Defected Records have launched Afro House Label Sondela, consisting of A&R Managers Sef Kombo and Louie Dunmore. Sondela is like no other label, the output of the Afro House label’s profit will go to Bridges For Music, a non-profit organisation based in South Africa. Working closely with Simon Dunmore, Sondela will come under the label’s Defected family umberella.
The non-profit aims to gather key players of the music industry, supporting progress in developing countries and communities by making a positive impact. Raising global awareness about local issues through music is at the core of the NGO.
We had the opportunity to speak with Sef and Louie about their plans, and what we can expect to see from them in the future. Continue reading to learn more about the dynamic duo:
What was the motivation behind curating Sondela Recordings?
Louie: My main aim with Sondela was to increase awareness of Afro House music, specifically in the UK. I believe that there is a lot of amazing African influenced music that simply not enough people know about and needs to be heard! There is currently a massive house music scene in the UK; and there is a lot of crossover between the genre’s, therefore I can’t understand how Afro isn’t more widely known already.
Sef: I’ve always wanted to find a way to contribute more to House music from Africa then just playing the music and lift its exposure in different ways. A conversation started between Simon Dunmore and I back in 2016 about making some suggestions of music from the continent for Defected which has developed into a label on its own. I guess I’d say it’s my take on music I’d like to release to the world from artists who I really like.
Championing emerging artists is key. I can see this is a significant part of what you do. In what ways do you look to champion emerging artists through Sondela?
Louie: Ultimately we want to act as a platform for not only emerging artists but for all artists. We wish to build a global community and fanbase, giving all artists the opportunity to promote themselves & their music to a wider audience. This will be achieved via both releases and events.
Sef: It’s only right we expose as many emerging artists as we can! Through releasing their music or just showing general support through our social channels on a consistent basis is how we would look to do this. We want to shout about it all!
You could say Sondela Recordings is one of a kind. It seems to be very community-based, would you agree?
Louie: The Afro House scene & therefore Sondela is definitely very community based, especially in the UK. As it is an up and coming genre in terms of popularity, the small pockets of people that attend events in cities tend to know each other already, allowing for an extra special vibe on the dancefloor. Our aim ultimately is to try and expand this community.
Sef: I think the whole genre is one of a kind and has always been community based. Sondela Recordings is here to add to that, many years have passed in this music and with new ideas, experiences and take on music we want to continue engaging and thriving the community.
We cannot ignore the significant impact Amapiano has had on music in the last two years. Tell us more about how you will be exposing new genres such as Afro House. Can we expect any collaborations or events in London or globally even?
Louie: At Sondela our primary focus is ‘Afro House’, however we prefer the term ‘African Influenced Electronic Music’. There is sometimes no need to put music into specific categories but rather recognise where the music takes influence from. We aim to expose this via releases, events livestreams & more.
Specifically to events we’ve thrown – a party at London’s Ministry of Sound so far, with another event planned on 23rd April! We’re also currently looking to increase the frequency of our events and for further opportunities globally!
Sef: I wouldn’t even call Afro House new, I mean I was rocking it without knowing in 2007/8 and fully dived in 2009 so it’s been a minute. We will continue to do our bit of exposing the music by using our channels to support the artists and labels that exist within the style of music by playlisting, posting on our social channels, using our radio show on Defected Broadcasting House to further dive in to the different styles and of course the events and stages we will be populating this year at festivals. Collaborations are happening so watch this space!
How would you describe this genre for those who do not know much about Afro House? And who would you advise our readers to listen to as an introduction to the genre?
Louie: Afro House tracks tend to be heavy on the percussive instruments, it’s all about the drums! Similar to house, Afro House takes a 4/4 beat however the drums and sometimes vocals used tend to take greater influence from Africa. There’s a multitude of sounds within Afro House itself, however for an overview I’d recommend checking out Lemon & Herb, Osunlade, Ralf Gum, Da Capo & Dwson, to name a few!
Sef: It’s about the drums, the percussive elements and the soul of a nation, this is evident in the different styles that not only come out from different parts of South Africa but also in different countries like Mozambique, Angola, Kenya, Morocco and Botswana.. you just gravitate to it and it takes to a different place.
I’d say a few artists to just get you going would be Caiiro, Da Capo, Saint Evo, Thandi Draai, Black Motion, Djeff, Lemon & Herb and you definitely would have to check music from Sun-El Musician, Oscar Mbo, FKA Mash, SIo, Dwson and the label Stay True who do more of the soulful and deep house but still bring elements of a Afro House feel to the table.
What can we expect from Sondela Recordings in 2022?
Louie: We plan to continue releasing music and hosting events, however we aim to take it to the next level! We’re hoping to host a couple of solo events around the UK, as well as in Europe! However we’ll also be welcoming a huge roster of talent hosting stages at Defected festivals in Croatia, London and Malta over the coming months!
Sef: A continuation of what we have been doing, we are still learning and very new to such an exciting space. We feel we have some great releases coming through and working with some great talent that we have real high hopes to take it to the next level. You will also witness some of these great artists in Croatia, London and Malta plus some big summer news pending!
Yes, that’s right! Louie and Sef have any event on the 23rd of April. See below for more details:
