Black Motion
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Black Motion Biography
Black Motion is a renowned South African Afro House duo originating from Soshanguve, Gauteng, founded in 2010. The group initially consisted of Roy Thabo Mabogwane (Smol) and Robert Mahosana (Murdah Bongz), but after DJ Murda's departure, Kabelo Koma (Problem Child Ten83) joined the duo. Over the years, Black Motion has become a significant force in the Afro House music scene, blending deep house, tribal house, and tech house elements to create a unique sound that resonates both locally and internationally.
| Origin | Soshanguve, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Years Active | 2010–present |
| Current Members | Roy Thabo Mabogwane (Smol), Kabelo Koma (Problem Child Ten83) |
| Former Member | Robert Mahosana (Murdah Bongz) |
| Genres | Afro House, Deep House, Tribal House, Tech House |
| Notable Albums | Talking to the Drums, Fortune Teller, Ya Badimo, Moya Wa Taola, The Healers: The Last Chapter, Rebirth of the Drum |
| Record Label | Faimos Entertainment, Sony Music |
History
Black Motion was formed in 2010 by Murdah Bongz (Robert Mahosana) and Thabo (Roy Thabo Mabogwane) in Soshanguve. Their debut single, "Banane Mavoko" featuring Jah Rich, quickly gained international recognition, marking the beginning of their rise in the Afro House scene. Their first studio album, Talking to the Drums, released in 2011, showcased a fusion of deep house, tribal house, and tech house, earning them multiple nominations at the 2011 Metro FM Music Awards.
Following this, they released Aquarian Drums in 2012, further solidifying their presence in the industry. Their third album, Fortune Teller (2014), achieved gold certification in South Africa and won Best Dance Album at the 21st South African Music Awards. In 2016, after signing with Sony Music, they released Ya Badimo, which won Best Dance Album at the 23rd South African Music Awards and was certified platinum by RiSA.
In 2017, Black Motion partnered with Ballantine Scotch Whisky for the music campaign "The Ballantine's Beat of Africa." The duo continued to release hit singles such as "Joy Joy" featuring Brenden Praise in 2018, which was certified platinum. Their fifth studio album, Moya Wa Taola, released in 2018, received nominations for Album of the Year and won Duo/Group of the Year and Best Dance Album at the 25th South African Music Awards.
In 2020, Black Motion released the album The Healers: The Last Chapter, featuring collaborations with prominent artists like Nokwazi, Ami Faku, Simmy, and Kabza De Small. The album won Best Dance Album at the 27th South African Music Awards. To promote the album, Red Bull Rendezvous hosted a concert in Graskop, Mpumalanga.
After DJ Murda's departure to pursue a solo career, Kabelo Koma (Problem Child Ten83) joined the group. The duo returned from a brief hiatus with the single "Ngoma" in 2022. Their seventh studio album, Rebirth of the Drum, was announced in June 2023 and released in September 2023. Most recently, their single "Takala Zwino" featuring Afrikan Roots, Buckz, and Mörda was released in May 2024 and entered the Local Radio Chart Top 10.
Influence
Black Motion has cited legendary African musicians such as Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Salif Keita, and Hugh Masekela as major influences on their music and artistic direction. These icons have inspired the duo to blend traditional African sounds with contemporary house music, creating a distinctive and culturally rich sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the current members of Black Motion?
A: The current members are Roy Thabo Mabogwane (Smol) and Kabelo Koma (Problem Child Ten83).
Q: When was Black Motion formed?
A: Black Motion was formed in 2010 in Soshanguve, Gauteng, South Africa.
Q: What are some of Black Motion’s most successful albums?
A: Some of their most successful albums include Talking to the Drums, Fortune Teller, Ya Badimo, Moya Wa Taola, and The Healers: The Last Chapter.
Q: Has Black Motion won any major awards?
A: Yes, they have won multiple South African Music Awards, including Best Dance Album and Duo/Group of the Year.
Q: What genres does Black Motion primarily produce?
A: They primarily produce Afro House, incorporating elements of deep house, tribal house, and tech house.
Conclusion
Black Motion stands as a pioneering force in the Afro House music scene, continuously evolving while staying true to their African roots. Their ability to blend traditional rhythms with modern electronic sounds has earned them both critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. With a rich history of award-winning albums and influential collaborations, Black Motion continues to shape the soundscape of South African music and inspire the next generation of artists.
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