Johannesburg – 5 EK’SENI (5AM) is the first single from Abantu’s inaugural recording camp, featuring 10 African artists in the British Diaspora, handpicked by Charisse C herself, supported by Baltic Studio’s and Nando’s.
Produced by longtime collaborator, Kwamzy, this 3-Step Dance record mixes English, Zulu and Shona lyrics to tell an infectious story about the hedonistic pleasures of a ladies night out: “It’s 5 am in the morning, tiri mugomba (we are the bottom of the night), asifun’ukulala emakhaya (we don’t want to sleep at home)”
This first single from the Abantu founder’s upcoming “ABANTU MEANS PEOPLE” EP, makes yet another mark for the cultural trailblazer Charisse C, who holds a powerful presence in dance music with her label and event series Abantu; insistent on boundary pushing artistry rooted in Southern Africa, presented with a high level of care and quality.
“I hosted this recording camp at Baltic Studios in East London in October 2024, I’ve been working towards bringing together the artists whose music I’ve supported for years through my DJ sets and radio shows, for a long time,” shared Charisse C
“Through this project, not only does my own growth as a singer-songwriter-producer shine, but also my ear for talent, my A&Ring skills and my unwavering dedication to building community and culture with a people-first ethos.”
The multi-faceted powerhouse is a DJ, artist, singer-songwriter, and label founder. Abantu is now not only an record label and event seeies but a community. Rooted in her Zimbabwean and South African heritage, raised in the UK, Charisse C’d taste is curious, soulful and bass heavy, with a playful and intentional demeanour.
Spearheading South Africa’s electronic soundscape, including now global giants, Amapiano, 3-Step and Gqom; she has carved a unique space in the global electronic music landscape.
