Charisse C – Abantu Means People

Informed by her South African/Zimbabwean heritage, UK DJ, singer-songwriter and Abantu label head Charisse C has been shaping conversations around gqom, Amapiano and 3-step — genres rooted in South African townships — before they arrived on European dancefloors. She educates listeners on their roots and pioneers, all while adapting the styles in genre-fluid sets that blend UK and South African sonic histories. ‘Abantu Means People’ continues the discussion — in English, Zulu and Shona. The title track layers vocals over lilting keys and shimmering percussion, while lead single ‘5 EK’SENI’ is hard-hitting, flawlessly executed 3-step. Yet, this devotion to authenticity limits a bolder potential — a bridge between South Africa and the UK that not only connects dancefloors, but fuses them towards Charisse C’s own fascinating creole.