"@Jackie-Queens the Zimbabwean-born, South African-based songwriter and vocalist disrupting the status quo of the music industry's perspective on the role women play in its success. Her powerful presence in both artistry and business has her firmly placed as the doyen of African female voices in electronica." 

What has brought you joy recently? (0:00), the duty of an artist in challenging the status quo (13:16), finding communities of people interested in creating a better industry (19:17), navigating out of stuckness (21:33), we need to take better care of our music’s ecosystem (28:40), from Zim, to the UK, to South Africa (35:03), Jamaica’s influence (37:11), travel and music, new york, street etiquette, sartorial sounds (40:10), the relationships between SA/UK house (44:49), Drums radio creating an essential platform for Afrohouse (50:16), greatest achievements and lessons learned in founding Bae Electronica (52:21), we need more black people in music technology (56:48), Bae Electronica is now an agency! (1:05:46). 

Instagram: @CharisseeC @JackieQueens. Twitter: @CharisseeC @JackieQueensSA

#AbantuPod 5 - In Conversation with Jackie Queens

Amapiano mix from me, Gqom guestmix from DJ Lucho!

(Tracklist coming)

#AbantuNoSignal 013 - Charisse C (Amapiano) & DJ Lucho (Gqom)

@Mixolis gave us a fire amapiano guest mix! @Rachel-Chinouriri plays her latest single, Through The Eye. Her appreciation for Ladysmith Black Mambazo took me to a special place! Closing the show with the sounds of Oliver Mtukudzi, Soul Brothers, Hugh Masekela and The Soulfulists ✨ #AbantuNoSignal

Tracklist:

*Mixolis Amapiano Guestmix*
Through The Eye - Rachel Chinouriri
Darker Place - Rachel Chinouriri
Hello My Baby - Lady Smith Black Mambazo & Oliver Mtukudzi
Neria - Oliver Mtukudzi & Ladysmith Black Mambazo
The Danko! Medley - Samthing Soweto & Mzansi Youth Choir
Mkuru Mkuru - Oliver Mtukudzi
Raki - Oliver Mtukudzi
Intombi Yami - Soul Brothers
Mama - Hugh Masekela
The World Is Backwards (Jonny Miller's Love from West London Mix) - The Soulfulists
My Broken Upright - The Soulfulists

#AbantuNoSignal 014 with Mixolis (Guestmix) & Rachel Chinouriri

On #AbantuNoSignal today is a beautiful Afro House mix by @GoldenLadie, and a soulful piano mix from me, Charisse C. Spiritual settings.

#AbantuNoSignal 015 - GoldenLadie (Afrohouse) & Charisse C (Soulful Amapiano)

#AbantuNoSignal 17 with Drip Gogo (Interview), Boe Blendz (Afro House) & Charisse C (Amapiano)

Joined by legends on #AbantuNoSignal today! @Oskido and @OfficialNiniola talk about their new song ‘Banky Banky’ on Oskido’s #BackToTheFuture EP.

Cy.TheGreat delivers a 🔥 multi-genre guest mix called ‘Zululand To The World 2.’

We’re also officially launching our new #AbantuArtists segment!

#AbantuNoSignal 18 with Oskido, Niniola & Cy.TheGreat (Zululand to The World Mix)

@StiffPap talk to Charisse C about their TUFF TIME$ EP (released on @Cotch-International), creating spaces for alternative artists in Joburg & CPT and the political frustrations of South Africa's youth. DJs @RealArtistLebo (House) and Ms Dee (Amapiano) takeover the mix!

#AbantuNoSignal 19 - Stiff Pap, Ms Dee (Amapiano) & Artist Lebo (House)

My NTS Radio debut!

Full tracklist here: https://www.nts.live/shows/guests/episodes/charisse-c-9th-september-2021

Featured in Trench's '10 Of The Best Mixes This Week': https://trenchtrenchtrench.com/features/trench-radio-10-of-the-best-mixes-this-week-176

"Charisse C takes us on a journey through her curious, playful, and intentional approach to playing South Africa's electronic soundscape; the story of merging worlds, told effortlessly through music."

Featured in Mixcloud's favourite mixes of 2021: https://campus.mixcloud.com/post/staff-picks-for-2021

NTS Guest Mix: Charisse C

Live on #AbantuNoSignal today! We’ve got the @majorleaguedjz in for a chat with @charissec and a fire guest mix from @lelowhatsgood, celebrating South African groove.

#AbantuNoSignal 21 - Major League DJz (Interview) & Lelowhatsgood (Guest Mix)

Today on #AbantuNoSignal we’re joined by Omagoqa for a VVVIP Guest Mix (Andile's words!) featuring exclusives from their upcoming EP, Amagogogo.

The trio talk about the evolution from iGqom to uThayela, @realdjlag’s influence and what you’re going to feel when you hear this new music 🔥🔥

#AbantuNoSignal 22 - Omagoqa (Interview & Guestmix)

#AbantuNoSignal 23 with Pieces Africa, Munya Chanetsa & Phodii (Guestmix)

Pieces Africa are back with another takeover today on #AbantuNoSignal!

Joined by special guest Jean-Michel Wickli to talk about artist management, brand value, event curation and more.

AND a multi-genre guest mix by Rarri 💣

#AbantuNoSignal 24 with Pieces Africa, Jean-Michel Wickli & Rarri (Guest Mix)

#AbantuNoSignal 25 with Pieces Africa, Siya Myaka & Nekita (Guest Mix)

#AbantuNoSignal 026 with Charisse C (Amapiano), ZVRI (Gqom) & Lwakhe M (Afro House/Tech)

Cape Town-based BROKE, a cross-cultural clothing brand and weekly Sunday party in the heart of the city, collaborates with record label Space Sounds for today's takeover of #AbantuNoSignal.

Delivering a 1.5-hour mix of their own released & unreleased productions.

For those regarded as the misfits, and/or the rebels of society 🚀🚀🚀

#AbantuNoSignal 27 - Broke Klubhouse x Space Sounds Take Over

Benji B Guest Mix: BBC Radio 1

#AbantuNoSignal 28 with Sfarzo Rtee (Interview & Exclusive Guestmix)

Tracklist:

Exclusive - Exclusive 
Exclusive - Stixx 
Rekere (Sunday Monday) - Kabza De Small & Stakev 
Ke Dipajte - Thuto The Human (feat. Mellow & Sleazy)
Clap Sgija - D'Athiz (feat. Locomeister)
Exclusive - Khao SA 
Crazy Logdrum - DJ Zodi
Kulelizwe - Murumba Pitch (feat. Sir Trill, Bassie & Yumbs)

Jeremiah Asiamah Get Lit Mix: BBC 1XTRA

Amapiano vibes in the spirit of Dezemba. 2020 lessgeddi!
Music by @solangeknowles @djvigrodeep @kabzadesmall @zero12finest @dj-maphorisa and moreee x

2020

Saint Piano is a (mini) mix, inspired by the @djvigrodeep x @solangeknowles blend in my ‘2020’ mix. It's also inspired by all things @nightslugs and @fadetomind.

Anyone who knows me knows what @Kelelam’s artistry means to me. 
The ways it has opened up my world and been a source of healing. 
This ‘lil soundscape was made with love ✨

Saint Piano

Baby’s first radio show! Live at 2pm on @theresnosignal every other Friday 💥

This show features HARMONIES from Kmuxru, Thato Mphosi of the NTYAB podcast, a conversation with my parents about what 'Abantu' and 'Ubuntu' mean to them, music from @gvijin, @dbngogo, @jazzidisciples, @djvigrodeep, @mhawkeys and moreee 🥰

Aired: 28.08.2020
Tracklist:

Lebala Kanna (feat. Kabza De Small, Howard & Shasha) - Mhaw Keys
Scorpion (feat. Spooko) - GVIJIN
Amadancehall (feat. Spooko) - GVIJIN
Move On - Kabza De Small
iPlan (feat. Felo Le Tee, Tshiamo, Koek Sista & Makhanj) - DBN Gogo & Dinho
Blue Monday (feat. Focalistic) - Vigro Deep
Bazooka (feat. Mr JazziQ & Mzu M) - Reece Madlisa & Zuma
Ice Drop - DJ Lag

#AbantuNoSignal 001 - The Introduction (feat. My Parents)

The second show! Straight music; Electronic, Experimental, Gqom and Tribal House.

Aired: 11.09.2020
Tracklist:

When It’s All Over (with Kelela) - Fauzia
Uyang ‘chaza (feat. DemiMa) - Scratcha DVA
Rambo Dub - Culoe De Song
Slima Mina - Umlilo
Echoes of You - Shingai
12 PM - Griffit Vigo
Umoya - Culoe De Song
Mitsubishi Song Menchess - Rudeboyz
Copa Cabana - Griffit Vigo
Gqom Planet - Griffit Vigo & Ree
Banomoya (feat Busiswa & TNS) - Prince Kaybee
Nthathakusa - Emo Kid (feat. Fawell)
Divorce - Naked Boyz
Bhampa (feat. Beast, TipCee & DJ Tira) - Sphectacula & DJ Naves
Memories - Emo Kid x Bradolz 
Black Power feat. Techno Deep (Pheli Bass Mix) - Vigro Deep

#AbantuNoSignal 002 - "Gqo Gqo Gqo"

My first show dedicated to telling stories of mbira; a traditional/spiritual/ancestral instrument native to Zimbabwe. 

Honoured to have had a conversation with Dutiros for this; three siblings, gwenyambiras (mbira players), the children of legendary musician Chartwell Dutiro! 💚

#AbantuNoSignal 003 - Stories of Mbira (feat. Dutiros)

So excited to host Aymos on Abantu! An amazing artist and such a warm soul!! The singer/songwriter on some of your favourite amapiano hits; Zaka, eMcimbini, Tembisa and more. 

We spoke about growing up in Tembisa, his foundations in Gospel music and how this has informed his unique approach to amapiano. The story behind Zaka with Mas Musiq and the making of Tembisa with @julsofficialmusic. Life lessons learnt from being a farmer, his appreciation for @afrotractionsa, and the upcoming album ‘Yimi Lo’ (This is Me).

He’s also blessed us with some exclusive music! 

Tune in to #AbantuNoSignal, every other Friday. 2pm to 3pm.

Tracklist:

iParty yami - Kabza De Small & Aymos
Matla - Aymos (feat. Zakes Batwini)
Angeke - Afrotraction
Beautiful - Mali Music
Tembisa - Juls & Aymos
Zaka - Mas Musiq (feat. Aymos, DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small)
eMcimbini - Scorpion Kings (feat. Aymos, Samthing Soweto, Mas Musiq & Myztro)

#AbantuNoSignal 005 - Tembisa to London (feat. Aymos)

The 6th show is dedicated to my ladies; women in Amapiano. Amantombazane / Amankazana / Vasikana / The Gworls!

Tracklist:

Amanikiniki - MFR Souls (feat. Major League Djz, Kamo Mphela & Bontle Smith)
Suka - Scorpion Kings (feat. Busiswa)
SBWL - Busiswa (feat. Kamo mphela)
Askies - JazziDisciples & Mr JazziQ (feat. Josiah De Disciple, FakeLove,                 Moonchild Sanelly & MDU aka TRP)
iVibe - DBN Gogo & Dinho (feat. Vine Muziq,   Optimist Music ZA & Makhanj)
iPlan - DBN Gogo & Dinho (feat. Felo Le Tee, Tshiamo, Koek Sista & Makhanj)
Sandton - Scorpion Kings (feat. Focalistic, Kamo Mphela & Bontle Smith) 
Love You Tonight - MFR Souls (feat. DJ Maphorisa, Sha Sha & Kabza De Small)
Tender Love - Sha Sha (DJ Maphorisa)
Akulaleki - Samthing Soweto (feat. Shasha, DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small)
Weyo - JazziDisciples (feat. Debranist)
Baby Are You Coming - Zero12finest
Sukendleleni - Jobe London & Mphow69 (feat. Kamo Manje)

#AbantuNoSignal 006 - Amantombazane / The Gworls

THEE @DBNGogo joined us for the last #AbantuNoSignal of 2020! The DJ/Producer who has taken South Africa by storm with a powerful combination of talent, a keen ear, extensive music knowledge, a clear vision and of course GREAT vibes.

We spoke about the making of her incredible EP, Thokoza Café, the MTV/Soul Candi era of House Music, navigating the industry with integrity and the spirit of Ubuntu, the future of Amapiano AND songs which represent pivotal moments in her life.

Tracklist: 

Sister Bethina - Mgarimbe
French Kiss - DBN GOGO & DINHO (feat. Felo Le Tee, Hi Levelz & Optimist Music ZA)
Sim Sima - Mas Musiq (feat. Focalistic & DBN Gogo)
iVibe - DBN Gogo & Dinho - (feat. Vine Muziq, Optimist Music ZA & Makhanj)
iPlan - DBN Gogo & Dinho - (feat. Felo Le Tee, Tshiamo, Koek Sista & Makhanj)
Iskhathi - Kwiish SA (feat. BRG & C'buda)
Wololo -  Babes Wodumo (feat. Mampintsha)
Dakiwe - Lady Du & DBN Gogo  (feat. Mr JazziQ, Seekay & Busta 929)
The Soul Cafe - Kaylow

#AbantuNoSignal 007 - Welcome to Thokoza Café (feat. DBN Gogo)

Joined by the incredible Lady Du for this week's show! We spoke about her calling as an artist, challenging the industry and being true to yourself, the joys of collaborating with @DBNGogo, empowering women to use our voices, the #givethekidsachance hashtag, the stories behind Catalia, Umsebenzi Wethu and Dakiwe! 

Tracklist:

When I Die - EYEAMi
Alostro Effect - Cyfred (feat. Mellow & Sleazy)
I See You - Kabza De Small (feat. Tyler ICU)
Trip to SA - GVIJIN 
Amadancehall - GVIJIN (feat. Spooko)
Kavibe Kacho - EYEAMi (feat. ZENESOUL)
Superman - DJ Stokie (feat. Kabza De Small, Masterpiece YVK & Madumane)
Samarian Boy - Musa Keys
Catalia - Lady Du & Junior De Rocka (feat. Mr JazziQ, Mellow & Sleazy)
Umsebenzi Wethu - Busta 929 & Mpura (feat. Zuma, Mr JazziQ, Lady Du & Reece Madlisa)
Dakiwe - Lady Du & DBN Gogo (feat. Mr JazziQ, Seekay & Busta 929)
Find Your Way Back - Beyoncé
Mkhulumsebenzi - Khaya Mthethwa & Oasis Worship
The Divine - Mwanje
My Broken Upright - The Soulfulists
Dikeledi - Thandi Ntuli
Notice Me - Waters
Areyeng - Marcus Harvey
Cry To An Angel - Nanette

#AbantuNoSignal 010 - Zihamba Ngo'Line (feat. Lady Du)

Kuda & Munashe are the founders and creative directors of MADE IN ZWE: "a creative media and lifestyle brand at the vanguard of global Zimbabwean art and entertainment culture through music, events, merch, content creation, and digital marketing strategies."

What is Made in ZWE? (0:00), Art, Activism and the #ThisFlag movement (8:18), growing up in Zimbabwe and finding your creative voice (27:00), the next generation of young Zimbabweans, the state of the music industry and hopes for the future (52:08), Kuda & Munashe's music selections (1:06:00), the Made In ZWE playlist and things to look forward to (1:18:58). Instagram: @CharisseeC @MadeinZWE. MADEINZWE.COM #AbantuPod.

#AbantuPod 3 - In Conversation with Made In ZWE

Three segments on this week's #AbantuNoSignal!

The Soulfulists 🇿🇦 join me in a conversation about their debut EP, My Broken Upright. A beautiful infusion of Jazz, Hip-Hop, Broken Beat and Dance Music.🇿🇦

DJ SKayy blesses us with Abantu’s first guest mix! 30 minutes of Amapiano heat 🔥

Closing the show with a tribute to Zim Dancehall legend, Soul Jah Love. With contributions from @takkunda, @youngchidzy, @d_afrokings, @tanakatravels, @mckudazvinhu & @mackataps 💚🇿🇼

#AbantuNoSignal 011 - The Soulfulists, DJ SKayy & Soul Jah Love Tribute

DJ, Artist, founder of Abantu, one half of The Ascension & NTS Resident, Charisse C draws her selections from her experience of existing between worlds.
Rooted in her Zimbabwean and South African heritage, raised in the UK; her taste is curious, soulful and bass-heavy, with a playful and intentional demeanour. 

Spearheading South Africa's electronic soundscape, including, now global giants, Amapiano and Gqom; she describes herself as both a vessel and storyteller. Previously a Music Journalist, Charisse C's live performances and curated events are all part of an ever-evolving expression of chosen mediums.

Described by Mixmag as "building a bridge between continents" with her "spiritual storytelling and fluid amapiano sets," and coined the "authority on the genre" by Benji B. The multifaceted tastemaker has played a wide and eclectic span of shows internationally; most recently selling out her own night 'Abantu' at Village Underground. Charisse C’s mixes can be found on Boiler Room, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6, BBC 1Xtra, NTS, Rinse FM and No Signal.

In the spring of 2021, Charisse C met collaborator Koek Sista; fresh from a stellar Boiler Room debut,  they launched 'The Ascension': an immersive live experiment that combines Charisse C’s bass-heavy selections and Koek Sista’s magnetic sound art, to turn every dance floor into a gravitational and unforgettable experience. 

With their debut EP just released, the pair sit at the vanguard of a new imagining of electronic music from the African continent; connecting their individual experiences of cultural hybrids to form a live, artistic expression that is both rooted and out of this world. AMAKA describes "the heart of The Ascension" as "a form of sonic care work where two Black women honour the sounds of their home and use music to uplift collective energy," in both Art and Club institutions alike.

“South African’s club experiments have rightly been held up as some of the best things to have happened to our dance floors. As Abantu boss Charisse C showed us in her debut sessions for NTS, there’s plenty more to [South Africa’s] thriving and constantly-evolving club culture,” writes Trench Magazine. 

Known for the stellar curation of #AbantuNoSignal; a bi-weekly show dedicated to representing the vastness of Southern Africa, with a combined effort of music and storytelling. Starting with the two places she calls home; Zimbabwe and South Africa, the show has since branched out to reach Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique and the like.

Abantu, which translates to “people” in several Nguni languages, is cultivating an international community whilst building an archival legacy. The show features interviews, guest-mixes and the #AbantuArtists segment, which spotlights artists across electronic, hip-hop and soul music. The show aims to be inclusive of all that Southern Africa has to offer; not limited to its commercial successes, bridging gaps between genres and cultures alike. 

The Abantu dance floor, curated by headlining DJ Charisse C, is a dance floor of freedom and discovery. Where you can experience Amapiano, and its adjacent genres, situated in the heart of electronic dance music in London and beyond.

An exploration of the intersections between the genres and cultures, that have shaped Charisse C into the eclectic tastemaker she is today. Where you can experience a sense of home, whilst being transported to places new and yet somehow familiar.

Charisse C

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks