jazzidisciples: an afropunk dj mix

Jazzidisciples are Tumelo “JazziQ’ and Josiah De Disciple from Alexandra township, north of Joburg. They are acknowledged by many to be the original architects of the Amapiano sound that’s been sweeping South Africa for the past couple of years. Amapiano is a dance music that is — depending on whom you ask — a natural outgrowth of the classic kwaito sound, or an answer to the beloved, smooth Bacardi sound of Pretoria, or an extension on SA’s love of deep house. Listening to the incredible mix that JazziDisciples made for AFROPUNK ahead of their appearance at this year’s Joburg festival, the clear answer seems to be “All of the above.” 

Like the amapiano of its colleagues, JazziDiscliples’ sound is a mix of house beats and melodies (often on the piano that gives the genre its name — often with sexy and soulful vocals), given more forward-motion by layers of percussion. Much like deep house — and in an echo of Bacardi — what begins undeniably smooth, soon unfurls into an intense steadfastness, and a world of its own. And as with kwaito, which like the best cultural precedents has given South African rhythm music its own history and lane, JazziDisciples amapiano takes advantage of the culture’s specific melodic gifts. Its harmonic lines can only come from SA, and give proof to JazziDisciples statement that “Amapiano is a lifestyle.” 

Ahead of their appearance at the festival, we asked Tumelo and Josiah to answer some questions about their mix and about their views of AFROPUNK in general.

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

The two stand-out songs for us there are “Thixo” because when we were due to submit the album we felt such a burst of creativity and inspiration that we decided to make 2 more songs for the album, the other is called “Final Touch”. The second song would be “Sgubu Se Monati” which is currently doing wonders in the streets, clubs and radio.

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

It was mainly because of our love for music. Our influences are the likes of Black Coffee — not only because of his DJ’ing, but because of everything he has achieved as a person and continues to achieve. He has spread our voice and art to the world.

What are you most looking forward to at AFROPUNK Joburg?

We haven’t been to Afropunk before but we’ve heard a lot of good things about it. It’s such a blessing that for our first time going, we will be performing.

What kind of music do expect to play at AFROPUNK Joburg?

Well, we’re going to be playing a really fresh and funky set like we’re known for. It’s going to be epic, definitely not to be missed.

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

It means I identify you, I also acknowledge who you chose to identify yourself.

Go See JazziDisciples at AFROPUNK Joburg, at Constitution Hill on December 30th.

More AFROPUNK DJ mixes.