Grammy-nominated DJ and producer GORDO is gearing up to electrify South Africa with his highly anticipated debut headline show at Cape Town's Cabo Beach on November 1. Following this, he’ll bring his powerhouse energy to Johannesburg on November 2, performing at Shimza’s iconic KUNYE party. As GORDO's first performance in South Africa, this debut promises a thrilling showcase of his signature sound, complete with high-energy beats, immersive visuals, and an atmosphere that will make for an unforgettable musical journey.
Since re-emerging as GORDO, Diamante Blackmon has taken the electronic music world by storm, blending his Nicaraguan-American roots with an unmistakable sound that has captured audiences across the globe. His debut album, DIAMANTE, showcases star-studded collaborations with artists like Maluma, Feid, and Nicki Nicole, solidifying GORDO’s reputation as one of the most versatile and influential figures in music today. The album's standout track, “Healing,” featuring Drake, debuted as the #2 song in South Africa (source: YouTube Music) during its release week and resonated globally, both musically and philanthropically. In a poignant gesture of renewal and hope, GORDO gifts South African TikTok sensation THE DON Madfunz a car in the music video, adding a layer of impactful storytelling that has left an indelible mark on fans worldwide.
“AfroHouse comes from South Africa.. If I’m gonna dive into that world, the least I could do is acknowledge such an amazing culture and give back,” says GORDO. “I stumbled upon THE DON Madfunz, a guy from South Africa with amazing energy. His taste in music grabbed my attention, but it was his dancing, smile and story that really hooked me. The Don would walk 9 miles to work every single day, and dreamed one day finally being able to own a car so he can provide for his family. I wanted to show that Don’s positive attitude and joyful spirit are something we can all learn from, no matter what we’re going through. His story is a reminder that even when life gets tough, you can still find reasons to smile.” - Diamante Blackmon (aka GORDO)
Furthering his journey as a global ambassador for positive change, GORDO will dedicate time to Bridges Academy with the Bridges for Music foundation during his South African tour. This organization empowers youth from underserved communities through music and entrepreneurial education, perfectly aligning with GORDO’s mission to give back. GORDO has already championed impactful initiatives in Nicaragua and Guatemala, contributing to the construction of schools and creative hubs, including a recent education center in Nuevo Eden, Guatemala. His involvement with Bridges for Music underscores his deep commitment to harnessing music’s power to inspire, uplift, and transform communities worldwide.
A certified heavyweight in the live music scene, GORDO has electrified some of the world’s most iconic stages, including Coachella, Tomorrowland Belgium, Brooklyn Mirage, Mute Beach in Buenos Aires, Pacha Ibiza, and The Loft in Amsterdam. He spearheaded the largest South American DJ tour to date, performing in 25 cities across 15 Latin American countries, and has cultivated a devoted global community through his raw, authentic ‘TARAKA’ events. Each performance reaffirms his unmatched ability to captivate audiences and create unforgettable live experiences.
KUNYE is thrilled to host GORDO’s South African debut in Johannesburg in Johannesburg, offering fans an unforgettable experience that celebrates connection and creativity while showcasing GORDO’s powerful music and unique global impact. GORDO’s inclusion in the upcoming KUNYE show underscores the universal spirit of togetherness of KUNYE, where he joins a prestigious list of artists who are committed to pushing boundaries and connecting fans across continents. KUNYE was created by South African DJ Shimza as a record label and live platform for uniting artists and audiences in an AfroHouse community, celebrating shared South African heritage and creativity.
This unique collaboration of music and philanthropy underscores GORDO’s impact on and off the stage, uniting fans across the globe and inspiring the next generation.
