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Various - House Afrika - Rumble In The Jungle

The latest release from House Afrika brings us a taste of the beats that boom in Bloemfontein: two discs of Free State funk mixed by a pair of the city’s best, Divine DJ and Zino the Neck Breaker.

The fact that Bloem's best are centre-stage on this compilation is evidence of how far South African house music has spread – that the entire second disc is devoted to local house is a definite indication that homegrown production quality has bloomed in the past few years and now holds its house head up high next to its international counterparts.

Disc 1 though is a showcase of the overseas sounds that regularly move vital Bloemfontein venues like Afro Vibe & Coobah and it is sequenced by the city's most Divine DJ. Rapidly establishing himself as one of the most passionate and upfront DJ/producers in the country, Divine broke into the club scene with sets at spots like 52 Parliament, Cappello and Cofi Brooklyn, and then via sets on radio stations including Metro FM.

As well as sharing the DJ booth with local legends like Vinny, Christos and Tim White he's played alongside big name internationals like Dennis Ferrer, Ralf GUM and Nick Holder, and has released two digital singles through Sophisticado Recordings and Drum Records.

For 'Rumble in the Jungle' he's stitched together a slammingly soulful set that includes ace originals by the likes of Brothers In Vibe, The Moodyfreaks featuring Donald Sheffey and Nef Nunez with Bradford James; and super-rhythmic remixes from Yoruba Soul (aka Osunlade) and regular visitors to these shores, Andy Compton and Atjazz.

The second round in this all-out beat bout is delivered by Zino, "The Neck Breaker", a name he's adopted for his ability to twist bodies with his killer soulful beats. Best known for hosting (and playing at) exquisite parties like Neck Breaker Meets Black Coffee and The Neck Breaking Sessions, he's also played alongside the country's (and the world's) best, including Ralf GUM, Rocco, Vinny and Christos.

He's assembled an all-local collection of killer beats by the likes of Tshwane's 60 Hertz Project (who slayed in 2011 when their "Capricorn" was picked up by Ralf GUM), Deep Xcape and Da Capo (who both appear twice and who both remixed Andy Compton last year), DJ Harris and B&G Crew, amongst others. His mix is the ultimate barometer of brilliant local beats.

The best of both worlds from Bloem, 'Rumble in the Jungle' is a brawl one definitely wants to get caught up in.