Nitefreak
Nitefreak | |
|---|---|
| Born | Bhekinkosi Melusi Mabhena 21 September 1991 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe |
| Genres | House, Afro house |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Labels |
|
Bhekinkosi Melusi Mabhena[1] (Zulu pronunciation: [ɓɛkʼiːnˈkɔːsi mɛˈluːsi maˈbʱɛːna]; born 21 September 1991), professionally known as Nitefreak, is a Zimbabwean DJ and record producer. He is associated with the Afro house genre and has released music through international electronic music labels, including Spinnin' Deep and Higher Ground.[2] His 2021 remix of "Premier Gaou", co-produced with Francis Mercier, was certified gold by the Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique (SNEP) in France.[3]
Early life
[edit]Mabhena was born on 21 September 1991 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.[4] He began DJing in 2009 after being introduced to the music production software FL Studio by a friend.[5]
Musical career
[edit]Early work
[edit]Nitefreak initially worked as a producer, creating instrumentals for local artists and building a catalogue of independent releases.[6]
Breakthrough
[edit]In 2021, he released a remix of "Premier Gaou", originally performed by Magic System, in collaboration with Francis Mercier. The track received international airplay and was later certified gold by the Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique (SNEP).[7]
Subsequent releases and recognition
[edit]In May 2023, Nitefreak was included in 1001Tracklists' "The Future of Dance" list, which highlights emerging electronic music artists.[8]
The same year, he received multiple nominations at the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards, winning in the categories of Outstanding Club DJ, Outstanding Song of the Year, and Outstanding Ambassador (Worldwide).[9]
In November 2023, he released the single "Gorah", a collaboration with Emmanuel Jal.[10]
Other activities
[edit]In February 2023, Nitefreak appeared in an interview alongside Francis Mercier and Michael Brun for Forbes, where they discussed their work and broader themes related to Black History Month.[11]
Musical style
[edit]Nitefreak's productions are generally associated with Afro house, combining electronic dance music structures with rhythmic elements drawn from African musical traditions. His work frequently involves collaborations with vocalists and producers from different regions.
Recognition
[edit]Nitefreak has been included in industry-curated lists highlighting emerging electronic music artists, including 1001Tracklists' "Future of Dance" selection.[12]
Discography
[edit]Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Certification | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Premier Gaou" | 2021 | SNEP: Gold | Non-album single |
| "Ode Ireti" (Remix) | 2022 | — | Non-album single |
| "Kamili" | 2023 | — | Non-album single |
| "Pesa Esengo" | — | Non-album single | |
| "Vom" | — | Non-album single | |
| "Desert Storm" | — | Non-album single | |
| "Ike Onu" | — | Non-album single | |
| "Gorah" | — | Non-album single | |
| "Savior" | 2024 | — | Non-album single |
| "Asara" | — | Non-album single | |
| "Gorah (Midnight Mix)" | — | Non-album single | |
| "Maithori" | 2025 | — | Non-album single |
| "Mulalo" | — | Non-album single |
Awards and nominations
[edit]Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards
[edit]| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Himself | Outstanding Club DJ | Won | [9] |
| Outstanding Ambassador (Worldwide) | Won | |||
| Outstanding Male Artiste | Nominated | |||
| "Premier Gaou (Remix)" | Outstanding Song of the Year | Won | ||
| Outstanding Kwaito/House/Gqom | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ↑ "EL LLANTO". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
- ↑ "Meet Nitefreak the Good Music DJ, Beat-Maker & Remixer". Ingudukazi. 7 October 2022. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ↑ "LES CERTIFICATIONS - SNEP (France)". 2023-08-31. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ↑ "Meet Nitefreak the Good Music DJ, Beat-Maker & Remixer". Ingudukazi. 7 October 2022. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ↑ "DJ Nitefreak eyes international market". Chronicle. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ↑ "Nitefreak Biography". Shop Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ↑ "LES CERTIFICATIONS - SNEP (France)". 2023-08-31. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ↑ "Nitefreak featured on 1001Tracklist's The Future Of Dance 2023 List celebrating the genres top producers". enthuse Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- 1 2 "Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards 2023: Nitefreak leads the way with the most nominations". enthuse Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-13.
- ↑ "NITEFREAK AND EMMANUEL JAL RELEASE NEW Single "GORAH"". Canadian Ravers. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
- ↑ "In Conversation: Francis Mercier, Michael Brun And Nitefreak On Black History Month". Forbes.
- ↑ "Nitefreak featured on 1001Tracklists' 2023 "The Future of Dance" list celebrating the genre's top producers". Enthuse Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-12.