South African Afro House producer Darque links up with Nkosazana Daughter on “Mali Yephepha,” a soulful new Amapiano tune made for the dancefloor.
Serious pedigree in this collab with Nkosazana Daughter. Since dropping her debut 14-track album with DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Master KG and Tyler ICU, she has become one of the most in-demand voices in South African dance music. Her relationship with heavyweight producers is well known and Darque taps into that same magnetism here with his own particular Afro House flair.
“Mali Yephepha” is not your usual Amapiano single because of that signature. Darque has made a name for himself with lush, textured production that’s a little deeper and more atmospheric than the mainstream Amapiano sound, and it’s the kind of space that gives Nkosazana Daughter’s beautiful vocals room to breathe. Her voice floats over the beat, doesn’t compete with the beat and holds the emotional heart of the record.
It’s the restraint that makes this coupling work. No artist is trying too hard. Darque doesn’t overproduce, she allows the rhythm breathe, Nkosazana Daughter has faith in her tone rather than straining vocal runs. The effect is effortless sounding, which is frequently the hardest thing to pull off on a record meant for repeated spins in the club.
Stream Mali Yephepha and let us know in the comments – does Darque’s Afro House touch bring something fresh to Nkosazana Daughter’s sound?
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