Charisse C, the Zimbabwean-South African DJ, artist, singer-songwriter, and founder of the Abantu community, record label, and event series, is making waves in the electronic music scene with her new single, “Siren's Interlude”.
“Siren’s Interlude” is a single that blends sultry vocals and innovative soundscapes to create a cheerful party starter that alludes to the mythical power of sirens.
Expanding on what inspired her to create the song, she shares that she wrote “Siren’s Interlude” after watching The Little Mermaid.
“Sirens in Greek mythology were water beings whose enchanting voices would lure sailors away at sea.
“It wasn’t long after I had watched the new ‘Little Mermaid’ that this song was written. I was also thinking… what if the story was flipped, and it was the Prince who had to give up his legs and learn to live at Sea with the mermaid?
"Would he choose love above all, the way she did?"
For Charisse, “Siren's Interlude” is more than just a song, it's a deeply personal exploration of love, desire, and identity.
Charisse also spoke about her inspiration, her heritage, and her vision for the future. And what we discovered was a complex, multifaceted artist who is unapologetically herself.
Charisse's heritage plays a huge role in shaping her music and artistic vision. Rooted in her Zimbabwean and South African heritage, but raised in the UK, she draws on a rich cultural legacy that informs everything she does.
“My heritage is a big part of who I am, so it’s in everything that I do. My music is rooted in South African dance music genres, my experience of having moved around a lot, has meant that I have been inspired and influenced by many cultures outside of my own heritage,” she said.
Before venturing into the music scene as an artist, she started as a journalist at 15, writing for Certified UK, and later DJing while studying journalism at university.
“I had always sung since I was young; I sang in church and at school, but I only came back to professionally pursuing music as a singer-songwriter in 2022. It was a natural evolution and me wanting to truly spread my wings as an artist,” she shared.
She is more than just a talented artist, she is also a passionate community builder who loves bringing people together.
As the founder of the Abantu (people) community, record label, and event series, Charisse is passionate about building a space where artists and music lovers can come together and celebrate their shared humanity.
Abantu is also a party, record label, and cultural hub. It features a bi-weekly curated event where different DJs showcase the vastness of South Africa's music culture.
- "Siren's Interlude" is available on music streaming platforms.