Zimbabwean Afro-house artists unite for ‘Inner Visions’ compilation

The project was initiated and curated by South Africa-based Zimbabwean DJ and producer Dr Feel and brings together artists including DJ Stavo, Nitefreak, Dr Chaii, Ryan Synth, MIčI, Reverb, TAPIWA, Simbai, Tashinga, Shona, PA NGU, Afro Wav, Takue SBT, Josh Major, Daphfinee and Taarof Adder.

The compilation is intended to provide a collective snapshot of Zimbabwe’s evolving Afro House scene, bringing together established and emerging artists working across different styles within the genre.

Rather than centring on a single artist, Inner Visions brings together musicians whose work has increasingly reached audiences beyond Zimbabwe. The project explores themes of identity, memory and experience through electronic music while placing Zimbabwean artists within the wider African Afro House scene.

“Inner Visions is about looking inward before you look outward,” Dr Feel said. “This is Zimbabwean Afro House, told by the people making it right now, for anyone in the world who wants to listen.”

Dr Feel has released more than 200 singles and more than 10 EPs, as well as the albums Made in Africa and Indalo. His releases have appeared on labels and platforms including Defected, Sondela, Deep Root Tribe, Nervous and Aluku, while his music has received support from Black Coffee, Keinemusik, Shimza, Themba and Djeff.

He has also performed at events and venues including Sondela Summer Party and Badbox & Friends in London, Cé La Vi in Dubai and Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), as well as in Germany, France, Kenya, Cyprus, Zambia and Johannesburg.

Inner Visions, however, extends beyond Dr Feel’s own catalogue, bringing together producers such as Nitefreak and Dr Chaii with other established and emerging Zimbabwean artists.

Dr Feel said the compilation was intended to document the country’s Afro House community at its current stage of development.

“Inner Visions is bigger than any one of us. It’s a record of where Zimbabwean Afro House stands right now, made by the people building it. I wanted the world to hear Zimbabwe the way I hear it,” he said.

Tendai Joe, PR and Communications Manager for the project, said the collaboration could provide a platform for artists seeking to expand their reach internationally.

“I’m happy to see the unity and the willingness of DJs and producers across the ecosystem to come together with the intention of creating a united front and a united platform that can help everyone grow, both individually and collectively,” Joe said.

“With the growth of House music around the world, we believe this could become one of the foundations for the Zimbabwean House music community to grow beyond our borders. Some of our artists are already operating beyond Zimbabwe, but this is an opportunity for us to build collectively, expand our reach and do amazing things together.”

He added: “Ultimately, we want to raise the Zimbabwean flag, see our artists performing in different markets around the world and create more opportunities for Zimbabwean House music to be heard, experienced and recognised internationally.”

Inner Visions is scheduled for release in November through South African House music label Mansa Musa. JBross Media Group is handling the project’s communications and media campaign.