Nigerian superstar Fireboy DML continues to expand his sonic palette with the release of “IMALI,” a vibrant new collaboration with South African artists JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela. Released via YBNL and EMPIRE, the record finds Fireboy stepping confidently into South Africa’s fast-rising 3-Step Afro-house movement, further strengthening the growing musical connection between West and Southern Africa.
Arriving shortly after his dancehall-inspired collaboration with Jamaican artist Masicka on “CLAAT!”, IMALI showcases another side of Fireboy’s artistic versatility. While previous releases have seen him navigate Afrobeats, R&B and Caribbean influences, this latest offering embraces the rhythmic textures and dancefloor energy of South Africa’s evolving electronic scene.
Built around the signature elements of the 3-Step sound, IMALI blends hypnotic percussion, atmospheric production and rolling grooves with Fireboy’s unmistakable melodic delivery. The result is a record that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, allowing the singer’s smooth vocals to sit within a more dance-oriented setting than listeners may be accustomed to.
JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela bring significant momentum to the collaboration. The pair have become increasingly influential voices within South Africa’s contemporary Afro-house landscape, earning widespread attention through releases including the streaming success “The Most Wanted.” Their chemistry and understanding of the 3-Step sound provide the perfect foundation for Fireboy’s crossover into the genre, creating a collaboration that feels natural rather than experimental.
Thukuthela’s contribution further enriches the track, seamlessly complementing Fireboy’s melodies while preserving the distinctly South African character of the production. Together, the artists create a record that bridges regional sounds while highlighting the shared rhythmic language that continues to unite African music.
The release arrives amid growing anticipation for Fireboy’s forthcoming fifth studio album, ZUKO. Following the success of his recent projects, IMALI serves as an exciting preview of the sonic direction he is exploring in this new chapter, suggesting an artist increasingly comfortable pushing beyond established boundaries.
More broadly, the track reflects a wider movement within contemporary African music, where collaborations between Nigerian Afrobeats stars and South African producers continue to create exciting new hybrids. As genres like Amapiano, Afro-house and 3-Step gain international attention, artists across the continent are finding fresh ways to blend local sounds into globally resonant music.
