Defected Launches New Afro House Sub Label, One People

“Peperuke” by Alex Wann has been released, kicking off the latest imprint from world-renowned house music label Defected.

English powerhouse label Defected prides itself on promoting and growing a wide range of house music sub-genres across the world with its extensive roster of imprints. Whether it be the youthful and club-centric anthems of Glitterbox, the soulful ballads of Yoruba Records, or the underground garage tracks of Sub-Urban Records, Defected is always pushing every taste that house music has to offer. Now, they have made yet another addition to that ever-growing list with One People, a label focused on Afro-house and Afro-tech music.

Afro-house music originated in South Africa in the early 1990s when local producers started to blend the percussion, rhythms, and vocals of traditional African tribal music into modern house music. It didn’t take long for the captivating mix to catch the attention of producers around the world and become a global phenomenon. Artists such as Black Coffee, who has collaborated with Drake on a handful of tracks, DJ Karaba, and Da Capo currently spearhead the Afro-house movement.

One People will be headed by Defected’s director of artists and repertoire, Allan Nicoll, who has a wealth of experience in the South African music scene. “Over the course of my two decades in the industry, Afro house has consistently held a prominent position within the musical landscape,” says Nicoll. “The opportunity to establish a label in collaboration with Defected has allowed for an even broader global platform, and through One People, I am excited to present the rich and dynamic offerings of the genre to audiences worldwide.”

For the first release on their new label, Defected has decided on “Peperuke,” an understatedly smooth tune from French DJ Alex Wann and Kenyan singer-songwriter Nes Mburu. The song exemplifies the warm melodies and driving percussion that will be at the heart of One People. Defected has also announced that the second release on the label will come this March from Benin-native and Brooklyn-based artist AMÉMÉ.

Many talented producers and vocalists will surely be featured in the coming months and years as One People develops their signature Afro-house sound. Check out their first offering by Alex Wann, “Peperuke,” below!