Dance Afrika: A New Era for South African Dance Music

In a bold move to elevate South African dance music onto the global stage, a new record label, Dance Afrika, has emerged as a transformative force in the local music industry. Co-founded by music visionaries Sean Barber and Julian Van Plato, Dance Afrika was officially launched in late June 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a mission to discover, develop, and propel the next generation of dance music powerhouses. This initiative has sparked excitement within the musician community, promising a fresh approach to artist management and music production that prioritizes global impact and long-term sustainability.

Dance Afrika aims to harness the infectious rhythms of South African dance music genres, such as Amapiano, Gqom, Afro Tech, Deep House, and Afro-house, and showcase them to international audiences. According to Julian Van Plato, co-founder of Dance Afrika, “We showcase the best of South African dance music to the world. Our goal is not just to ride the wave — but to create it.” The label’s vision extends beyond simply signing artists; it seeks to create a movement that celebrates African musical heritage while embracing modern production techniques. Sean Barber emphasized the label’s commitment to fostering sustainable careers, stating, “We’re not just about hits; we’re about building legacies for our artists.”

A Platform for Authentic Talent

Dance Afrika’s mission is clear: to elevate African dance music by nurturing talent through sustainable 360-degree and collaborative deals. With in-house studios at the Rockets Bryanston restaurant and club, video content creation capabilities, and strategic promotional services, the label provides a complete ecosystem for artists to thrive. From brand building and income stream development to stage-ready performances, Dance Afrika’s artists are equipped not only to make music but to move the culture. The label’s unmatched production quality, bolstered by collaborations with standout producers like Shona SA, Candyman, and Afronerd, ensures each release is both innovative and unmistakably African, making its catalogue not only locally relevant but globally exportable.

The label has already signed several promising talents, including up-and-coming Amapiano producer Thabo “T-Man” Mkhize and vocalist Naledi Khumalo, whose debut single is slated for release in August 2025. Additionally, Dance Afrika proudly introduces its first signed female artists, who are set to lead the charge on both local and global stages:

Zama Naomi

A whirlwind of energy and passion, Zama Naomi lights up every room naturally, not because she’s trying, but because she carries a bright, spontaneous, and sometimes wild spirit. Expressive, thoughtful, and unafraid of tough conversations, Zama is deeply grounded in her faith. Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Zama isn’t just building a brand; she’s building a legacy, one beat and bold step at a time. Her immersive, emotionally charged sets resonate deeply with audiences craving rhythm and connection. Zama is currently exploring her niche, with recent performances leaning toward Deep House and Soulful House, showcasing a notable evolution from her earlier Amapiano roots.

Kele Megano

Kele Megano is super bubbly, outgoing, and always the life of the party. Her energy fills any room, and she’s known for balancing fun with fierce discipline—waking up early, hitting the gym, and grinding in the studio daily. As a top-tier Afro Tech, Afro House, and Deep House DJ, Kele has shared stages with giants like DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Euphonik, and Heavy-K. Born in Gaborone, Botswana, and now making waves from Johannesburg, her blend of culture, passion, and hustle makes her a true trailblazer in the dance music scene.

Dance Afrika’s approach includes providing artists with access to state-of-the-art recording facilities, international marketing support, and mentorship from established figures in the global dance music scene. This holistic model has been praised by industry insiders, with music critic Thandiwe Ndlovu noting, “Dance Afrika is filling a critical gap in the South African music industry by offering structured support that goes beyond recording a track.”

Riding the Global Wave

The launch of Dance Afrika comes at a time when South African dance music is gaining unprecedented international attention. Amapiano, in particular, has become a global phenomenon, with artists like Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa performing at major festivals in Europe and North America. Dance Afrika aims to capitalize on this momentum by connecting local talent with international promoters and streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The label has already secured partnerships with global distribution companies to ensure its artists’ music reaches a wide audience.

Community-Driven Impact

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with musicians expressing hope that Dance Afrika will provide opportunities for underrepresented artists from townships and rural areas. “This is a game-changer,” said Durban-based producer Sihle Ngcobo. “For years, we’ve had talent but no platform to take it global. Dance Afrika feels like it’s for us, by us.” The label’s commitment to community engagement is evident in its plans to host workshops and talent showcases in underserved regions, starting with a series of events in Soweto and Khayelitsha later this year.

As Dance Afrika gains traction, it faces the challenge of competing with established labels while maintaining its grassroots ethos. However, its founders remain optimistic, citing the unique energy of South African dance music as a driving force. “Our rhythms are our superpower,” Barber said. “With Dance Afrika, we’re building a bridge between our heritage and the global stage.” With its bold vision, community-driven approach, and a roster of dynamic talent, Dance Afrika is poised to redefine the landscape of South African dance music, offering a platform for artists to shine both at home and abroad.