Mi Casa

Mi Casa first gained notice as a buoyant pop trio whose music fuses jazz, dance, and R&B with African and Brazilian influences. Their breakthrough arrived via the self-titled 2011 debut album that contained the single “These Streets.” Since then the Johannesburg-based act has stayed near the top of the South African charts, notching eight number-one singles while issuing the albums Home Sweet Home in 2015 and Familia in 2017.

The trio came together in Johannesburg during 2011. Its members are Portuguese-born vocalist Joao da Fonseca, known professionally as J’Something; DJ and producer Sipho Mphahlaza, who records as Dr. Duda; and trumpeter Moshe Kgasoane, billed as Mo-T. The three musicians first crossed paths at a club and issued their full-length debut just months afterward. That release achieved gold certification, spawned the hit “These Streets,” and captured three South African Music Awards in the categories of Best Dance Album, Newcomer of the Year, and Record of the Year. Additional exposure came when they supported Drake on tour.

Their sophomore set, Su Casa, appeared in 2013 and spotlighted the track “Jika” along with guest contributions from Jimmy Nevis, Black Coffee, and Mishka. Two years later the double-disc album Home Sweet Home arrived, spotlighting the songs “Chocolate” and “Barman” and featuring appearances by Boddhi Satva, Rancido, Quesswho, and additional artists. Mi Casa’s fourth studio effort, Familia, followed in 2017 and included the cut “Feeling You.” In 2020 the group marked its tenth anniversary with the album We Made It, which carried the single “Church Bells.”