Charisse C: POWER UP Music Creator
Bio: Charisse C can best be described as a multi-faceted powerhouse: DJ, Artist, Singer-Songwriter and founder of the Abantu community, record label and event series. Rooted in her Zimbabwean and South African heritage, raised in the UK, Charisse C has been acclaimed by Mixmag as “building a bridge between continents.” Her sound is curious, soulful and bass-heavy; commanding international dance floors with a playful and intentional demeanor. Previously a Music Journalist, she describes herself as both a vessel and storyteller. Charisse C has long stood in the vanguard of South African dance music, carving a unique space in the global electronic music landscape. ‘Abantu’, which she started as a radio show and podcast in 2020, has since evolved into a record label and party curated and headlined by Charisse C herself. ‘Abantu’, known for its unparalleled curation and unique experience, recently sold out shows at London’s Village Underground twice, booking South African artists such as and for their European debuts, alongside local heroes. 2024 saw Charisse C championed by Beatport’s Next up programme; as she released her debut EP under her own record label, adding singer/songwriter to her already illustrious belt. This year (2025), Charisse released a single with South African House music giants Busiswa and Monique Bingham, as we anticipate an summer EP from the first Abantu recording camp hosted in October 2024.
Concise Description of activity: The POWER UP grant will support the release of my second EP in 2026, alongside a detailed creative visual and live music campaign.