Nigerian Afrobeats star Fireboy DML crosses into South Africa’s dance scene on “IMALI,” teaming up with JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela during the rollout for his forthcoming fifth album “ZUKO.”
The collaboration follows August’s “CLAAT!” with Masicka, continuing Fireboy’s recent pattern of exploring different African and Caribbean sounds outside his usual Afrobeats lane. So “Fireboy DML IMALI” doesn’t sit comfortably in one box. JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela bring genuine regional weight into the mix, having already built prominence within South Africa’s current 3-Step and Afro-house movement through their earlier hit “The Most Wanted.” That kind of established chemistry between the two South African artists gives the record real credibility beyond just being a convenient feature placement.
Fireboy’s melodic delivery sits inside a distinctly South African-rooted rhythmic setting here, giving his vocals a different frame than the dancehall direction of his previous single. That contrast lets Thukuthela’s presence feel naturally woven into the arrangement rather than tacked on for visibility. Fans have already started sharing dance clips across TikTok and Instagram, suggesting the record’s rhythm is connecting the way both camps intended.
As anticipation builds toward “ZUKO,” “IMALI” offers listeners an early preview of the sound Fireboy is exploring on this next chapter.
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