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A Sultry and Soulful South African House Standard

A Sultry and Soulful South African House Standard

Jullian Gomes feat. Bobby Love song 28 (2011)

If you have ever been to South Africa, you’ll know that house music is a part of the nation’s musical fabric. Since the dawn of its democracy, electronic music has birthed a plethora of sounds and subcultures, some of them having become global sounds. But this isn’t about yanos, as amapiano is affectionately nicknamed. Today we’re getting into some other electronic sounds stemming from “Mzansi Africa”—another nickname for whenever you visit and want to seem knowledgeable. 

Deep house has been one of the most popular music genres in South Africa for decades. South African deep house has a unique feel to it; with its smooth horns and keys, soulful vocals and that distinct percussion that harkens back to traditional African drumming. Before amapiano, deep house was the standard for electronic music in South Africa. It could be found belting from every taxi, restaurant and so many clubs. While deep house wasn’t born in South Africa, it has definitely found a home and holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of the nation. 

Today’s song is a deep-house deep cut. “Love song 28” by Jullian Gomes is one of those tracks that's been played at South African dances and parties (now called grooves) since it was released over a decade ago. The understated vocals, smooth instrumentation and simple percussion are so seductive—a classic. 

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