Afrosynth Records

14/09/2026

When Nkosazana Penny Mtya journeyed from King William's Town (now Qonce) to Johannesburg in the early 1980s in search of fame, her path collided with Muntu Semenya, the son of exiled stars Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, who had recently arrived from the US and was making his mark in South Africa as a producer and keyboardist.

Their demo secured a deal with WEA Records and they soon entered RPM Studios with co-producer Thokoza Memela and top session players Jethro Butow and Mike Faure to record three tracks: ‘Cassanova (Stop That Game)’, the instrumental ‘I Feel It’ and ‘Memories’, a duet with Yandy Mgolombane.

The EP, titled 'Penny’s Groove', received little promotion on its release in 1985 and soon disappeared into obscurity, the label notoriously reluctant to invest, perhaps unsure of how to market the polished ‘international’ sound and diverse influences. The tracks were never performed live and everyone involved soon parted ways, the album a testament to broken dreams.

Restored from the original master tapes and licensed from Gallo Music, pre-orders are now open for 'Penny's Groove', out soon on Afrosynth Records (AFS062) via Rush Hour Store: https://www.rushhour.nl/record/vinyl/penny%E2%80%99s-groove

30/07/2026

"We took the risks, worked day and night, and gave Durban’s creative industry its original heartbeat" - Sandy B in the news!

Legendary artist and businessman Sandy B has detailed of how his printing business in Durban KwaZulu Natal was started and later fell after foreign nationals

10/07/2026

South African multi-instrumentalist Mpumi Dhlamini's 'Nebula Nomad' explores themes of deep inner reflection and cosmic wonder. The EP puts three tracks from the 2024 album on vinyl for the first time: two reimagined versions of earlier compositions ‘The Higher Being’ and ‘Sibusise Nkosi’, along with ‘Culmination’.

Dhlamini writes, produces and performs all vocals and instruments, with contributions from Mzizi , Tendai 'Shoxx' Shoko 'Shoxx' Shoko, Ayo Solanke, Sbusiso Mkhize, ZoeTheSeed and Lelo|New Age Inc.

A brief introduction to a remarkable talent at the vanguard of South African spiritual jazz who has battled adversity and come out stronger, with something important to say.

Pre-order AFS063 now: https://www.rushhour.nl/record/vinyl/nebula-nomad

05/06/2026

'Mix To Groove', Doctor House's 1994 solo debut after PT House, is out now on . I'll have some copies along with fresh reggae and other goodies from , .flat_ in the crates at the V&A record fair this Saturday 🚢

04/05/2026

"Warm and hypnotic, Nigerian producer’s debut draws upon Omotade’s Yoruba heritage, managing to be simultaneously organic and otherworldly, with constantly shifting hand drums swimming into focus over locked grooves and hypnotic tape loops, only for the whole thing to fall apart again, dissolving into a cybernetic soup. Deceptively tranquil with an amazing amount going on beneath the surface. A fascinating debut from a major talent." - PopMatters

From rough 'n' ready techno to subtle drone, atmospheric footwork to striking synthpop, these are the best electronic records from the past month.

13/04/2026

South African kwaito pioneer Sandy B has joined forces with versatile Belgian producer soFa elsewhere to create a powerful, politically charged album, 'Forward in Reverse (Pt. 1)', out very soon on Afrosynth Records.

Their collaboration started in the shadow of ongoing genocide and atrocities in various parts of the world, with a shared conviction: music is political. Together they’ve channelled this into their work, creating tracks that resonate with defiance, hope and a demand for change – a rallying cry for justice, unity and transformation. May even the most privileged wake up and join the struggle for a better future for all.

Pre-order AFS058 now via Rush Hour Store: https://www.rushhour.nl/record/vinyl/forward-reverse-pt-1

19/03/2026

Here's another snippet from the upcoming album 'Forward in Reverse (Pt. 1)' by Sandy B and soFa elsewhere. 'Politicians' opens side B and like the other tracks on the album resonates with defiance, hope and a demand for change.

The album artwork takes inspiration from the artist himself. While most of his contemporaries who emerged in the 90s have long since hung up their mics, many passing on, Sandy remains as active and sharp as ever, travelling the world in recent years and collaborating with a host of producers and artists. His open mind, warm heart, discipline and athleticism have kept him ageless — timeless. With this 'immortality' in mind, the artwork envisions Sandy as a comic-book superhero in a Durban of the future — perhaps in 100 years' time. The city remains largely the same: its downtown area (here symbolised by the iconic Westpoint Lodge) wedged between its harbour and beachfront overlooking the warm Indian Ocean. By night as the tropical heat lifts, Sandy roams its palm tree-lined streets — observing, hustling, protecting the vulnerable, inspiring and entertaining.

The artwork was done by Cape Town-born and now Paris-bases digital illustrator Darren Christian (No AI was used, in case you are wondering).

Pre-order 'Forward in Reverse (Pt. 1) AFS058 now via at the 🔗 in bio

18/03/2026

"'Forward in Reverse' represents an intersection of activism and music, aiming to engage listeners in reflection and dialogue while maintaining the energetic and rhythmic qualities that have defined Sandy B’s career" — thanks Music in Africa!

South African kwaito artist Sandy B has teamed up with Belgian producer soFa elsewhere to release a politically charged album titled Forward in Reverse. The collaboration was inspired by ongoing global conflicts and reflects the artists’ shared belief that music remains a vehicle for political exp...

05/02/2026

Have you pre-ordered the new album by Sandy B and yet? 'Forward in Reverse Pt. 1' (AFS058) represents more than just music; it’s a statement of resistance. With Sandy B’s deep-rooted legacy and soFa elsewhere’s boundary-pushing production, the album offers a rallying cry for justice, unity and transformation: a better future for all. Here's a snippet of the album opener 'Mangamanga' - listen to the full track at www.afrosynth.com or on soundcloud