ABANTU MEANS PEOPLE
Founded by Artist, DJ and Curator, Charisse C, during the 2020 lockdown; Abantu began as a bi-weekly show on No Signal radio. It has since evolved into a cultural hub, party and record label. Dedicated to representing the vastness of Southern Africa, with a combined effort of music and storytelling.
Known for its stellar curation, with sold out shows at iconic venues like London’s Village Underground, booking South African artists such as Dlala Thukzin and DJ LeSoul for their for European debuts, alongside local heroes.
Abantu, which translates to “people” in several Nguni languages, is coined after a heartfelt investment in a people-first ethos. Cultivating an international community whilst building an archival legacy. Insistent on boundary pushing artistry, presented with a high level of care and quality.
OUR MANIFESTO
1. ABANTU MEANS PEOPLE
On the surface, a translation. At its core, a promise.
A bridge between Southern Africa and the world.
A declaration of what we value, protect, and refuse to compromise.
A reminder that music is made by people, sustained by people, and belongs to people.
2. COMMUNITY FIRST, ALWAYS.
We centre the people who create the music, not the systems that extract from them.
We honour the roots and the hands that shape culture.
3. CULTURE IS A RESPONSIBILITY.
Abantu means we lead with integrity.
Prioritise soul, over trends that vanish overnight.
We move slowly when slowness protects people, boldly when boldness opens doors.
4. ETHICS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE.
We choose transparency over secrecy.
Fairness over shortcuts, and long-term care over quick wins.
We advocate for artists’ rights, workers’ dignity, and systems built on accountability.
5. COLLECTIVE POWER > INDIVIDUAL PROFIT.
We believe in shared learning, shared resources, shared victories.
Respect, reciprocity, and reinvestment.
6. ACCESS IS POWER.
Talent is universal. Opportunity is not.
We build spaces where access is talent-centred.
We are custodians, not gatekeepers.
6. INNOVATION WITH INTENTION.
We are visionaries who remember, progress must serve the people.
We embrace new ideas and new technology, whilst honouring what came before us.
7. JOY IS A RADICAL ACT.
Abantu means we celebrate joy as a form of resistance and connection.
Our people deserve to feel seen.
Creativity thrives in spaces where we can be our true selves.