Hot Picks: Hes Brian Shares 10 Tracks Soundtracking His Afro House Journey Ahead of ‘Big Bang EP’
- 29 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Hes Brian’s path into music started long before studios, releases and DJ booths entered the picture. Growing up in Vosloorus as a sbhujwa dancer, rhythm sat at the centre of everything from the beginning. Those early experiences built the foundations of a musical identity that would eventually evolve into a sound rooted in movement, percussion and emotional connection.
That journey continues with the release of his forthcoming ‘Big Bang EP’ on Connected. Built around ideas of origin and reinvention, the project explores both creative and personal beginnings. Written after starting completely fresh with a new hard drive, the EP became more than just a reset. It became a blueprint, with each track carrying fragments of a wider story around identity, growth and discovery.
To celebrate the release, Hes Brian shares ten records that continue to shape his approach to music, from deep and melodic textures to club weapons designed for peak-time moments.
Guru – Closer [Nomacore Records]
Love the blend in this record, it's a blend of Afro, deep, and techno house, overall club weapon.
Keinemusik – Guilt Trip [Keinemusik]
When I first heard this in 2017, Keinemusik was still fresh to my ears. The sound caught me. I think many househeads would agree that it was very different from what we were used to hearing.
JOĒHUMAN – Ojalá [Ase Records]
Beautifully textured sounds from my associate and Ase Records boss. PURE SUNSET VIBES.
Motip White – Clean The Turbines (Meera Remix) [When We Dip]
One of my all-time favourites from Meera, always in my sets.
Azumba – Mashamba [Connected Frontline]
This is an amazing song. The chords tell a story. Perfect Afro melodic track.
Argento Dust, Bukeka – Ndihlambile [Bridges For Music]
One of my favourite producers. This song is peak South African Afro House. The vocals from Bukeka complement the warmth of this track. Love it.
Sky White, Double Drop – Joga [Xibalo Records]
Crazy tune, serious dancefloor weapon. I call it "stank face" music.
Jimi Jules – Run Baby [CircoLoco Records]
This is just a masterpiece. It sounds like a scene from a movie.
40D – Da Dome [Sondela Recordings Ltd]
Dancefloor weapon, midnight peak track with crazy synths.
Ellah, Studio Bros, Magic Beatz – Dentu Bo (Tefo Foxx Remix) [Konda Records]
Banger. Bright sounds and vocals from Ellah that truly complement the song.
Across these selections there is a clear thread running through everything Hes Brian gravitates towards. Rhythm remains central, but equally important is atmosphere and feeling. Whether it is warm melodic progressions, hypnotic percussion or records built for late-night dancefloor pressure, each track carries its own sense of identity.
That same balance sits at the heart of ‘Big Bang EP’. It looks at beginnings through both a personal and sonic lens, using movement and emotion to create something that feels rooted in where Hes Brian started while pointing firmly towards where he is heading next.
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