40D (DJ)
40D | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Décio Carlos Mendes |
| Born | April 30, 1987 Maputo, Mozambique |
| Genres | Afro house, Afro tech, Deep house, Soulful house |
| Years active | 2013–Present |
| Labels | Universal Music Group, Soul Candi, Tribe Records, KOSMIC, Kazukuta Records |
| Website | its40d |
Decio Carlos Mendes (born 30 April 1987), professionally known as 40D is a Mozambican electronic music producer and DJ whose work incorporates African dance rhythms such as Afro house, Afro tech, and Deep house. Born in Maputo, Mozambique, he developed a musical interest at the early age of 14 and has since been recognized for his productions and live performances. His career includes collaborations with international artists and appearances at global music venues.
Life and career
Early life
40D grew up surrounded by rhythmic musical influences that shaped his early interest in music. His relocation to South Africa later in life introduced him to new musical styles, blending tribal beats with electronic soundscapes and contributing to the development of his unique artistic approach.
Career beginnings
40D’s career gained momentum with the release of his debut project, The Heartbeat of Africa, under the alias Afrokaya. The EP, released through the Soul Candi label, marked a significant milestone as the first Mozambican project licensed by the label. It received notable attention, including a premiere on BBC 1Xtra’s "Destination Africa" radio show hosted by Sef Kombo.[1]
His track “Unga Ti Beki,” from the EP The Modern Shangaan (2020), was well-received in South Africa, where it secured the #1 spot on Metro FM’s "Dance 5 Countdown" hosted by Oskido. The track held the top position for four consecutive weeks, further establishing 40D’s reputation within the Afro house genre.[2]
Collaborations and global recognition
40D has collaborated with several notable artists and labels, including Tribe Records UK, Kazukuta Records, Seres Produções and Discotexas. His remix of “Inner Child” by Moullinex & GPU Panic received positive recognition from the music industry, contributing to his growing reputation as an emerging talent.
In 2023, his unreleased track "Meteor," produced in collaboration with Conde, was repeatedly played by Afro house icon Black Coffee during his international tour.[3] This exposure propelled 40D to global recognition, with support from major figures such as Louie Vega, Anane Vega, Awen, Djeff and Karyendasoul.
Despite spending limited time in Mozambique in recent years, 40D continues to represent his homeland through his music. He has collaborated with Mozambican artists such as Wazimbo, Isabel Novela, Rhodalia Silvestre, Idelsa de Carmen, Elcides Carlos and Rahima Mujanga, as well as international musicians like Cuebur, Bukeka, Idd Aziz and Sofiya Nzau.[4] His music often surfaces at major festivals, including Tomorrowland, Glastonbury, and Ushuaïa Ibiza, which have established his sound as a global sensation.[5]
Recent releases and projects
In 2024, 40D released "Indie-Genius Monks," a collaboration with Djeff that highlighted his experimental approach to electronic music. Additionally, his remix of "Niuka" by Reuxen featuring Sofiya Nzau has continued to engage audiences internationally.
Musical style and influences
40D’s music blends elements of Afro house, Afro Tech, Deep House, and Tech House. His style is defined by tribal rhythms and vocal melodies, reflecting influences from artists such as Black Coffee, Culoe De Song, Patrice Bäumel, Xinobi and Daft Punk. By combining traditional African sounds with modern electronic elements, 40D’s work has resonated with audiences and contributed to the evolution of the electronic music genre.
Selected discography
| Title | Year | Other artist(s) | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manga | 2020 | - | Seres Produções |
| Little Thing | 2021 | Cuebur, Madu | KOSMIC Vision, Universal Music Group |
| Owam | 2023 | Double Drop, Tsimo | Xibalo |
| Tsunyu - 40D Remix | 2023 | Idd Aziz, Anthony P, LLeiL | Kazukuta Records |
| Indie Genius Monks | 2023 | Djeff | Kazukuta Records |
| Meteor | 2024 | Conde | Kazukuta Records |
| Aftershock | 2024 | - | Discotexas |
| Nkwenkwezi | 2024 | Bukeka | Kazukuta Records |
References
- ↑ "BBC Radio 1Xtra - 1Xtra's AfroSounds Show with DJ Edu, Wizkid in the studio!". BBC. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
- ↑ Metro FM vibing under Unga Ti Beki from 40D. 😄 Available now everywhere. | By Kazukuta Records | Facebook. Retrieved 2024-12-17 – via www.facebook.com.
- ↑ FABRIEK Audio (2024-05-22). (BR) Pega esse suporte do Black Coffee tocando a faixa "Meteor", lançada na Kazukuta Records, dos ar. Retrieved 2024-12-17 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Team, Drums Radio (2021-11-11). "Little Thing – 40D x Cuebur ft Madu". www.drumsradio.com. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
- ↑ 1001Tracklists (14 October 2024). "Kitty Amor @ Defected Tuesdays, Ushuaïa Ibiza, Spain 2024-06-18". 1001Tracklists. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
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