Africa Day Takes Centre Stage at The Lyric Theatre
Bassline Live, in association with BET, proudly announces an extraordinary musical celebration this Africa Day, taking place at the iconic Gold Reef City Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg.
On the evening of Friday, May 23, 2025, audiences will witness The History Of House – a groundbreaking fusion of spiritual energy, dance rhythms, and African heritage featuring Grammy-nominated DJ and producer MÖRDA alongside the globally acclaimed Soweto Gospel Choir.
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A Historic Collaboration: Gospel Meets Global Dance Culture
This event marks a powerful union of musical forces as MÖRDA and the Soweto Gospel Choir share the stage for the first time. The choir, a three-time Grammy winner, brings its soul-stirring harmonies to the pulsating rhythms of MÖRDA’s Afro-futuristic beats. Audiences can expect a night of celebration, unity, and immersive soundscapes that connect Africa’s roots to the global dance floor.
The Origins of “History of House”
Initially conceptualized by Australian DJ Groove Terminator (Simon Lewicki), History of House highlights the deep African roots of house music. Collaborating with the Soweto Gospel Choir, the project reimagines house classics in Zulu and showcases distinctly South African rhythms. The album, produced by Groove Terminator and Grammy-winning house veteran Latroit (Dennis White), premiered in 2024 to critical acclaim.
A South African Debut
“We are very excited to debut The History Of House performance in South Africa as part of this Bassline Live event at The Lyric Theatre,”
says Shimmy Jiyane, Choir Master of the Soweto Gospel Choir.
“We’ve toured this show three times in Australasia over the past year and can’t wait to present it on home soil, especially with MÖRDA on stage.”
MÖRDA’s Musical Journey & Message
Formerly one half of the legendary duo Black Motion, MÖRDA is carving a distinct path with his solo project and latest album Asante 3. The record’s standout single,
“Glory”, featuring Nomfundo Moh and Nontokozo Mkhize, encapsulates his vision of music as healing and liberation.
“I want this music to bring peace and joy. I want people to dance, to feel free,”
says MÖRDA.
Vault by MÖRDA Meets History of House
Bringing together his Vault by MÖRDA live event series with the emotionally rich “History of House” experience, this performance promises a transformative journey through sound and spirit—featuring hit songs like “Silence” and “Ride Like the Wind.”
Celebrating 31 Years of Bassline Legacy
With over three decades of uplifting local music and culture, Bassline continues to serve as a beacon of creativity and community.
“Africa Day is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate our rich diversity,”
says Brad Holmes, Bassline Founder.
“We are thrilled to bring together such incredible talent to honour our culture through music.”
Live Music Lab: Nurturing the Next Generation
This landmark event is also part of the Live Music Lab training initiative, where participants—currently transitioning from theoretical to practical learning—will assist in producing the show. The program empowers future industry professionals with hands-on experience in live event execution.
In Partnership With Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC)
Coinciding with the Africa Rising Music Conference (May 22–23 at Constitution Hill), this Africa Day weekend is a milestone moment for the industry. ARMC, now in its 5th edition, focuses on female leadership, artist exchanges, and youth empowerment.
The Perfect Venue: Gold Reef City Lyric Theatre
Set against the elegant backdrop of Johannesburg’s Gold Reef City Lyric Theatre, this state-of-the-art venue sets the tone for a night of world-class sound and cultural resonance. Known for its rich acoustics and vibrant energy, it’s the ideal location for a celebration that honours the spirit of Africa.
