Charisse C Releases New 3-Step Single ‘5 EK’SENI’
“5 EK’SENI (5AM)” is the first single from Abantu’s inaugural recording camp, featuring 10 African artists in the British Diaspora, handpicked by Charisse C herself, supported by Baltic Studio’s and Nando’s.
Produced by longtime collaborator, Kwamzy, this 3-Step Dance record mixes English, Zulu and Shona lyrics to tell an infectious story about the hedonistic pleasures of a ladies night out.
“It’s 5am in the morning, tiri mugomba (we are the bottom of the night), asifun’ukulala emakhaya (we don’t want to sleep at home),” says the lyrics.
“5 Ekseni” cover art | SUPPLIED
This first single from the Abantu founder’s upcoming “ABANTU MEANS PEOPLE” EP, makes yet another mark for the cultural trailblazer Charisse C, who holds a powerful presence in dance music with her label and event series Abantu; insistent on boundary pushing artistry rooted in Southern Africa, presented with a high level of care and quality.
When asked about the release of 5 EK’SENI Charisse C said:
“I hosted this recording camp at Baltic Studios in East London in October 2024, I’ve been working towards bringing together the artists whose music I’ve supported for years through my DJ sets and radio shows, for a long time. Through this project, not only does my own growth as a singer-songwriter-producer shine, but also my ear for talent, my A&Ring skills and my unwavering dedication to building community and culture with a people-first ethos.
Charisse C | SUPPLIED
“In an era of Dance music where the mash-up and the ghost producer have become King and integrity often comes second; the focus was on original music, true stories, real experimentation and exploration, developing identity in artistry and making good music.”