GORDO Makes Transformational South African Debut with Headline Shows, KUNYE Performance, and Bridges Academy Visit

Grammy-nominated DJ and producer GORDO is bringing his signature, high-energy experience to South Africa for the first time this November. Known for his genre-bending beats and unique visual experiences, GORDO will headline Cape Town’s Cabo Beach on the 1st of November 2024 , followed by a performance at Shimza’s celebrated KUNYE event in Johannesburg on the 2nd of November 2024. More than just a music tour, his visit embodies a journey that merges sound with social impact, promising a powerful, unforgettable experience for fans.

Since rebranding himself as GORDO, Diamante Blackmon has swiftly gained a reputation as a trailblazer in the electronic music world. His distinct sound, infused with his Nicaraguan-American heritage, has resonated globally, especially with his album DIAMANTE, featuring collaborations with Maluma, Feid, and Nicki Nicole. One standout track, “Healing,” featuring Drake, debuted at #2 in South Africa and is a global hit with deep significance. The music video showcases a moving narrative: GORDO gifts a car to South African TikTok sensation THE DON Madfunz, a young man whose story of resilience and positivity has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. THE DON’s journey from walking nine miles daily to realizing his dreams became a symbol of hope, a message that GORDO wanted to share with the world.

“AfroHouse is born in South Africa. If I’m stepping into this world, I have to honor and celebrate this incredible culture,” says GORDO. “THE DON Madfunz’s spirit captured me. His energy, his smile, his story, all of it. He’s someone who, despite his struggles, keeps radiating positivity. When I learned he dreamed of owning a car to support his family, I saw a chance to celebrate his journey and spread his inspiring message. He’s a reminder that life’s challenges can’t dim our light.”

Continuing his commitment to empowering communities through music, GORDO will also visit Bridges Academy in Langa, Cape Town, in partnership with the Bridges for Music foundation. This nonprofit empowers under-resourced youth through a curriculum that merges music, mindfulness, and entrepreneurship, aligning with GORDO’s philanthropic spirit. His support of Bridges for Music comes on the heels of projects he’s spearheaded in Nicaragua and Guatemala, where he helped build schools and creative hubs. For GORDO, the South African tour is not just about music; it’s about igniting a legacy of hope, connection, and change.

A powerhouse in the live music scene, GORDO has left his mark on iconic stages from Coachella to Tomorrowland and Pacha Ibiza. Last year, he launched the largest DJ tour across South America, electrifying fans across 25 cities in 15 countries with his ‘TARAKA’ events. These immersive performances are a testament to his skill in connecting with audiences and creating transformative experiences that go beyond music.

As GORDO joins the lineup at KUNYE, a renowned platform for AfroHouse founded by DJ Shimza, he embodies the essence of KUNYE’s mission: “Together As One.” GORDO’s inclusion in the KUNYE show not only honors his artistry but also celebrates the spirit of unity and creativity that defines AfroHouse. Shimza’s KUNYE label and events have become global beacons for AfroHouse culture, offering fans a place to celebrate shared South African heritage and creativity. KUNYE’s rise from a virtual platform to one of the world’s most impactful AfroHouse events has transformed the genre, and GORDO’s presence will only amplify this energy, bridging worlds through music and shared experience.

With every track he releases and every stage he steps onto, GORDO is more than a DJ, he’s a movement. His journey from pandemic reinvention to Grammy-nominated producer has been driven by a desire to give back, build community, and harness the transformative power of music. From “El Mas Chingon” with El Alfa to “NENE” with Fuerza Regida, GORDO’s tracks carry the heartbeat of his heritage, making waves across continents and inspiring a global following.

As GORDO’s South African debut approaches, it’s clear his impact will be felt both on stage and in the lives he touches. This November, audiences in Cape Town and Johannesburg won’t just witness a musical performance, they’ll experience a cultural exchange and an unforgettable journey of unity, resilience, and inspiration.