Gondwana has been named Beatport’s Label of the Month, a recognition that highlights their groundbreaking contributions to Afro-house and electronic music. This Kenyan label, founded by Suraj Mandavia and later joined by Eugene Onyango (Euggy), is not just about music—it’s about building community and sharing authentic African sounds with the world. Since February 2022, Paradise Worldwide has been proud to distribute Gondwana’s music globally. In 2024, our collaboration expanded as they became a publishing client and launched their first DJ promo campaign with us. This recognition underscores Gondwana’s commitment to building community and sharing authentic African sounds with the world—an ethos that has been part of their journey from the very beginning.
From Pop-Up Parties to Global Recognition
Gondwana began as a series of local pop-up events in Nairobi, creating spaces for electronic music that reflected African traditions. From early gatherings at venues like Crooked Q to stunning outdoor events overlooking the Kenyan National Park, their parties became synonymous with a “mellow, eclectic, melodic” sound that resonated deeply with attendees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they transitioned to large-scale outdoor events and solidified their position in the global Afro-house scene.
Expanding Into a Label
The label launched in 2017 with Ace Mantez’s “Tech Me to Bechuanaland” and quickly evolved into a platform showcasing African electronic music. Gondwana now boasts releases from artists like Enoo Napa, Karyendasoul, and Suraj himself, along with the debut album by Miči, Feelings, featuring collaborators such as Da Capo and Atmos Blaq.
Euggy emphasizes the importance of relationships: “Beyond the music, I need to understand an artist’s story and character. It’s about building something meaningful together.”
Staying True to Their Roots
Gondwana’s music blends Afro rhythms, authentic instrumentation, and indigenous vocals, all while embracing Kenya’s rich musical traditions. Their focus remains on uplifting local artists, providing platforms for Kenyan talent, and creating music that is deeply melodic and spiritual. Gondwana ensures cultural authenticity while avoiding misappropriation, reflecting their commitment to ethical artistry.
Looking Ahead
Gondwana continues to host events across Africa and beyond, drawing thousands of fans while staying true to their values of music and community. Their goal is simple but powerful: to make Afro House a celebrated global phenomenon while supporting the next generation of artists.
For us at Paradise Worldwide, it’s a privilege to work alongside them. From global distribution to publishing, we’re proud to be part of their journey and are excited to help them achieve even greater heights. Explore Gondwana’s catalog on your favorite streaming platforms or dig deeper into their story through the full Beatport article here.
At Paradise Worldwide, we’re excited to continue this journey together, helping to bring authentic Afro-house to every corner of the world.
