Over the last few years, audiences have mostly known Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill from the fact it was featured in popular TV show Stranger Things, – and now this new Afro House remix of the song by THEMBA and Matt Sawyer is set to inject new popularity into the song all over again. Indeed, these artists have put a fresh twist on a song that continues to transcend both genre and generational barriers.
What Makes Themba & Matt Sawyer’s “Running Up That Hill” Afro House Remix a Dancefloor Essential?
At its core, this Afro House remix of Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush thrives on contrast. Themba brings his signature Afro House palette – including rolling percussion and hypnotic basslines – while Matt Sawyer hones the melodic impact. The artists have shaped the song to feel simultaneously expansive and controlled, balancing atmosphere with propulsion and forward motion.
Crucially, the remix also respects the emotional weight of the original version of Running Up That Hill rather than overwhelming it. The producers give the iconic vocal some extra production flourish and speed it up somewhat. However, the artists also give it space to breathe, floating above layered rhythms that build up gradually. This slow-burn approach is a classic feature of Afro House, and is bound to make the track especially effective on dancefloors around the world.
Rhythmically, meanwhile, the Afro House framework of the remix transforms the original’s introspective urgency into something communal and collective. Polyrhythmic textures and organic drum patterns encourage movement throughout the song. This shifts the track’s focus from solitary reflection to more of a collective experience.
Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill might mostly be known by audiences for its appearance in Stranger Things, but we can’t help predict that this Afro House remix is going to give it new life all over again. Bringing their own sounds to the song whilst also keeping it relevant for a dancefloor-oriented audience, Themba and Matt Sawyer have transformed Running Up That Hill into a hypnotic, rhythm-driven anthem that feels both fresh and timeless.
Where to Stream Themba & Matt Sawyer – Running Up That Hill Afro House Remix?
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