identity, from South Africa to Egypt, from Tanzania to Nigeria, is rooted in the practice of dancing. But before Africa could dance, its people made music. You only need to hear a church choir sing gospel, their synchronised swaying helping to keep the tempo, and see two hands move like liquid over the stretched hide of a drum, to begin to understand the influence Africa has had on countless music genres. Blues has its roots firmly planted on the continent and in the diaspora, jazz came from blues, rock and roll from jazz, and hip hop from rock and roll. It is said that even samba music, associated with the vibrant culture of Brazil, also derives much of its sound from Africa.
We cannot claim to be the founders of all music. Its origins are far too complex for that. But one thing is for sure, African-influenced music has a certain je ne sais quoi to get your feet itching to dance.
As a child of Namibia, I have always had an affinity for tribal, rhythmic and soulful music. Not from exposure to it – my parents almost exclusively introduced us to Pink Floyd and Neil Diamond – but whenever I heard a kwaito beat with an aggressive use of the hi-hat, I wanted to dance. So this playlist really is a love letter to my African heritage, wanting to dance to African music but not knowing how, until I rediscovered it in my twenties, with a twist of techno.
This dust-stomping playlist is a medley of Afro house and Afro tech music. Electronic at their core, these two genres have done the heavy lifting in bringing African-influenced music into the mainstream. Ever more European festivals are adding Afro house and tech DJs to their lineups. On the African continent there has never been a glimmer of doubt that Africans love this music and, more importantly, love dancing to it. The only thing that truly matters about music is how it makes you feel.
On your journey through Namibia, may you find a dune at sunset, or be stirred by the starry night skies. Put on this dust-stomping playlist and feel the soul of Africa, the tribal calls, fast paced rhythms and the instantly recognisable sound of the mbira, and dance like the ancestors would have – transcendental and as if nobody is watching. TNN
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