Isgubhu

Just as Africa’s 54 countries each contain myriad cultures, the African dance and electronic scenes bear within them a multitude of sub-genres. Some have been musical mainstays for decades, and some grow, seemingly overnight, from seasonal trends to continent-sweeping sounds. Isgubhu—a Zulu word meaning “beat”, often used to describe a banging track—celebrates an evergreen and ever-growing set of dance and electronic genres, and pays homage to the African artists who’ve been pivotal in shaping these scenes across the world.
Here, we take deep dives into the sounds of gqom, amapiano, kwaito, dance pop, deep house, Shangaan electro and more—plus all the essential artists, influences and albums you’ll need to get fully versed in each. You’ll also find exclusive playlists focused on the genre’s hitmakers, including the boutique record labels that champion these scenes, alongside artist-curated playlists that shine a light on both established artists and new acts. Isgubhu is your one-stop dance and electronic hub for all that Africa has to offer.