Marco Pex and BlaQRhythm are two of the names behind ‘Evolution of Afro House’, a new 17-track compilation out now via Zakes Bantwini’s Mayonie Productions.
Photo credit: Marco Pex / BlaQRhythm – Official
Both artists are based in South Africa—Marco hails from Durban, while BlaQRhythm comes from Port Shepstone—and together, they reflect two generations of Afro House energy converging at a crucial moment.
With a background shaped by influences like Fka Mash, Da Capo, and Stephan Bodzin, Marco Pex brings a soulful, melodic touch to the scene, while BlaQRhythm is known for his ancestral Afro House approach and work with some of the country’s most celebrated artists, including Zakes Bantwini, DJ Tira, and Shimza. Their collaboration on ‘Evolution of Afro House’ marks not just a shared creative milestone, but a broader statement on where the genre is headed.
In this conversation, Marco Pex and BlaQRhythm dive into the vision behind the compilation, the future of Afro House, and how they see their role in shaping the sound moving forward.
EG: Hi, BlaQRhythm! Marco Pex! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been doing? How did you kickstart your year?
BlaQRhythm: I’ve been doing quite well since the beginning of the year, as I just kick-started the year with dropping ‘The Evolution Of Afro House’ Album with Mayonie, curated by me and Marco Pex.
Marco Pex: Thank you! I’ve been doing really well, feeling energized and focused. I kicked off the year by releasing a compilation album, which was a big moment for me. It felt like a way to reflect on my journey so far while also setting the tone for what’s coming next. The start of the year has been all about momentum, creativity, and pushing my sound forward.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of Mayonie Productions’ Evolution of Afro House! How are you feeling about this one? What has the initial reception been like so far?
BlaQRhythm: I’m feeling very excited about it. The positive reception of the album has exceeded expectations, with listeners expressing appreciation for the diverse range of tracks and multiple selections as personal favourites. This response underscores the successful collaboration and curation efforts undertaken by me, Marco Pex & Mayonie Productions.
Marco Pex: Thank you, I really appreciate it. I’m feeling great about this release. ‘Evolution of Afro House’ represents growth and movement for the sound, and the reception so far has been really positive. It’s been amazing to see listeners and DJs connecting with.
EG: Evolution of Afro House features 17 tracks and collaborations by some of the label’s most influential artists. What inspired you to take on such a task? What was your initial vision?
BlaQRhythm: Honestly, the whole idea of this came with our Label A&R. The initiative aimed to showcase the versatility and creative trajectory of Afro House music, highlighting its unique sonic landscape through a diverse range of artists and productions, both established and known artists and also upcoming artists. A key aspect of the project was also to introduce Marco Pex to the Afro House Scene, as this was his first Release under Mayonie, further expanding the genre’s creative palette.
Marco Pex: The idea actually came from our A&R, Lucky Mbete, who suggested that my first project as a Mayonie artist should be this album. The vision was to showcase the evolution of Afro House through the label’s most influential artists and also new upcoming artists in the Afro House scene, while creating something cohesive and forward-moving. Working on it with Blaqrythm helped bring that vision to life and shape the project into what it became.
EG: What can you tell us about the process of compiling these 17 cuts? Did you have a clear starting point for this?
BlaQRhythm: The compilation process wasn’t such a challenging process to do due to the collaborative efforts of the team, including myself, Marco, Lucky, and Zakes. The shared vision and similar music tastes between Marco Pex and me facilitated a seamless selection process, allowing the team to work efficiently in curating the album’s diverse lineup.
Marco Pex: Yes, there was a clear starting point. We approached the compilation like storytelling—each track represents a different chapter in the evolution of Afro House. The idea was to embrace diversity in sound, mood, and rhythm, allowing each artist’s unique sound to shine while collectively painting a picture of how the genre has grown and continues to evolve.
“Be yourself and stay true to your own sound. That authenticity is what got you here in the first place, and it’s what will carry you forward”
EG: When did you know you managed to “encapsulate” the label’s legacy while also shaping the future?
BlaQRhythm: As I mentioned on my previous answer, It’s clear that the collective expertise and shared vision of the team, including myself, Marco, and the label’s A&R, played a pivotal role in encapsulating the labels legacy with this Album, With the label owner’s support as executive producer, it’s evident we were trusted to represent what the label is about. By creating music that aligns with the label’s values, you’ve not only produced a compelling album but also contributed to the label’s long-term legacy and growth.
Marco Pex: I think I knew once the project started to feel complete, not just as a compilation, but as a statement. When the music began to reflect both where the label comes from and where it’s heading, that’s when it felt like we had truly encapsulated the legacy while also shaping the future. It became more than tracks; it became a story.
EG: How did your relationship with Zakes Bantwini and Mayonie Productions come about? What does this relationship mean to you?
BlaQRhythm: I recall our previous discussion regarding my relationship with Zakes Bantwini, and I reiterate that our connection was formed during his work on the ‘Ghetto King’ album during 2020, on which I had the opportunity to co-produce two tracks. This collaboration not only allowed me to witness his creative process but also provided valuable insight into his approach to the music industry as a professional musician. Our shared vision and mutual respect have fostered a strong bond, enabling us to maintain a professional relationship built on trust, open communication, and a deep understanding of one another’s perspectives.
Marco Pex: The relationship came about through Blaqrythm, who introduced my music to Zakes Bantwini while we were working together. Zakes connected with my sound, and that led to me being signed to Mayonie Productions. It means a lot to me because it’s built on genuine belief in my music, trust, and shared vision. This relationship means growth, guidance, and purpose to me. Being connected to Zakes and Mayonie Productions feels like being seen and supported at a crucial point in my journey. It pushes me to evolve not only as an artist, but as a person.
EG: As integral members of the South African scene… how do you feel about its current state?
BlaQRhythm: I feel the music landscape has undergone a significant transformation, where the success of a song is often contingent upon its promotion and the recognition of the artists involved, rather than solely its artistic merit. The proliferation of social media platforms, such as TikTok, has led to instances where songs gain popularity through viral challenges, rather than inherent musical value. Furthermore, the increasing use of AI in music creation raises concerns regarding the erosion of artistic expression and the devaluation of human creativity.
Marco Pex: I’m incredibly excited about where the South African Afro House scene is right now. It’s no longer just underground, it’s taking over as a mainstream sound and making waves internationally. What’s really amazing is seeing producers from all different genres bring their energy into Afro House, pushing the boundaries and evolving the sound. Being part of this moment feels electric, and I can’t wait to see how far it goes.
EG: Now, given your experience in our scene, what are some of the biggest challenges artists will face in the near future? Is there any piece of advice you have for your colleagues in that sense?
BlaQRhythm: As previously stated, I believe that one of the most significant challenges artists will face in the future is the increasing presence of AI-generated music, which undermines the value of human artistry. This trend is likely to lead to a surge in non-artists releasing and selling AI-generated music, potentially displacing human vocalists and diminishing their job opportunities, as AI technology enables anyone to generate high-quality vocal performances without the need for actual singing talent. I would advise artists to remain committed to their artistic vision and authenticity, as this approach allows for the creation of timeless music that can transcend fleeting trends. By staying true to their craft, artists can increase their chances of achieving long-term recognition and success, as every genre and style of music will eventually experience a resurgence in popularity.
Marco Pex: One of the biggest challenges artists will face is standing out in a scene that’s growing so fast. There are many talented Afro House producers, so finding your unique sound is key. My advice to fellow artists is simple: be yourself and stay true to your own sound. That authenticity is what got you here in the first place, and it’s what will carry you forward.
“The idea was to embrace diversity in sound, mood, and rhythm, allowing each artist’s unique sound to shine while collectively painting a picture of how the genre has grown and continues to evolve”
EG: What’s next for BlaQRhythm, Marco Pex, and Mayonie Productions? What milestones are you looking forward to now? Where can your fans catch you next?
BlaQRhythm: Following the release of the Mayonie album, I have dedicated myself to studio work, focusing on the production of my upcoming EP, which is scheduled for release via Mayonie Productions prior to April. Fans can expect to see me perform live at the Mayonie Open Air Festival in Durban on April 26th.
Marco Pex: What’s next for me is really building on the momentum of this album and connecting with everyone who’s been supporting it. I’m also starting work on my next project, a two-track EP that will drop later this year. This year is all about growth, experimentation, and learning as an artist. For Mayonie Productions, it’s about continuing to push the sound of Afro House and supporting artists in telling their stories.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, guys! We wish you all the best in the future. Take care!
BlaQRhythm / Marco Pex: Thank you so much. We really appreciate the support and the opportunity to share our journey.
‘Evolution of Afro House’ is out now on Mayonie Productions. Stream and download here.
Follow Marco Pex: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
Follow BlaQRhythm: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
