Afro House is about to take center stage in Hollywood.
On August 12, 2025, Ajamu Kambon—CEO, owner, and co-founder of Deep Root Tribe and Deep Root Records—will step onto the stage at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres in Los Angeles to accept the first-ever Afro House Label Maverick Award. The honor comes as part of the 21st annual, Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival, a global showcase that’s as much about shaping culture as it is about celebrating film.
For the first time, HollyShorts’ Music Honorees category will spotlight the impact of House and Afro House—a sound woven into the DNA of Deep Root Tribe. Kambon’s recognition marks a milestone moment for the genre, celebrating its rise from underground dancefloors to an undeniable global force.
Running August 7–17, HollyShorts 2025 is packed with star power: Idris Elba, Stormzy, Viola Davis, Michael Madsen, Stephen Fry, and more will all be part of the festival’s lineup. Against this backdrop, Kambon’s award underscores Afro House’s cultural resonance in both music and film.
The celebration won’t stop at the awards stage. Kambon will join the HollyShorts × Framework Music Industry Panel, sharing insights alongside Karaba, Mathematics of Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Chaii, and Bantu. Together, they’ll unpack the evolving relationship between music, technology, and identity. Stuff like how sounds move from local to global, and how artists can navigate that journey with authenticity.
Kambon’s path to this moment is a study in vision and scale. Named to Forbes’ Next 1000, inducted into The Recording Academy, and recognized for building a 100% Black-owned label with global reach, he has taken Deep Root from New York rooftops to beachside stages in Ibiza, Tulum, Bali, Miami, and Egypt. Along the way, the imprint has cultivated a roster that moves seamlessly between clubs, festivals, and streaming charts.
Categories: Music
