Shane Watcha is a Durban-born DJ and producer associated with techno, minimal, deep house, tech house and house music. He leaves South Africa for London in 1992, building a career that takes in club sets, touring and record releases while remaining rooted in underground house culture.

Career

Watcha begins DJing in South Africa before moving to London, where he develops a reputation in the city’s club scene. He holds residencies for Circo Loco and Zombie Soundsystem and plays in clubs, warehouse parties and festivals in London and beyond. His appearances include Glastonbury, the DC10 opening party in Ibiza and the main stage at TDK Festival, where he performs alongside Sasha, Booka Shade, Loco Dice and James Holden.

He tours widely across Europe, including Paris and Moscow, and also plays in the Middle East, South Africa, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. His sets place him alongside figures such as Frankie Knuckles, Todd Terry, Marshall Jefferson, Derrick Carter, Mathew Jonson, Mathew Dear, Guido Schneider, Ewan Pearson, Steve Bug, Claude VonStroke, Marc Houle, Konrad Black, Ralph Lawson, James Holden and Mr C.

Zombie Soundsystem

Watcha founds Zombie Soundsystem as a club night in London. It develops from an after-party into a club brand and music label, and he uses it as a platform for his own releases. The project becomes known for nights in London and touring events across Europe, the Middle East and South Africa.

Style and releases

His sound is described through tight, emotionally driven mixes and underground productions. He is influenced by the tribal sounds of Danny Tenaglia and the intensity of Laurent Garnier and Carl Cox. His work moves between deep house and techno, with a focus on dancefloor energy. He releases music through his own Zombie Soundsystem label.

Recognition

DJ Mag names him one of its four hottest names in dance music in July 2007 and describes him as someone who can shift from a restrained manner to a harder techno and minimal style. The same publication also refers to Zombie Soundsystem as one of London’s best afterparties.