- Recognition:The Cradle of Art was recognized with multiple nominations at the SAMA31 awards, including Best Engineered Album.
- Technical Achievement:The nominations acknowledge the technical brilliance, quality, and meticulous sound design that went into the album.
- Production Style:The duo aimed for timeless quality in the production, focusing on authentic instrumentation, rich textures, and crisp percussion that would age well over time.
Black Motion, one of South Africa‘s most iconic house music duos, has been relatively quiet throughout 2024. Their last major project, Rebirth of the Drum in 2023, left fans eagerly waiting for a new release. Now, as the final months of 2024 approach, the duo has made a powerful return with their latest offering, The Cradle of Art. This 16-track album is a collection of innovative house music that reaffirms why Black Motion remains a dominant force in the South African music industry.
The Cradle of Art is a sonic journey that blends the duo’s signature Afro-house rhythms with fresh, dancefloor-inspired beats. Every track is progressive and tailored for the dance scene, creating an atmosphere of melodic bliss that has already propelled the album to No. 1 on iTunes South Africa’s Dance chart.
In true Black Motion fashion, the album features an array of talented collaborators, adding depth and variety to the project. Artists like Spice Drums, Drip Gogo, SthiboDeBeat, Boontle RSA, Philharmonic, Nathaniel, Msongi, and many others contribute their unique flavors to the tracks. Standout features include powerful vocalists like Toshi, Nokwazi, and MissP, as well as contributions from well-known producers and musicians such as DJ Sbu, Mörda, and Mac G.
Black Motion’s The Cradle of Art is a testament to their continued evolution in the music scene, proving that they can still create magic and move audiences after more than a decade in the game. With its eclectic mix of artists and genres, this album is set to dominate the airwaves and dancefloors.
With over two decades in the music industry, Des Grey is a seasoned mastering engineer specialising in precision audio enhancement for artists, labels, and producers. Known for a meticulous ear and a passion for sonic excellence, Des offers multi genre mastering—from hip-hop and electronic to rock and jazz.
Credits: Worked with independent artists & major-label projects. View Credits Specialties: Dynamic range optimisation, loudness balancing, and streaming-ready formats. Philosophy: “Music Should Feel Good—enhancing the tone, respecting the artist intent.”Based in South Africa, Des Grey Mastering is committed to helping artists achieve professional, competitive sound for digital platforms, vinyl, and beyond.
Recent Clients: Massh, Keinemusik, Black Motion, Mi Casa, Thando Zide, FiNE Music, Busiswa, Money Badoo, Solo, Charles Webster
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