In an exciting blend of soundscapes, British artist Skyla Tylaa, Kenyan singer Sofiya Nzau, Deepa and American star Chloë Bailey’s latest offering, “Makuhia,” is a striking balance of amapiano,house,, R&B,and traditional East African vocal styles. 

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The track’s title “Makuhia” loosely translates to coming closer or approaching in Nzau’s native language Kikuyu – a not so new occurrence for the singer-songwriter whose sound has often combined Afro-house and EDM influences with contemporary tunes – ultimately paying off with her big 2023 breakout when Brazilian DJ and producer Zerb remixed her jam, “Mwaki.” 

Now, with the new release Nzau builds on that distinct identity coupled with both Tylaa and Bailey’s backgrounds to elevate it further.

The latter two have already built a name in their respective lanes, namely Tylaa’s unequivocable presence in the UK’s electronic music scene as a DJ and producer, bridging Caribbean-inspired tunes with South African amapiano and deep house textures – in turn helping in promoting African club genres at an international level. 

Bailey on the other hand brings her refined R&B sound and discerning production to the mix. Coming onto the scene at first as part of acclaimed sister duo Chloe x Halle and going on to pursue a solo career, it's fair to say she’s made a name for herself in the industry – not to mention the evolving vocal range and versatile performance style.

Ultimately at its core, “Makuhia” attests to what can happen when artists from different musical and cultural backgrounds meet without having to flatten what makes their respective sounds distinctive. Instead, the collaboration allows Kikuyu vocal traditions, amapiano, house, electronic music and R&B to exist within the same space, creating something that feels both rooted and outward-looking.

It also arrives at a moment when African music is increasingly being heard through unconventional combinations and unexpected collaborations. As artists continue to take sounds born on the continent into new genres, scenes and markets, “Makuhia” is part of that new wave showing how cultural specificity is becoming a strength rather than a barrier and one major way through which they [sounds] aren't simply being exported, but reimagined, shared and given new life on a global scale.

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