Afro House mainstay Shimza is quickly ascending the ranks of the genre’s elite producers. He delivers Dreaming, his latest four-track EP on Kunye Records.
Over the past year, Shimza has made quite the splash within the exploding Afro-House scene. From packing dance floors in Ibiza to curating his label, Kunye Records, he brings fresh air to the scene. The South Africa native has released a slew of globally renowned tracks, including “Darling,” featuring Aloe Blacc, “Badoo,” alongside CamelPhat, and the massive collaboration with Elderbrook, “Places,” as he continues to solidify himself amongst top-tier producers around the globe.
Shimza’s unique take on dance production continues to prioritize the dancefloor, allowing him to stand on his own, away from the often monotonous drudging that plagues a majority of Afro-house producers. Now, the time has come for him to shine on his own, as his latest EP, Dreaming, is out now on Kunye Records. The four-track EP pushes the boundaries of the typical Afro sound through globally inspired soundscapes, ethereal vocals, and rolling percussive elements deeply rooted in ancestral tribal rhythms.
The Dreaming EP’s highlight is the eponymous single. Steeped in sunset-soaked bliss, it is the perfect lens for Shimza’s modern sound as he teams up with DJ VITOTO and Zano. While “Ain’t It Amazing” carries an intentionally subdued energy, the tune with Manana offers a calm and approachable vibe that perfectly sets the tone for those late-night hours.
However, the danceability disappears in Shimza’s collaboration with Kabza De Small and DJ VITOTO, “2 Step.” The track feels like one continuous build-up and fails to eclipse more than the repeated caw of a crow over layered drum fills backed by a rising synth throughout. Thankfully, his genuine artistry returns to center stage on the EP’s final track, “Euphoria.” This collaboration with Jnr SA expertly crafted piano riffs, well-placed percussive fills, and emotive synth pads build into a beautifully crafted soundscape that highlights Shimza’s ability to move crowds of any size.
Shimza’s latest body of work is a look into the future of the Afro realm, and the future looks bright. While not every track delivered a danceable energy, his well-thought-out production still delivered a unique release. Dreaming is out now on all major platforms. Follow Shimza on social media to stay updated on all his latest tour dates.
Stream Shimza – Dreaming on Spotify:
Shimza – Dreaming – Tracklist:
- Dreaming (with DJ VITOTO and Zano)
- Ain’t It Amazing (with Manana)
- 2 Step (with Kabza De Small and DJ VITOTO)
- Euphoria (with Jnr SA)
Follow Shimza:
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