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.
About GORDO
Diamante Blackmon, globally celebrated under his DJ/Producer alias GORDO, reinvented himself during the pandemic, embracing a healthier lifestyle and a renewed artistic vision reflected in his music. His releases, such as “El Mas Chingon” with El Alfa, “Cafecito” with Nicki Nicole and Sech, and “NENE” with Fuerza Regida, along with numerous sold-out gigs in Latin America, mark GORDO’s return to his Hispanic roots. Beyond music, the Nicaraguan-American DJ/producer is dedicated to giving back to the community that gave him so much growing up, having built schools in Nicaragua and Guatemala.
Since the launch of GORDO, he has received a Grammy nomination, topped Billboard’s Hot 100 Producers chart, been crowned #1 Hispanic DJ in the world by DJ Mag, and produced for artists like Bad Bunny, Sexyy Red, Nicki Minaj, and Drake. He contributed to six tracks on Drake’s album “Honestly, Nevermind” and two on “For All The Dogs,” including “Rich Baby Daddy.” In the summer of 2024, Drake featured on two hallmark releases “Sideways” and “Healing” on GORDO’s debut album “DIAMANTE”.
GORDO’s debut album “DIAMANTE” is a culmination of over four years of collaboration and production, featuring the likes of T-Pain, Leon Bridges, Maluma, Rampa, and many more, showcasing his ability to merge various genres into a cohesive and innovative sound. In a short span of time, GORDO has performed on the world’s biggest stages, from Burning Man to Tomorrowland Belgium,, Coachella, MUTE Argentina, and Pacha Ibiza. He led the largest South American DJ tour ever and fostered a dedicated community with his “TARAKA” events, touring 25 Latin American cities in 15 different countries.
KUNYE: Together As One:
KUNYE, meaning “together” in isiXhosa, originated as renowned DJ and producer Shimza’s record label. What began as a platform for showcasing AfroHouse talent evolved into live-streamed performances during a pivotal time, and has now grown into one of the world’s most powerful AfroHouse event properties. KUNYE unites artists and fans into a single music family, celebrating our Proudly South African heritage and fostering a supportive community. Together, we create and celebrate as one.
About Bridges for Music:
Bridges for Music is a non-profit organisation using music and education to empower youth from under-resourced communities. They combine music with mindfulness, entrepreneurial skills, and work readiness to provide educational resources, safe spaces, emotional support, and professional networks. Their goal is to prepare young talents for the creative industry and encourage innovative thinking.
