DURBAN - AN American music trio are taking South African gqom and Mzansi hip-hop trendsetters to the world in a newly released project.
The likes of Distruction Boyz, Babes Wodumo, Busiswa, DJ Maphorisa, Dladla Mshunqisi, DJ Tira, Riky Rick, Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest and HHP all feature in the new Afrobeats inspired project by the US trio, Major Lazer.
The trio is made up of music producer Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire. Their latest project, aptly titled Afrobeats, was released earlier this week on digital platforms.
The new project also features Kenyan AfroSoul singer Sauti Sol, Tanzanian entertainer Harmonize and Nigerian rappers Burna Boy and Skales, amongst other acts from Africa on the project.
AFRICA RUN 🇿🇦🇲🇼🇳🇬🇰🇪🇪🇹🇺🇬 pic.twitter.com/NFqO8UWk0r
— MAJOR LAZER (@MAJORLAZER) September 14, 2018
Reacting to the news of being featured on the new project, Afrotainment artist Dladla Mshunqisi told TimesLive it was an honour to be featured on the album.
"When I heard my song was going to be on the project, I just fell silent and couldn't believe it," said the man born as Anele Dladla.
"I think my song is something different to what people overseas might be used to. It is gqom, and gqom is the future. I am taking the future of music to the world," said the Durbanite.
Dladla Mshunqusi is featured in the project with his music label boss DJ Tira, who can be heard with his trademark “Chikichikichaaaaaa” on the blended version of Fakaza.
Diplo, a member of Major Lazer explained their decision to feature African music on the new project.
“Over the past few years we’ve had the chance to tour extensively and work with artists across Africa,” says Diplo. “These music scenes continue to inspire the music we make and sets we play. We wanted to bridge our music as Major Lazer with all these new sounds and genres coming out of Africa. From Babes Wodumo the Queen of Gqom to our brother Mr. Eazi, who is taking over the globe with each release, to new voices Kizz Daniel and legends like Burna Boy, two of our favorite songwriters coming out of Nigeria.
“These artists along with Raye, Taranchyla and Kranium make up the new music we’ll be releasing over the next month to coincide with our tour in Africa at the end of September. Major Lazer has been fairly quiet in 2018 on the touring and music front, but this is the beginning of what will come next for us,” he said.
Burna Boy was also pleased with being featured on the project. A music video for a Major Lazer and Burna Boy song was released on Thursday. The music video was directed by South African filmmaker Adriaan Louw and was shot in Nigeria.
I’ve been waiting all my life for this type of vibe, I wanna see a million lights, LIGHT UP MY LIFE 💡 💡💡cc @MAJORLAZER pic.twitter.com/UVAdrbtGYO
— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) September 13, 2018
NEW VIDEO ALERT! @MAJORLAZER ft me. “all My Life” https://t.co/eEmcxkdYec pic.twitter.com/Z0NrvDgxCo
— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) September 13, 2018
The American trio is set to tour South Africa, Malawi, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda in September and October.
Furthermore, the band is set to tour Africa in September and October, with dates in South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda. While in Africa, Major Lazer will also work with VETPAW (Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife) to combat poaching in South Africa and beyond.
“All My Life” follows collaborations with Cashmere Cat, Tory Lanez and Rudimental and 2017’s critically acclaimed Know No Better EP.
WHERE TO WATCH MAJOR LAZER LIVE
September 29: Johannesburg, South Africa, H2O – Wild Waters Complex
September 30: Leopards Bay, Malawi - Lake of Stars Festival
October 5: Lagos, Nigeria - Summer Stance
October 6: Nairobi, Kenya - Tuborg Open & Kenya Nights
October 7: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Bira Biro
October 8: Kampala, Uganda - 5th Street Industrial Arena