GQ Chats to DJ Nitefreak about his upcoming European Tour

It’s very rare these days to not hear an Afro-house track in a club regardless of where you are in the world.

Afro-house has expanded territory through its various niche genres such as Amapiano and Afro-tech.

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The genre has sparked a flame which burns throughout the continent and has progressed since its roots which are deeply ingrained in South African kwaito, deep, soulful, and tribal house music.

According to popular UK House DJ Kitty Amour, to make quality and meaningful Afro House, one has to be into African music. This is true considering that the genre at its finest celebrates traditional African sounds.

With its many patrons, Afro-house has its identity firmly established in the culture of Africa.

DJ Nitefreak brings a progressive approach to Afro-house music operating at the forefront of the Zimbabwean Afro-house scene. His music has amassed millions of streams online certifying him as one of the country’s biggest musical exports.

The name Nitefreak has become a brand that is synonymous with the Afro-house movement in Africa, being endorsed by global acts such as Black Coffee, Diplo, Calvin Harris, Nora en Pure, Vintage Culture and Tiesto to name a few.

Wasting no time in reaching millstones, some of his career highlights include signing to Francis Mercier’s Deep Root Records, reaching the top 5 on Beatport, getting featured on Forbes and composing music for UFC’s official documentary of Cameroonian-French mixed martial artist, Francis Ngannou.

It’s evident that Nitefreak has become a certified hitmaker as he has featured on the biggest dance playlists on Spotify and Apple Music such as Spotify’s New Music Friday, Electronic Rising, Deep House Blend, and Haitian Heat, as well as Apple Music’s Breaking Dance, Afro House Nation, and New In Dance. Pick of the bunch, he had the honour of being selected as one of 1001Tracklists’s ‘Future of Dance 2022’ artists.

Nitefreak, whose real name is Bheki Mabhena started his musical journey in 2009, as a self-taught DJ and producer coming out of the city of Bulawayo. Over the years, his music has evolved into a signature soundscape that has captured the hearts of House ravers from all the corners of the world.

Looking back on his career so far, the impact of his collaboration with South African producer Vestaa on the record titled Ghost played a huge role in introducing him to a broader audience. Since then he has collaborated with acts such as BLOND:ISH and the 3-time Grammy nominated duo Amadou & Mariam.

His music has become anthems in clubs all over the world with smash hits such as, the “Premier Gaou” remix with Francis Mercier, “Kamili,” and “Pesa Esengo” staying on repeat on playlists of DJs on the continent and beyond. Now an international act in his own right, Nitefreak is about to tour Europe later this month.

GQ caught up with Nitefreak to chat about music and his upcoming tour:

GQ: What inspired you to make music? Growing up, which artists did you have on your Playlist?

Nitefreak: A friend introduced me to Fl Studio in 2010 and being from a musical family it was something right up my alley. Bob Sinclair, Grego Salto, Mjava, Afrojack, DJ Chuckie just to name a few.

GQ: In your career so far, you have collaborated with international acts in the House scene and you'll soon share a set with Diplo. Is there any artist on your collaboration bucket list?

Nitefreak: I don't have a bucket list at the moment, I am still trying to process everything that’s happening now. Am sure the universe will continue giving, we’ll see who I work with next.

GQ: Your mega hit Premier Gaou with Francis Mercier has amassed more than 6 million views today. How big an impact has it been on your career?

Nitefreak: Well, am touring now that's the biggest highlight

GQ: What was your I made it moment?

Nitefreak: My First Gig in Kenya 2022.

GQ: What is your creative process like?

Nitefreak: I don't force things, if I'm not in the mood to work I don't. How I feel determines what I make, with every record it must evoke a feeling.

GQ: Afro-House music continues to break ground internationally, as an artist in the space where do you see the genre going in the future?

Nitefreak: I don't know really, I am here for the ride as well. I want to see where all this lead

GQ: You are set to tour Europe at the end of the month, which location are most excited to be performing at?

Nitefreak: Ibiza

GQ: Do you have any tour rituals? How do you get ready for a performance?

Nitefreak: Rituals (laughs). I’ve been a DJ for the last 13 years. This is second nature to me. Little prayer, go to the bathroom and it’s show time.

GQ: What does the future hold for Nitefreak?

Nitefreak: Like I said Prior, I want to see where all this lead. Am still processing everything that’s happening now.