Durban Underground: Three Decades of Celebrating Black Musical Heritage This Christmas
For nearly thirty years, Durban Underground has stood as a powerful testament to Black South African creativity and entrepreneurship, transforming from a simple house party into one of the country's most significant cultural gatherings. This Christmas Day event represents far more than entertainment; it embodies the resilience and innovation of our communities in post-apartheid South Africa.
Founded by Mbusi Sokhela, known professionally as DJ Sox, the event emerged in Durban North among a group of high school friends determined to create their own Christmas celebration. What began as an intimate gathering has evolved into a premier showcase of Black South African talent, drawing thousands of attendees from across the country.
From Humble Beginnings to Cultural Institution
"For about three years, it was a house party, then we started hiring venues because the group and people attending grew," Sokhela explains. This organic growth reflects the hunger within our communities for authentic, locally-driven entertainment that celebrates our culture without compromise.
The event's journey across various eThekwini locations, from Durban North to Umhlanga and now Virginia Airport, demonstrates the dynamic nature of Black South African entrepreneurship. Each venue change has brought fresh energy while maintaining the event's core mission of uplifting local talent.
Nurturing the Durban Music Movement
Durban Underground has played a crucial role in developing the city's distinctive music scene, providing a platform for artists who have since achieved national and international recognition. DJ Tira, DJ Bongz, and Big Nuz all performed at the event during their rise to prominence, highlighting its importance as an incubator for Black musical talent.
"This is the party we used to attend back in the days when the Durban music movement was starting," Sokhela reflects, emphasizing the event's foundational role in nurturing artists who now represent South African music globally.
This year's lineup features Oscar Mbo, Morda Bongz, Durban's Finest, Dlala Thukzin, DJ Happygirl, and others, all hosted by Polo B. This represents a new generation of Black artists carrying forward the legacy of musical excellence.
Economic Empowerment and Tourism
Beyond cultural significance, Durban Underground demonstrates the economic potential of Black-owned entertainment ventures. As Sokhela notes, the event fills a crucial gap in the tourism calendar when most establishments close on Christmas Day.
"Almost all other venues, like restaurants and nightclubs, are closed on Christmas Day. This is why Durban Tourism has supported this event, due to its national pull and the entertainment it provides," he explains. This partnership represents the kind of collaboration needed to build sustainable Black economic empowerment in the creative industries.
The event serves as a homecoming for many who work outside Durban, including international stars like Black Coffee, creating a reunion atmosphere that strengthens community bonds across geographic boundaries.
Looking Forward
Sokhela's commitment to continuing this legacy remains strong, with plans for new music releases and the anticipated Durban's Finest Volume 4 collaboration with DJ Tira. These projects ensure that the platform will continue nurturing and promoting Black South African musical talent.
As we celebrate three decades of Durban Underground, we witness the power of Black South African creativity to build lasting cultural institutions that serve our communities while achieving commercial success. This Christmas Day, the event stands as a beacon of what we can achieve when we support and invest in our own cultural expressions.