Focus Group Radio (FGR), known for uniting music lovers across the world, is celebrating its 5th anniversary with a tour that explores diverse musical landscapes. What started as weekly online "listening parties" during lockdown has evolved into a vibrant community of musicians, artists, and music enthusiasts. FGR's anniversary celebrations spotlight African music and the Dans Punk genre.

African Music Exploration

A key part of the anniversary celebration is "African Music Exploration" (AME), which highlights underrepresented music from the African continent and its diaspora. These events showcase a blend of traditional and contemporary African sounds, from Ethio-jazz and African disco to Kuduro, GQOM, Amapiano, Highlife, Funana, and Soukous.

AME began in Chennai and gained momentum in Bangalore, India. The anniversary edition in Bangalore featured a lineup of artists who reflect the city's energy and love for African rhythms. FGR's "African Music Exploration" dives into five decades of under-represented music from the African continent and its diaspora communities. Expect sounds of the 20th century with Highlife and Afrobeat, Ethiopian Jazz, and Afro disco juxtaposed craftily with contemporary club music like Kuduro from Angola, GQOM from South Africa, and Singeli from Tanzania.

Dans Punk

"Dans Punk," another element of Focus Group Radio's explorations, is a space where DJs can freely navigate tempos and genres with a "punk" spirit. It defies strict rules, emphasizing thoughtful music selections. Dans Punk embraces the 'anti-club'. It offers a softer departure, more freeform, more soul, raw and strange. The anniversary event on July 12, 2025, featured a multi-room setup with contrasting musical experiences, from deep, dubby, techno-adjacent sounds to more freeform and soulful vibes.

Focus Group Radio: Connecting Through Music

Focus Group Radio started as a weekly online radio program during lockdowns, uniting people through music discovery. It has grown into a diverse group of musicians, artists, and music nerds. FGR captures and connects folks across the world, united by a singular purpose - discovering great new music. FGR is committed to building inclusive experiences. They are taking additional efforts to ensure attendees at their gigs feel safe and free to enjoy the music.

FGR also champions experimental and forward-thinking ideas in film, art, music, and culture, offering collaboration and resources to bring unique concepts to life.

As Focus Group Radio celebrates five years of connecting people through music, the anniversary tour embodies its mission, exploring the rhythms of Africa and the experimental spirit of Dans Punk.