Following a series of breathtaking singles throughout the year, the long-awaited From The Hill LP by Charles Webster And The South African Connection arrives on the 14th November 2025 — a testament to the power of collaboration, legacy, and the timeless connection between UK deep house pioneer Charles Webster and South Africa’s thriving underground scene.

Curated by Stay True Sounds founder Allan Nicoll (Kid Fonque) and released through the label’s partnership with Defected Records, From The Hill brings together some of South Africa’s most talented producers and vocalists, creating a project that’s both deeply rooted in the country’s musical identity and globally resonant.

A Connection Born in the 90s

For Webster, the South African love affair began in 1997 with the release of “Better Day” by Presence, a track that became a radio hit across the country.

“Obviously, in England, it wasn’t on the radio at all,”.

he recalls with characteristic humor

Over the following decades, Webster’s remixes — from Dr Rockit’s “Café de Flore” to Michelle Cleis’ “La Mezcla” — became cornerstones of South African dance floors and shaped the deep, soulful sound that defines much of its house music today.

“The house music that really connected for us was deep and soulful, and Charles ticked both boxes. If you play his remix of ‘Café de Flore’ even now at any venue in South Africa, it will erupt.”

As Kid Fonque explains,

From Compilation CDs to Constitution Hill

By the 2000s, Webster’s work became synonymous with Soul Candi Records, Africa’s biggest house label at the time.

“We were licensing most of the remixes Charles was putting out. That’s really what led to his significance as a household name.”

says Nicoll

Those compilation CDs — often chart-topping — became the soundtrack of a generation.

Fast-forward to today, and the story has come full circle. When Nicoll relocated to the UK in 2022, his aim was to grow Stay True Sounds’ global footprint through Defected — paving the way for ambitious collaborations like From The Hill.

The Magic Moment

The spark for From The Hill was ignited over a weekend in South Africa when Defected CEO Wez Saunders joined Kid Fonque and Webster for Stay True Sounds showcases in Cape Town and Johannesburg. After a Sunday lunch gathering with dozens of producers, vocalists, and DJs — all inspired by Webster’s legacy — Nicoll proposed a bold idea:

“You know what we should do? An album with all you lot.”

That vision evolved into From The Hill, featuring a stellar lineup including Sio, Atmos Blaq, Bokani Dyer, Thabo Tonick, Daev Martian, China Charmeleon, WAPO Jije, and others.

“It was an absolute blast. For the first hour, we just chatted. I told everyone, bring in anything — a lyric, a chord, a beat — just something to get us moving.”

says Webster

Two Worlds, One Sound

The sessions took place at Flame Studios, built inside a former prison at Constitution Hill, a site steeped in South African history and transformation.

“It’s very significant. That’s where the Constitution was written after Apartheid — especially meaningful for the Born Frees, those born into the new South Africa.”

notes Kid Fonque

For Webster, now based in Cape Town, the setting gave the project extra weight:

“You’re working in a prison cell from a brutal regime. I didn’t want the album to be too light, because you can’t escape from politics here — and you shouldn’t.”

A Deep House Tapestry

Each collaborator brought their unique voice and perspective, blending seamlessly with Webster’s timeless production. Sio describes the process as “transcendental,” while Atmos Blaq calls it “one for my books,” an honor to work with a legend who inspired him to pursue music.

Even as the sessions came together quickly, the post-production phase demanded patience and trust.

“There were moments where I wondered how we’d find a common thread. Charles said, ‘Don’t worry, this is what I do.’”

admits Kid Fonque.

The result? A cohesive body of work that captures both the soulful roots of deep house and the innovative spirit of South Africa’s new wave. China Charmeleon recalls hearing one of the songs live in Durban: “I cried tears of happiness because of the crowd’s response.”

A Global Love Letter

From The Hill is more than an album — it’s a cultural bridge between two musical worlds that have long inspired each other.

“We’ve really found a beautiful place where the record sounds like a cohesive story. I hope it connects with the world outside of South Africa and shines a light on all these incredible producers and this thriving underground scene.”

As Nicoll reflects,

Pre-save: http://africori.to/fromthehill