Rising South African DJ/Producer Ezra Mlotshwa has unveiled the cover art and star-studded artist collaboration line-up to his forthcoming debut album, ‘Bayede‘, officially out Friday, October 25.
Lauded as a powerful celebration of rhythm and culture, the album promises to showcase a rich blend of house music, including Afro-house, deep house and other modern electronic house beats, reflecting Mlotshwa’s diverse musical style and influences.
The striking cover art features a relaxed Mlotshwa dressed in a stylish black and brown outfit, symbolising what he describes as “harmony and balance”.
The colour black serves as a warm, neutral base, while the rich brown adds depth, mirroring the intricate layers of his music.
In anticipation of the album’s release, Mlotshwa recently launched the electrifying single ‘Impi Ye Mpilo‘, a collaboration with a host of South Africa’s most loved artists, top among them Nkosazana Daughter and Kabza De Small. This track exemplifies his commitment to blending sounds and styles, further solidifying his place in the industry.
Bayede, meaning “Hail the King” in Zulu, pays homage to the historical salutation used by King Shaka Zulu, the founder of South Africa’s Zulu Kingdom. This phrase resonates deeply with Mlotshwa’s vision of establishing his throne in the house music realm. Fittingly, Bayede is also Mlotshwa’s second name.
“This is a musical ensemble that I worked on with people I truly admire and respect. Ideas that were roaming around in my head are being brought to life. I hope you enjoy this body of work; it is filled with beautiful energy, accompanied by music that will touch your heart, make you dance, and motivate you” Mlotshwa says.
The visionary Mpumalanga-born dancer-turned producer, who has a rich background in event coordination and a passion for collaboration, is ready to present his full artistic vision through this eagerly-awaited album. The project features a variety of talented artists, including SoulFreakah, Marley Girl, Artwork Sounds, MaWhoo, Halo Yagami, Griffith Malo, Njelic, Thakzin, C-Black, Chronical Deep, Darque, Jnr SA, Umthakathi Kush, Sbani the Vocalist, and D.O.H.
With ‘Bayede‘, the Mlotshwa is poised to make a significant impact in the house music scene, showcasing his artistic evolution and dedication to forging deep and lasting relationships within the artistic South African community through disruptive cross-genre collaborations.
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