Hype Label of the Month: Kunye Records

First launched during the lockdown period of 2020, Afro House mainstay Shimza dreamed up his Kunye Records imprint to act as a vehicle to elevate South Africa's emerging dance music talent. Translated from Xhosa/Zulu, Kunye means "together," and during a time when dance floors across the globe were shuttered, Shimza aimed to bring people "together" again through the love of music.

Inviting select artists to perform the freshly minted label's livestream sessions during our collective isolation period, the brand has since evolved into one of the Afro house / Afro tech scene's most sought-after events, with open-air gatherings in Kenya, London, Paris, and South Africa.

In addition to featuring remixes and collaborations from international acts like Louie Vega, Mele, Rodriguez Jr, Jonathan Kaspar, and more, Kunye has worked wonders in championing local South African talent like Thakzin, Blanka Mazimela, and Darque — all of whom are making huge strides to bring their scene's unique aesthetic and sound to the global stage.

We caught up with Shimza to learn more about the label's aesthetic, its ethos, and some of its most essential tunes.

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Listen to the Kunye Records Hype Label of the Month chart below or check out the playlist on Beatport.