Skip to main content

SCENE FOCUS: DJ MBO'S GUIDE TO SWAZILAND

With Miller Genuine Draft

It is often said that electronic music is a universal language. Indeed, the beats, basslines and melodies that make up the music we lovingly call dance music have enabled EDM to reach even the most unlikely corners of the globe.

In this month's Scene Focus, we catch up with Miller SoundClash finalist DJ MBO, who gives us the inside scoop on Swaziland, the African nation he calls home...

The Kingdom of Swaziland sits on the South East tip of Africa and is one of the smallest countries in the continent - measuring just 200km across. Within this small country however the influence of a cosmopolitan geographical neighbour has a big influence on the scene.

"House music is the most popular genre in Mbabane [the capital city]," MBO tells us. "Most of the music there originates from South Africa. But as a DJ it is important to be able to fuse local African music with dance beats. This is what the crowds in Swaziland appreciate most."

Despite its small size, Swaziland is home to a whole array of music venues, where DJs like MBO have made their name. Clubs including Gallery, Club Babylon, Tinkers, Ocean Waves, Marios and the recently opened Solani's Shisanyama have been helping to create a small but vibrant scene that is soundtracked by a selection of local and international DJ talent.

"The dance scene has been growing gradually," MBO says enthusiastically. But Miller SoundClash has had a massive impact on its perception. The local scene is now really busy with both clubs and festivals!"

Indeed the festival scene is not to be overlooked, with events including the BushFire Festival and Simunye Fair which are held annually. For MBO however, it is all about the smaller rooms where he can really engage with his audience.

" I enjoy the club scene," he shares. "It's just more intimate and you can easily see and feel the crowd response!"

Want to get a feel for DJ MBO? Check out his Miller SoundClash Highlights video below.