Early July, South African DJ and producer Vanco has released his genre-bending summer anthem “Hoya”. Hailing from Douglasdale, Johannesburg, he has long been cementing his name as an afro-tech pioneer, blending electronic and diasporic club sounds – Blending big-room afro-techno and melodic house and techno, with sounds of the African diaspora.
KALTBLUT caught up with Vanco as part of our #TheCulturalConnection series to talk to him about his latest release and what kind of role culture plays for him.
KALTBLUT: Can you tell me about your latest release?
Vanco: I am amped for this one because it’s a fuse of different African cultures in one song. The direct translation of “Hoya” means let’s go and the in depth meaning also talks about a new beginning, new life which is something we all can relate to. Making space in our lives to make room for new energy is always a great feeling so for me I am in a space where I literally feel like I have made space to allow for a new chapter in my life. The feedback from the listeners and spinners is so humbling to be truthful.
KALTBLUT: You’re blending several genres from Afrotech to Trance. How do you approach production and that fusion of different sounds?
Vanco: Through my travels, networking, collaborating with other artists; this has played a vital role in just broadening my taste, knowledge and what I foresee. To add more, my upbringing was in a family of music lovers. Music feels like it’s a beat that’s been playing non-stop ever since I have existed. Different cultures have contributed to who I am so I don’t shy away from incorporating that into my music production hence the diversity but I remain true to my African roots, that “Southern African groove“ you can’t miss and it is unique in its own special way.
Music feels like it’s a beat that’s been playing non-stop ever since I have existed.
KALTBLUT: I’ve read about the mythology behind “Hoya”. Could you explain the mythology and what made you choose it?
Vanco: I didn’t even choose it because the writer wrote about the song & it’s being sung in Yoruba – a Nigerian dialect. Initially, I didn’t know what it meant when I received the vocals which were recorded in the United Kingdom with the aid of my manager who happens to be from the UK.
I feel the voice itself, that pick line H – Oya hits me different in a special and unique way. So I believe the song chose us. The mythology behind the song signifies the force of change and renewal, wiping out the old to make room for a new and fresh start.
KALTBLUT: How does culture intersect with your work and what role does it play for you in your artistic life?
Vanco: Culture is fundamental, the source, the origin and a huge determining factor. It goes beyond even having been exposed to the world so much – it never leaves you because culture is who we are. I am African, I love and embrace our rhythm which is part of African culture. Singing has been a way of expression for us in good and bad times; when we celebrate we sing. When we are dissatisfied we still sing. For me, African rhythm and singing at the same time communicating a meaningful message will also be my culture and always be part of my musical artist Iife.
Follow @vanco_sa to keep up with upcoming releases and shows. Stream or download his single “Hoya” here.
Photo provided by Vanco.
You can revisit all Cultural Connection interviews at #TheCulturalConnection here.
