The March 2024 edition of Switchstance Radio is up on our Mixcloud channel. It features an exclusive interview with female Senegalese rapper Sister LB and new music by Holy Hive, Sahad, Anatoly Ice, Brazen Rule & Dogu, Nyonjo, Ancient Astronauts & Niina MC, The Meredians, Spyda MC and many more. 2 hours of pure listening pleasure:

This is the February edition of SWITCHSTANCE REGGAE RADIO featuring new music by Dubmatix, Turbulence, Kabaka Mpiso, Lutan Fyah, Macka B & Heartical, Magnetic Tailors, Nyle Banks, Fantan Mojah & Richie Spice, Chezidek & Perfect Giddimani, Black Ice & Junior Toots and many more:

Founded over two decades ago, Switchstance Recordings emerged as a collaborative hub uniting musical visionaries dedicated to crafting a distinct sonic identity. The debut of ‘Fantastic Freeriding’ in 2002 marked the inception of pioneering artists Ancient Astronauts, Protassov, Kabanjak, and Dogu, laying the groundwork for a dynamic musical journey blending beats, breaks, and poignant lyricism.

Initially instrumental-focused, the label gradually embraced vocal collaborations, notably collaborating with the iconic Jungle Brothers, marking a pivotal shift. Evolving through time, Switchstance drew inspiration from the essence of 90s Hip Hop, Reggae, Funk, Afrobeat, and Jazz, cultivating an eclectic yet cohesive musical narrative.

Collaborations with industry luminaries like The Pharcyde, Thievery Corporation, Raashan Ahmad, and Akua Naru expanded the label’s scope, earning acclaim for quality transcending conventional pop confines. Rooted in substance, cultural depth, and irresistible rhythms, Switchstance solidified its position as a purveyor of musical authenticity.

Presenting ‘Fantastic Freeriding – The Journey Continues,’ the latest label compilation showcases the vibrant tapestry of the current artist collective. Alongside established trailblazers, emerging talents such as Ugandan prodigy Ejuku, Australian composer Fixed Error, Dutch maestro Core Fields, Italian virtuoso Two Eyes One Truth, Ugandan luminary Nyonjo, and Argentinian composer Enrique Nicolas Noviello contribute to this musical mosaic.

This compilation spotlights innovative collaborations, featuring groundbreaking partnerships like Dogu’s ventures with Congolese producer Majestik Legend and Ugandan sensation Brazen Rule. Notable fusions include Ancient Astronauts’ synergy with Ugandan Adungu maestro Otim Alpha and Deela’s fusion with the eclectic Los Chicos Altos, uniting extraordinary global talents united by a shared passion for captivating rhythms and expansive sonic landscapes.

Recent explorations in East Africa, notably Uganda, birthed a synergistic alliance with Kampala-based studio East African Records. This partnership led to remarkable works and releases with African artists, a natural progression amplified by label founder Tom Strauch’s deep reverence for African musical heritage.

Step into the contemporary realm of Switchstance Recordings—an immersive sonic experience interweaving organic Hip Hop, Afro Electronica, Downtempo, Reggae, Blues, and innovative electronic rhythms. As a testament to the label’s legacy, DJ Ses, a distinguished member of the historic Switchstance DJ Collective, shares nostalgic reflections, inviting listeners to relish in cherished memories. Please read below!

So Much Music – A tribute to the early days of Switchstance Recordings

by Daniel Giebel aka DJ Ses (part of the original Switchstance DJ Collective)

“So much music. That’s all I could think when the van got plucked apart by cops at some truck stop on our way to the Alps. Back in the early 2000s, all four DJs of our collective would only play vinyl. And since we were proud knights of versatility, we would bring a lot. Bags, actual cases. One even had a trolley for his cases. And now the poor cops had to unload all of it next to the Autobahn, picking through every record in every bag, looking for – actually, I have no idea what they were looking for. But they sure got an education in funkin’ and skankin’ music that day.

So much music. Tom (Dogu) and Kabanjak and Thury and me played Hip Hop, Trip Hop, Reggae, Dancehall, Funk, Soul, Afrobeat, Jazz, Breakbeats, Big Beats, Jungle, Drum’n’Bass, and then some. All four of us came into the label’s DJ collective from different backgrounds, but we could spin all of it, and each of us had a specialty. And we always brought fire to the dance. It was always fun and smiles all round, and we kept it rolling with a multitude of styles and vibes. It was an environment where you could get away with slipping in Mash-ups, House or even some Led Zep!

So much music. Around those first years of Switchstance Recordings, the four of us would travel to DJ somewhere every weekend, often in changing combinations. Many of those trips led us to Austria and Switzerland, where we played at boardsports events and clubs. I wouldn’t be able to say what happened when exactly, but there are so many vivid memories. Like spinning records on a sunny afternoon in a sort of cable car, seemingly dropped into a vast field of snow from outer space. All alone high up above the Kaunertal, with only Italy behind me and snowboarders doing their thing below me, to my ever-changing beats. Heaven, really.

So much music. Of course, it helped that Tom as the mastermind of Switchstance Recordings has always been on a mission. Every label needs a guy like him. A music lover from the depth of his heart, he makes you feel it in his DJ sets, but also as the ambassador for his own label and the music he makes as Ancient Astronauts with his comrade Kabanjak. Good to see both of them still at it some twenty years later. The four-headed beast of the Switchstance DJ collective might have disbanded, but we’re all still friends. And, in some way or another, still involved with music.

So much music.“

Today there are 2 releases conncected to Ancient Astronauts. The first one is “Singa feat. Niina MC” which is the 2nd single of our upcoming album “Cypher Kabaka”: Indigenous Hip Hop from Kampala, Uganda meets an Ancient Astronauts uptempo beat that will take you away to a Hip Hop Cypher on the shore of Lake Victoria.

The second release is the debut single of the new collaboration by Dogu and Tanzanian producer Amani Greene that is coming out on East African Records. The song features uprising Ugandan Dancehall artist Bad Sparksy on vocals. Yesterday was the official video premiere through Reggaeville. Check the video below and dive into some heavy Ugandan Dancehall vibes!

Today is the Reggaeville video premiere of the debut single by Amani Greene & Dogu from their forthcoming collabo album:

The official release is tomorrow. Here is the presave link:

https://ditto.fm/tebinsetula

Peace & Love

Good day,

today we have a new DJ Mix by Dogu that we would like to present to you. It is about 2 hours long and goes from Downtempo to more Uptempo Grooves, from Hip Hop to Downtempo to Breaks and Afro. We hope you enjoy!

Good day world,

we are delighted to unveil our latest collaboration with the talented artist and Adungu virtuoso, Otim Alpha, from northern Uganda, along with our long-time friend and colleague, Brazen Rule. This composition harmoniously blends Otim Alpha’s enchanting Adungu melodies with our unique beats and grooves, complemented by the captivating vocals of Brazen Rule. The aim of this track is to whisk you away to the very heart of Uganda while embracing the contemporary innovations of today.

Please click the cover art for all streaming & download platforms!

Better late than never:

Here is the Reggae Jam & Reggae Sundance Special 2023 from Switchstance Reggae Radio August edition. It features exclusive interviews with Tanya Stephens, Capleton, Meta & The Cornerstones, Toroki and INTI. Plus a very short interview with Lavosti from Kenya. Plus new music by Groundation meets Brain Damage, Warrior Sound, Chuck Fenda, Skarra Mucci, Nilotika Cultural Ensemble, Osagyefo, aDUBta & Earl 16, Mutabaruka, Uwe Banton and Chu Kosaka:

Here is a photo selection of Reggae Jam Festival:

Here a photo selection of Reggae Sundance Festival:

Much respect to all crew at Reggae Jam and Reggae Sundance festival for giving DOGU the opportunity to interview these artists and visit their festivals!

Blessed Love

At this year’s Summer Jam festival in Cologne, Dogu and Switchstance Reggae Radio represented the press, conducting exclusive interviews with the remarkable talents: Black Sherif from Ghana, and from Jamaica, Third World and Mortimer.

Delve into a captivating photo selection, courtesy of Mariam Tatu Katongole, featuring some of the festival’s hottest artists. Plus, don’t miss the exhilarating 2-hour Summer Jam Special 2023, where you’ll be treated to all the interviews and a plethora of brand new music by Alborosie, Earl Sixteen, Hector Roots Lewis, Kabaka Pyramid, Bad Sparksy, Lord Echo, Iratio, Ezra Collective, Rasta Mpiso, Osagyfo, and an array of other phenomenal artists. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

And in an extraordinary encounter, Dogu engaged in an exclusive live interview at the 674FM studio with none other than the gifted artist Otim Alpha and his masterful DJ Crazy Mind, both hailing from the enchanting region of Gulu in Northern Uganda. The air was filled with musical brilliance and captivating conversation!

Hey there,

Switchstance Radio is back with another exciting episode for April 2023! In this episode, Dogu was having an amazing live interview with the talented Togolese songstress, HIHEME. She shares her unique perspective on life and beauty, her creative process for making music, her deep respect for mother earth, her empowering message, and her inspiring eco-farming project in Togo.

There is also a fantastic interview with Jamaican Reggae sensation, Micah Shemaiah, who discusses his latest album, “Jamaica Jamaica,” the incredible production behind his music, and his thoughts on hollow music in hollow societies.

But that’s not all – there are some amazing new tracks for you to enjoy from artists like El Michels Affair & Black Thought, Santrofi, Monkey Jahyam & Edley Shine, Suro, Reggae Roast, Hippo Sound System, and more.

So sit back, relax, and let the music take you away on this incredible journey with Switchstance Radio!