Nigerian Afrobeats star Fireboy DML crosses into South Africa’s contemporary 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 and continues Fireboy’s recent interest in working across different African and Caribbean sounds. JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela bring a partnership that has already become prominent within South Africa’s current 3-Step and Afro-house movement.
The record places Fireboy’s melodic delivery inside a South African-rooted rhythmic setting, giving his vocals a different frame from the dancehall direction of his previous single. The contrast also allows Thukuthela’s presence to sit naturally beside Fireboy rather than feeling added on.
JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela enter the collaboration with strong regional momentum after The Most Wanted became a major South African streaming success, while Fireboy brings an established international Afrobeats audience. That combination gives the release clear crossover potential across both markets.
Find the track on major digital streaming platforms and share your thoughts on the collaboration in the comments
