One Groove announces dynamic line-up for the 2026 AmaGroove Residency
One Groove has announced the official line-up for the 2026 AmaGroove Residency, taking place March 22–29 at Kromdraai Impact & Co-Creativity Hub in South Africa. Set to be one of the most vibrant editions yet, AmaGroove returns as a global songwriting residence that unites visionary creators from across genres and borders for a week of collaboration, cultural exchange and music innovation.
Now in its third year, AmaGroove has cemented its reputation as a creative crucible where artists, producers, vocalists and songwriters come together to explore new sonic terrain, co-create music that defies categorization and build lasting artistic connections.
Supported by partners including AUTOR (Denmark’s leading community of composers and songwriters), the Riky Rick Foundation, the Embassy of Denmark in South Africa, Kromdraai Impact Hub and One Groove, alongside the cultural influence of Msaki’s organisation ALTBLK , the residency remains focused on expanding artistic horizons and nurturing meaningful collaboration across cultures.
The 2026 residency lineup features an extraordinary group of rising and established music creatives from South Africa, Denmark and beyond, representing diverse styles, backgrounds and artistic visions. Below are the 2026 participants:
- Dhahabu (SA) – Pioneer of Tsonga Country, weaving African heritage, storytelling, and genre-defying expression (@avril_octobersky_)
- Q2K (SA) – Genre-fluid club architect and vocalist blending ballroom nostalgia with pop, gqom, house and alternative rap energy (@q.2.k_)
- Sandiile (SA) – Alternative R&B vocalist crafting intimate, emotive soundscapes rooted in soul and vocal discipline (@_sandiile)
- Yolophonik (SA) – Boundary-pushing producer and DJ merging alternative R&B, hip-hop, and house into a global sonic language (@yolophonik)
- Gemma Fassie (SA) – Cape Town-born singer-songwriter channeling healing, vulnerability, and classical vocal grounding into contemporary pop and R&B (@_gemmafassie)
- DrexxBeats (SA) – Afro-Tech and Tribal House producer shaping rhythm-driven soundscapes with technical precision and cultural depth (@drexxbeats)
- Jaya May (DK) – Rhythm-rooted R&B and soul artist blending vulnerability, percussion, and lived experience (@jayamay_)
- Jonas Rendbo (DK) – Scandinavian soul pioneer bridging classic soul tradition with modern Nordic sensibility (@jonasoul)
- GIMI (DK) – Danish/Kosovo-Albanian pop auteur fusing MTV-era nostalgia with electronic maximalism and sensual storytelling (@gimimore)
- Fanny Wree (DK) – Atmospheric producer and songwriter crafting cinematic alternative pop through texture and sonic storytelling (@fannywree)
- SSMA (DK) – Afro-infused R&B artist delivering bold, sensual energy through Afrobeats, Amapiano and dancehall grooves (@Ssmafz)
- FVN (DK) – Fearless Danish rapper commanding sharp lyricism and unapologetic presence in her native tongue (@fvndontaskmeagainho)
Over seven immersive days, these selected artists will collaborate in writing sessions, engage in cultural discussions, masterclasses and panel talks that expand professional perspectives and share in wellness programming designed to foster artistic growth. The residency will culminate in an exclusive listening session at Flame Studios on the 27th of March in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, for industry stakeholders, press and community, co hosted by the Embassy of Denmark in South Africa.
The public can secure their tickets RSVPing here, where work emerging from the residency will be presented to industry stakeholders, press and community.
This carefully curated group embodies the spirit of AmaGroove: fearless, curious, collaborative and diverse, and is poised to ignite a week of transformative creativity. The residency is further shaped by the artistic direction of curators Msaki, Muneyi and Mishy Kope, who were chosen to guide the creative process, bringing depth, intention and a strong cultural perspective to the residency experience.
