gina jeanz: an afropunk dj mix

Earlier this year, Gina Mwoombola (aka Gina Jeanz) found herself on the cover of Hype Magazine, the biggest hip-hop magazine in South Africa, as part of a profile of the hottest young producers in the country. And it is Gina’s distinctive production style — flipping hip-hop and R&B tracks to a tasty mid-tempo that pulls on everything from dembow to kwaito to afrobeats to electro-cumbia style — that makes the Namibia-born, Cape Town resident’s DJ sets move in such a distinctive way. And which will make the crowd go wild when Gina Jeanz plays at AFROPUNK Joburg in December.

Ahead of that highly anticipated appearance at AFROPUNK, Gina made us this incredible DJ mix to let those not up on her Timbaland-inspired beat action get right. She also gave us a background on how she developed her style and sound.

Can you identify some of the music on the mix? What does the music mean/represent for you?

The music selection represents my love for all kinds of genres and style of production. When I first started producing my own tracks I’d upload them to Soundcloud, it’s been the most consistent platform in terms of allowing upcoming producers and DJs to share their gems with the rest of the world. I love including throwbacks and current tracks in my mixes so you can definitely look forward to a listening experience.

How did you first get into DJ’ing, and who are some of your DJing influences?

I first got into DJing in 2017, it was an opportunity that presented itself and I’m so glad I just took the time to get familiar with the programs and add a new skill to my arsenal. I found the transition a little bit easier because I had already been producing music. I absolutely enjoy connecting with people through music and also being able to share my work with the world, it’s definitely taken me to places I could’ve never imagined and I’m making sure that I’m improving my skills as I go — one can never stop learning.

What kind of music do you want to hear to or expect to play at AFROPUNK?

I’m just really looking forward to a blend of music from all over. It’s important for me to appreciate all kinds of genres and as much as we’re all different, we can all celebrate each other through the music. It’s the one thing that brings us together even if we may not speak the same language. I’d like to hear DJ sets that celebrate our beautiful diversity and I’m pretty confident that we’ll experience some amazing acts.

What are you most looking forward to at AFROPUNK in Joburg? Have you been before?

I have always wanted to attend an AFROPUNK festival and when I heard the first one would be happening in Joburg in 2017 I just knew I had to go but unfortunately I missed it because all the tickets sold out within minutes. To be invited to play two years later is such a dream come true, not to mention being on the same line-up as some heavy hitters and well-established artists, it really is such a true honor to be a part of a festival that’s added so much value to the culture.

What does the phrase “We see You” mean to you?

For me, “We See You” means that our existence is acknowledged, our differences are celebrated and our lives matter.

Gina Jeans plays AFROPUNK Joburg on December 30th and 31st.

Check Out More AFROPUNK Mixes.