Fireboy DML is exploring new territory with ‘IMALI’, his latest collaboration with South African acts JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela.
Released through YBNL and EMPIRE, the track sees the Nigerian singer embrace South Africa’s dance-driven 3-Step sound, adding another layer to his growing catalogue of cross-continental collaborations.
Rather than sticking to the familiar Afrobeats framework, Fireboy lets the South African production lead, bringing stronger electronic, dance-floor energy to his melodic vocals.
JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela also bring their experience from South Africa’s evolving 3-Step and Afro-house scene to the record. Their collaboration has been gaining momentum locally, particularly after the success of ‘The Most Wanted,’ giving IMALI a connection to a sound currently making waves in the country.
For Fireboy, the record marks another shift in direction. It follows his recent collaboration with Jamaican artist Masicka on ‘CLAAT!’, continuing a run of releases that have seen him experiment with sounds beyond his usual Afrobeats base.
‘IMALI’ also arrives as anticipation continues to build around Fireboy’s upcoming fifth album, ZUKO. The song gives listeners another indication of the sonic territory he could explore on the project while highlighting the increasing musical exchange between Nigeria and South Africa.
With Nigerian artists increasingly embracing South Africa’s electronic and dance-oriented sounds, Fireboy’s latest release adds another example of how Afrobeats continues to draw inspiration from different parts of the African music landscape.
Listen to “Imali” HERE