As Abantu celebrates its 5th anniversary, this EP is the result of a recording camp hosted by the founder Charisse C in October 2024. Supported by Nando’s, Baltic Studios. Representing a range of Afrohouse’s subgenres, rooted in the power of community, with the backdrop of a perfect summer and the voices of Africa’s young diaspora. Charisse C’s artistry continues to be a bridge between continents.
The storyline starts with with the emotive title track “Abantu Means People,” leading into a summer wake-up call titled “Feel Alive,” before the exhilarating early stages of a Summer romance on “Close” and sealing with an anthem for partying until the sun rises on “5 EK’SENI.”
The ‘Abantu Means People’ EP and five year anniversary, makes yet another mark for the cultural trailblazer Charisse C, who holds a powerful presence in dance music with her label and event series Abantu; insistent on boundary pushing artistry rooted in Southern Africa, presented with a high level of care and quality.
The Headline Show at Colour Factory will be the only Abantu party of 2025, and Abantu’s biggest live production yet.
When asked about her new project Charisse C said: “‘Abantu Means People’ is a layered proclamation. On the surface a translation; underneath a political statement, a celebration, a slogan, a philosophy. I am at such an important juncture in a journey that is now over a decade long, I owe so much to the power of my community.
On the music… I hosted this recording camp at Baltic Studios in East London in October 2024. For a long time, I’ve been working towards bringing together the artists whose music I’ve supported for years through my DJ sets and radio shows.
Through this project, not only does my own growth as a singer-songwriter-producer shine, but also my ear for talent, my A&Ring skills and my unwavering dedication to building community and culture with a people-first ethos.
In an era of Dance music where the mash-up and the ghost producer have become King and integrity often comes second; the focus was on original music, true stories, real experimentation and exploration, developing identity in artistry and making good music.”
Charisse C Bio
Charisse C can best be described as a multi-faceted powerhouse: DJ, Artist, Singer-Songwriter, and Founder of the Abantu community, record label and event series. 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, 3-Step and Gqom; she has carved a unique space in the global electronic music landscape.
Previously a Music Journalist, she describes herself as both a vessel and storyteller. Charisse C’s live performances and curated events are all part of an ever-evolving expression of chosen mediums.
Described by Mixmag as “building bridges 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; selling out her own night ‘Abantu’ at Village Underground twice. Charisse C’s mixes can be found on Boiler Room, Radio 1, BBC Radio 6, BBC 1Xtra, NTS, Rinse FM and No Signal.
Keep up to date with Charisse C
Instagram | Spotify | Twitter | YouTube
