South L.A.’s hottest dance party happens at ‘Granny’s house’ — and it feels revolutionary

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As a Black woman who has grown up in Los Angeles and regularly attends Black and queer events in the city, I can deeply relate to Higgins’ experiences. The sense of connection and significance that comes from being inside a Black ancestral house is something that resonates with me on a personal level. It brings up thoughts of resistance and survival, reminding me of the rich history and culture that has been passed down through generations.

On a windy Saturday night in South L.A., the rhythmic beats of deep house resonate through the air from a two-story tan house with an immaculate lawn. Peering inside through the large front window, onlookers observe a DJ working intently in a dimly lit living room, seamlessly merging house tracks together via a mixer. In the adjoining dining room, around fifteen individuals mingle and groove under a chandelier’s gentle light. Red Solo cups brim with dark liquor, and one man receives a hair-braiding session from a woman as another guest plays the tambourine to the music’s steady tempo.

At a glance, this event might seem like an ordinary house party, making “Black House Radio” all the more intriguing. This YouTube program and L.A.-based series showcase Black DJs who excel in house music. Amidst the festivities, few people notice the cameras filming, creating an authentic experience for the hundreds of thousands of online viewers. Watching these videos is like being personally invited to a lively and engaging get-together.

Winston jams out at Black House Radio.

In an era when DJs exhibit their artistry in various innovative manners, even in unconventional locations like parks, lifts, beaches, lofts, subways, and laundromats, “Black House Radio” distinguishes itself through its warm family atmosphere and unwavering commitment to the music genre it promotes.

As a devoted fan, I long for “Black House Radio” to evoke a cozy, nostalgic embrace, reminiscent of a loving grandmother’s hug. Founder Michael Donte, who is not only an accomplished filmmaker, producer, and DJ, shares my sentiment. He organizes these intimate gatherings approximately every month at his best friend Jeremy’s ancestral house. This cherished abode, purchased by Michael’s grandparents in 1963 when they moved from Millport, Alabama, to Los Angeles during the Second Great Migration, remains untouched since the 1970s. Every item within, such as the blue-patterned couch, teal-colored carpet, vintage drapes, and framed family photographs, has remained in its original place.

“According to Donte, house music originated in our black communities,” he expressed. He further shared his disappointment when attending events and observing more white DJs being hired to perform house music compared to the African American artists who pioneered and cultivated the genre during the 1970s. Except for a few exceptions like TheyHouse and Utopia, which have been championing house music in L.A. for decades, this disparity persisted. “The experience of a white DJ playing house music is distinct from that of a Black person,” he emphasized.

According to Michael Donte, the founder, our group creates a secure environment where people feel comfortable being true to themselves. Witnessing this authenticity is truly a delightful experience.

Family photos displayed on the wall.

Last year, Donte lost his job as a creative executive at YouTube Originals. Instead of being disheartened, he turned to music and taught himself how to be a DJ. With a passion to give back to the Black community, Donte established “Black House Radio.” By hosting events in significant locations such as homes, hair salons, barber shops, and churches, Donte aims to keep the genre thriving within its roots.

Last Thanksgiving day in 2023, Donte organized the inaugural “Black House Radio” gathering at his place. He prepared collard greens and cornbread to share with around a dozen friends who brought their own soul food contributions. Meanwhile, DJs Naygod, Silhouwet, and DJ Bodii, all based in L.A., kept the atmosphere lively with their extensive playlists for hours on end.

Video by Kailyn Brown / Los Angeles Times; Photo by Zay Monae / For The Times

DJ Terrell Brooke and DJ Chinua embrace each other.

During Black History Month in February, I, as a passionate house music fan and YouTuber named Donte, started sharing live sets from an extraordinary event that took place in November of the previous year. Ever since then, my channel has grown significantly with over 50,000 subscribers and a devoted community of house music enthusiasts who eagerly anticipate my new content. The most popular video to date is one by Ashley Younniä, which has amassed nearly 425,000 views on YouTube as of late June.

Several noteworthy DJs from Los Angeles have previously graced our airwaves. Among them are Terrell Brooke, the founder of TheyHouse and co-creator of Casual; Mez, the organizer of Signal Underground events; Rush Davis, a multi-talented individual who is also a singer, producer, creative director, and DJ; and Chrysalis, who has toured with singer Rochelle Jordan.

When Shaun Ross came across Black House Radio’s Instagram account, which was shown to him by a friend, he felt an instant desire to join the team.

Ross, a renowned model, DJ, and recording artist, expresses his strong desire to revive Black house music. He has participated in two “Black House Radio” events so far. Unfortunately, many DJs do not play this genre, leading to a misunderstanding of what house music truly represents today. As a result, when Ross plays it, some people criticize, “It’s not energetic enough. It doesn’t deliver a Las Vegas-style show.”

I appreciate how Ross points out that the YouTube show he follows offers younger audiences a chance to revisit inspiring figures in house music. Personally, I’m drawn to it as well because of its Black and queer representation. Furthermore, I identify with Ross’s sentiment that this platform brings healing to everyone involved in the house music community. As the host of “Stardust” parties, I can attest to the power of this genre to bring people together and uplift us all.

Michael Donte keeps the house as it is for each of the “Black House Radio” recordings.

“Black House” attendees socialize in the kitchen over slices of pizza and homemade pound cake.

At the party, I make my way to the kitchen to pour myself a drink as guests help themselves to slices of pizza and homemade pound cake. I attend many Black and queer events in L.A., but there’s something uniquely meaningful about being inside a house with ancestral ties to the Black community for me.

The L.A.-born artist muses, “This event primarily reminds me of overcoming and enduring.” She went because her friend DJ Nico was performing. “The house remains in Black ownership, and they’re spreading joy – that’s a significant part of it all. It’s truly moving.”

As a movie buff, I’ve noticed that in numerous YouTube videos, Donte incorporates historical clips – some which he discovered online and others generously shared by his friends – featuring Black families joyfully dancing during cookouts or passionately praising God at church services. He does this to honor and safeguard our Black culture.

Sevyn expresses her feeling that there’s something lacking in video streaming for her, as she shared an engaging DJ set with “Black House Radio” audience in April. She adds, “This experience feels unique to me because of its narrative and the fact that it holds personal significance. It’s my granny’s house, and I have a strong connection to this place.”

As a devoted cinephile and host of “Black House Radio,” I used to invite a select group of individuals to join me in our afternoon-to-evening YouTube sessions at my home, given the limited seating available. However, recognizing the growing demand from house enthusiasts who yearned for an offline experience, I’ve lately begun organizing public events where everyone can partake in the unique atmosphere and enjoy the magic of “Black House Radio” together.

Dj Nico, a sound selector visiting from Memphis, Tenn., grins between sips of Auntie’s Coffee cold brew after her set.

The initial event, named “Church,” took place in June at the Pico Union Project, a charitable organization located in a historic building that previously served as Sinai Temple (established in 1909). Similar to house parties, Donte adorned the area with framed portraits and added church pews, flameless candles, and a piano. Although video cameras were present, Donte does not intend to disseminate a video recording. He aims to organize a Black house music festival soon.

When pondering over the growth of “Black House Radio,” Donte believes the reason for its appeal lies in its genuine and unfiltered nature.

He explains, “I don’t aim for uniqueness or novelty. Instead, I want it to evoke a sense of familiarity. When you watch that TV show, I want you to be able to imagine the scent wafting from the screen. You should recall the distinct smell of that house. You can picture running your fingers over the texture of the carpet. And you have a good idea of what’s cooking on the stove.”

Video by Kailyn Brown / Los Angeles Times; Photo by Zay Monae / For The Times

Shaun Ross at Black House Radio.
(Justin Lawson)

He remarks, “My friends and I create an environment where people feel comfortable being true to themselves, which is truly wonderful to observe.”

Around 8 p.m., as the final DJ winds down their performance, someone in the crowd exhorts, “Let’s keep this celebration going!” Donte swiftly returns to the decks and spins lively house tunes. Two revelers strike poses in the living room, while guests continue mingling and chatting over additional beverages. The recording equipment has stopped, but it seems nobody minded or noticed. They’re surrounded by loved ones. They’re at home.

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2024-07-18 20:50