Get to know: Buntu & Samantha Blackburn

The South African born, London based producer Samantha Blackburn has been active on London’s thriving electronic music scene for almost ten years now. Whether she’s curating her own ‘Buntu’ nights or playing tribal infused selects throughout the city, Blackburn has become a recognisable face amongst her South African counterparts in London’s close-knit dance music community. 

Celebrating her roots and culture from the Southern Hemisphere, Blackburn launched her imprint and event series ‘Buntu’ in 2013 as a brand, label and platform for burgeoning artists between the UK and SA, before honing her skills behind the decks mixing everything from tribal tech to percussive led sounds on the house and techno spectrum. 

Sharing her Egg LDN billing with Black Coffee's protégé, Culoe de Song, Blackburn is gearing up to host Buntu in our Loft with a plethora of flourishing artists who shine a light on the ethos of her imprint - something which Blackburn delves into more detail with us ahead of the show on June 30th. 

You’ve been living in London for a number of years now. How does London’s electronic scene compare to South Africas? 

I moved from South Africa to London 15 years ago. I try and go back for a visit at least once a year. When I left London, I was raving to hard dance and uplifting trance, which was really big in SA. 

We had some great clubs back in the day, such as the Sunday parties at legendary E.S.P in Johannesburg or Stardust in Pretoria. As the years went on, the scene changed, and a new wave of artists and more European sounds came in. 

The scene became more integrated, bringing in new cultures, and the party scene exploded but still stayed to true to its roots. There’s been a huge turn-out of South African artists steadily growing within the global dance music scene. 

What do you think triggered this over the years? 

South African artists have always been there. Africa is the heart of house music. It’s played in all stores, taxis, bars and clubs. With modern technology (faster internet) it has made it easier to reach out of Africa, and a few artists have been picked up by main house and techno labels in Europe such as MoBlack Records and Get Physical. 

SA artists who have been working on music for years finally have access now to labels and other artists around the world to collaborate. Afrobeat and Afro Techno has become a big sound in 2018. I am so delighted and feel so proud to say I am South African. 

What projects have you been working on over in South Africa? 

I try and go back to SA once a year to set up various music production and industry workshops. The aim of the project is to encourage collaboration and bring the music community together. Actually, it’s connected to what the word ‘Buntu’ means. (U)Buntu is a beautiful and old South African philosophy. 

The belief is that we are defined by our compassion and kindness towards each other. It embodies the idea of connection, community, and mutual caring for all. I believe we should give back to the universe, and I try and share my knowledge and help people where I can. I am trying to set up a foundation to get equipment to young SA artists who may not be able to afford expensive production or DJ equipment, as South Africa is mega expensive! I try and encourage established artists to join us for the one-day workshops to give a presentation on production or give industry advice. 

It’s important to connect people and encourage skills development. Buntu is set to host our Loft room on 30 June. What’s the ethos behind the imprint and why did you initially set it up? 

We are totally looking forward to bringing a bit of Buntu to Egg’s dancefloor! We will be an all-female DJ line up with myself and new Buntu resident Kat Richmond playing either side of a special guest set from the amazing Just Her. 

We will also be joined by percussionist Liam Emerson and Kat will also do a live violin PA later on during our sets. Our Buntu tribe is a collection of artists, bringing together like-minded friends to encourage creative expression. 

I wanted to create a platform for musicians, DJs, visual artists, vocalists or performers to come together and create something new. Setting up the label is the next natural step for Buntu and its community. 

Leave us with three tracks which emulate what you’re about as an artist and why? 

Marc Romboy & Rodriguez Jr. - Lac De Nivelles

This track has such great memories attached to it, I used it as one of my signature tracks right at the end of my sets and all of us not wanting the night to end!

Maceo Plex - Ain't That Love 

I get goosebumps every time I listen to this track, I've rediscovered it. Such a sexy tune! 

Patrick Specke - Bitchual Linestepper 

One of my ultimate favourite tunes. You have to listen to it loud on headphones. Gets me going every time...