Kenyan Afrobeats artist Lexsil joins forces with South African singer-songwriter Sbahle for a new cross-border single named “Shona Malanga”.
This one was revealed with Lexsil keeping it simple on Instagram — “Friday we make memories.” That energy went straight into the release. The excitement both singers were bringing to the collaboration was evident even before the song was released. Fans from both East and Southern Africa were already discussing.
Lexsil has been progressively growing his cross-continental profile, with recent records like “Bounce” and “Remedy.” Engaging with Sbahle increases that reach to the colorful music scene in South Africa. It’s a pairing that makes sense — two artists from different corners of Africa finding common ground on one record.
The title alone is heavy. “Shona Malanga” literally means “let the sun go down” in Zulu, a word that historically alludes to reunion and resilience. It is an Afrobeats crossover record about love, and it is built on the use of “Shona Malanga” as a cultural texture most collaborations do not even reach for.
Lexsil’s Afrobeats sensibilities propel the record ahead with melodic warmth and groove. Sbahle’s voice lends a uniquely South African gentleness to the song, anchoring it in a different emotional register. No one artist is lost in the other.
Have you heard Shona Malanga yet? It’s a true continental link-up. Leave your verdict in the comments!
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