Get Physical continues to show dedication to platforming the freshest African House sounds courtesy of this latest collection from the tastemaking Thandi Draai. It has been proceeded by Thandi’s own first single “Letha” alongside DJ Beekay and is the latest in a long line of releases she has been involved with. In that time, the DJ, vocalist and producer got acclaim from MistaJam as part of his Africa Week on the BBC, was previously a host on the leading radio station in Africa and continues to be a driving force in the Afro house scene.
She kicks this one off with her own collaboration with Candy Man & Cuebur feat. DJ Clock & Kitty Amor on “The Clique” which is an atmospheric sound alive with tribal vocals, spiritual pads and Afro percussion. BlaQRhythm’s “Insimbi Yamabutho” keeps the grooves rolling with extra depth and organic drum work then Suffocate SA calls upon the illustrious Roland Clark for “Africa Get Physical” which strips things back to rubbery kicks and soft shakers lit up by cosmic melodies while Clark serves up an empowering monologue about the strength of Africa. Thandi then features in a pair of collaborative remixes that show off her knack for spine-tinging house depths, the second of which is a superb rework of Samim’s “Heater”, a Get Physical classic that will also be a single release. KAARGO then remixes Pezzner feat. Aquarius Heaven’s “2We Are Not Who We Are” into a darker late-night sound, and Thandi’s single “Letha” marks the midpoint with an angelic vocal roller.
The highlights keep coming in the second half with the likes of Foozak & D.O.A, McK & Nana Atta and Tribe of Afro all exploring nuanced Afro house that seems to come from deep within and rise up on life-affirming synths and powerful, all-conquering drums. Towards the end of this most hypnotic selection comes the dreamy and blissed-out piano work of Dylan-S & Ed-Ward, crisp and tech-infused sounds of Vidza “Attah’s Guidance”, then a Bun Xapa Remix of Thandi Draai & DJ Beekay’s “Leth”’ that sends you home on an impossibly uplifting and soul-cleansing vocal house sound steeped in class.
Africa Get Physical Vol. 5 will be out December 2023, Friday 15th
