Artist Lebo on Merging Afro House with UK Underground
South African artist Lebo is redefining the intersection of Afro house and the UK’s underground club scene. Now based in Manchester, she has become a key figure in blending African rhythms with electronic music subcultures, creating a distinctive sound that is both energetic and deeply rooted in storytelling.
Bridging Two Musical Worlds
Lebo’s music seamlessly fuses the pulsating beats of Afro house, Afrotech, and amapiano with the raw, experimental energy of UK underground dance music. She sees this fusion as a natural progression, uniting the global influences that have shaped her artistic journey.
A South African Foundation
Growing up in South Africa, Lebo was immersed in the sounds of house music from an early age. She credits the country’s vibrant dance music culture as the foundation for her artistry, shaping her approach to rhythm, melody, and movement.
Manchester’s Underground Scene: A New Playground
Since relocating to Manchester, Lebo has found herself deeply connected to the UK’s underground club scene. She describes the city’s thriving electronic music culture as a space that encourages experimentation and collaboration, allowing her to push the boundaries of Afro house.
The Rise of 3-Step Sound
Lebo is one of the pioneers championing the emerging 3-step sound, a genre that fuses elements of UK garage, amapiano, and deep house. She views this style as an evolution of the cross-cultural exchange between African and UK electronic music scenes.
Growing Pains: A Personal and Sonic Evolution
Her latest EP, Growing Pains, is a deeply personal project that reflects her journey as both an artist and an individual. Through a mix of Afro house and Afrotech influences, the project explores themes of resilience, struggle, and personal growth.
Exploring Life’s Hardships Through Music
Lebo sees music as a powerful way to navigate life’s challenges. Growing Pains was inspired by her own experiences of change and adaptation, particularly in moving to a new country and finding her place in a different musical landscape.
The Emotional Power of Afro House
Afro house has always been known for its emotional depth, and Lebo harnesses this quality in her work. She describes the genre as more than just dance music—it’s a form of expression that allows for vulnerability and storytelling.
Afrotech’s Influence on Her Sound
In addition to Afro house, Afrotech plays a significant role in shaping Lebo’s sound. She appreciates the genre’s futuristic elements, which give her the freedom to explore electronic textures while maintaining an organic groove.
Collaborating With UK Producers
Lebo has actively sought collaborations with UK-based producers, bringing her Afro-influenced sound into new creative spaces. She believes these partnerships are essential for pushing the fusion of African and UK underground dance music forward.
Representation in the Electronic Music Industry
As a Black woman in the electronic music scene, Lebo acknowledges the importance of representation. She hopes her success can inspire other African artists to break into global markets and share their unique sounds with wider audiences.
Bringing African Rhythms to the Global Stage
One of Lebo’s main goals is to elevate African house music on the global stage. She sees the genre’s growing popularity in Europe and beyond as proof that its infectious energy and deep-rooted storytelling resonate with people worldwide.
The Future of Afro House and UK Underground Fusion
Looking ahead, Lebo believes that the fusion of Afro house and UK underground music will continue to evolve. She anticipates more experimentation, genre-blending, and the emergence of new substyles as more artists embrace cross-cultural collaborations.
Preparing for 2025: New Projects and Live Performances
Lebo is already working on new projects set for release in 2025. She also plans to take her sound to live audiences, with upcoming performances at both Afro house and UK electronic music festivals.
Conclusion: A Trailblazer in the Afro House Movement
With her unique approach to blending Afro house, Afrotech, and UK underground music, Lebo is carving a distinct path in the electronic music world. Through Growing Pains and her advocacy for emerging sounds like 3-step, she is pushing musical boundaries and championing a new wave of global dance music. Her journey is a testament to the power of cultural fusion and the limitless possibilities of electronic music.
