Welcome to my house; South Africa takes over Toronto

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Shanae never thought that when she returned to Toronto, the industry would have changed so drastically.

Chinedu ‘Shanae’ Egwuenu is the woman behind Urban Communications Group, a business that she started five years ago as a promotion project for brands. Currently she is responsible for: client correspondence, research, branding/brand management, media relations, social media monitoring and media coverage tracking. On Saturday, October 19^th, 2019, Shanae brought soulful, Afro-House to Toronto at the Last Planet located on 533 Beresford Ave.

The night featured three talented and progressive DJ’s: Dj Dave Rankin (Toronto, Ontario), Dj/Producer Ralf Gum (Germany born, living in South Africa), and Dj/Producer SIR LSG (South Africa). Dj Rankin and I arrived earlier because he was the Dj chosen to start the night off. At first, we were a little lost because Last Planet is located in a residential area. It didn’t make sense to me until we went inside, and then I was wonderfully surprised.

Since 2013, Last Planet has been hosting parties with promoters, and world-renowned artists, and Saturday night was no different. What makes this venue so unique is the fact that it is sound proof, which made it perfect for the percussion-led rhythmic beats, the 4/4-time drum percussion with low frequency, and the heavy bass lines that are meant to touch the soul, make you dance and lift your spirit. What made it perfect was that we were able to enjoy the heart pumping music, and the neighbours were impervious to the sounds coming from the building.

Shanae first connected with Dave at the Canadian Music Week held in May 2019, and through their discussions they both agreed that Underground House music is very underrepresented in Canada. Shanae has committed to explore the genre in a modern way by showcasing vocalists, producers and DJ’s on an international platform. With DJ’s like Black Coffee beginning to be recognized internationally, it is only a matter of time before Afro-House becomes mainstream, and Shanae plans to be right there at the helm, leading the charge and holding her own as a DJ, promoter, and collaborator. Interestingly enough, the focus on South African Afro-House at this year’s Canadian Music Week had a lot to do with Shanae. “Africa is the birthplace of mankind and of music; it is reflected in music found all over the world, especially the music that they refer to as Tribal, and Afro-Tech. What I want is for Afro-House to be recognized for what it is, and for South Africa to be highlighted for all the talent that it produces.”

Her passion for Afro-House comes from her own love for music. Shanae spent some time in Japan teaching, and this is where it all began for her. “I learned how to DJ by watching my guy friends, and finally I asked them to teach me. It was not until I went to Japan that I bought my first DJ kit. I began to spin out there, and house DJ’s would come to hear me play. This is when I started to connect with DJ’s, and my collaborative efforts continued when I visited New York, and when I came back to Toronto.”

“How were things when you came back?” I queried.

“To be honest with you, very harsh! When I came back, I saw the need to highlight house DJ’s, so I would approach promoters to interview DJ’s that they would have headlining their parties, and I began to receive push back because they thought I was just doing it because I was clout chasing. All I have ever been interested in doing is talking to other creatives about their craft, and regardless of the pushback I was receiving, I was, and am still determined to do it. That is what this is all about supporting, and highlighting artists, that is it. I am happy that I was able to bring Dave Rankin, Ralf Gum, and SIR LSG together in one place last Saturday. It was months in the making, and I am looking forward to doing even more.”

“What can people expect from you going forward?” I was impressed by Shanae’s passion, and was curious as to what her next move was going to be.

“I am speaking directly to Afro-House DJ’s, artists, and producers when I say, when you come and work with me, know that you will be branded and spotlighted. Over my years in the industry, I have learned how to collaborate and work with others effectively, and this is a benefit to anyone that I work with.”

The Afro-House scene is definitely growing here in Toronto, and I am happy to see a young, black woman finding her groove in this fast-paced industry.