DJ Manzo SA Teams Up with Soulphiatown for Uplifting Afro House Single Imali
South African DJ and producer DJ Manzo SA has joined forces with Soulphiatown on “Imali”, an energetic Afro House release that combines organic percussion, vibrant Zulu vocals and a groove designed to get listeners moving. The single brings together deep club rhythms and an uplifting musical atmosphere, creating a sound suited to dance floors, workout sessions and weekend playlists. Driven by rhythmic momentum and infectious vocal patterns, the track reflects the continued creativity of South Africa’s electronic music scene. It also highlights DJ Manzo SA’s ability to explore different musical styles while maintaining his focus on rhythm, movement and accessible dance music. With early radio and playlist support already building, “Imali” is gaining attention as a release with the potential to reach a wider audience across South Africa.
“Imali” draws its strength from the relationship between percussion, vocals and a steady, high-energy groove. Rather than relying on a complicated arrangement, the track builds its appeal through rhythmic consistency and the interaction between its instrumental elements. Organic percussion gives the production a lively foundation, while the Zulu vocals add character and connect the release to South Africa’s rich musical heritage. The combination creates an atmosphere that feels both rooted in local musical traditions and suited to contemporary Afro House audiences. These elements help the single maintain its energy from beginning to end, making it a natural fit for DJs looking for music that can sustain movement on the dance floor.
The production balances deep club rhythms with a feel-good bounce that gives “Imali” broad listening appeal. Its driving percussion provides a strong rhythmic foundation, while the vocal delivery adds another layer of movement to the arrangement. This combination allows the track to work in different settings without losing its central identity as a dance release. In a club, its persistent groove can support an energetic set, while its uplifting character makes it suitable for social gatherings and weekend listening. The same sense of momentum can also complement high-intensity workouts, where steady rhythm and energetic music often help maintain motivation.
The collaboration between DJ Manzo SA and Soulphiatown brings together complementary musical elements. DJ Manzo SA contributes his experience as a producer with a background in South Africa’s dance music culture, while Soulphiatown adds texture to the joint production. Their combined approach gives “Imali” a sound shaped by percussion, vocal expression and a clear focus on movement. The release also demonstrates how collaborations can create opportunities for artists to explore new dimensions of their established styles. By bringing their contributions together around a strong Afro House foundation, the artists deliver a track that prioritises energy and musical connection.
The single has already begun attracting local attention through playlist additions on Alex FM and Thobela FM. It has also been serviced to SABC radio stations nationwide, extending its potential reach beyond its initial audience. Radio exposure can play an important role in introducing new music to listeners who may not regularly discover tracks through streaming platforms or club performances. These early signs of support provide an encouraging starting point for the release as it reaches more audiences. While its longer-term performance remains to be seen, the initial response places “Imali” in a promising position within the South African dance music landscape.
DJ Manzo SA’s journey in music began in Soweto, where his interest in DJing developed at an early age. He started performing at just 14, playing school events, weddings and family gatherings before progressing towards a career in South Africa’s competitive dance music industry. These early experiences gave him opportunities to develop his understanding of audiences, musical selection and the importance of rhythm in live settings. Over time, he built on that foundation through music production and releases that reflect the diversity of South African dance music. His work continues to draw on this background, combining accessible grooves with an interest in evolving electronic sounds.
A significant milestone in DJ Manzo SA’s career came with his album “AMA45”, which featured the platinum-certified hit single “Sax Dance”. The project helped establish his musical identity through a blend of Amapiano, Kwaito and energetic club production. These styles have played important roles in South Africa’s contemporary dance music culture, each bringing distinct rhythmic qualities and connections to local audiences. By drawing on these influences, DJ Manzo SA developed a sound that could appeal to listeners across different dance music communities. The success of “Sax Dance” also strengthened his profile and provided a foundation for further exploration as a producer.
The release of “Imali” reflects DJ Manzo SA’s continued interest in expanding his musical range. Although his earlier work helped establish his connection to Amapiano and Kwaito, the new single places Afro House at the centre of its musical direction. This move allows him to explore a different combination of percussion, vocals and club rhythms while retaining the energetic approach that characterises his work. The track demonstrates that an artist can build on an established identity without restricting future releases to one genre. For listeners familiar with his previous music, “Imali” offers a fresh perspective on his production style and his ongoing development within South African electronic music.
Afro House provides a fitting setting for the collaboration because of its emphasis on layered percussion, rhythmic depth and the relationship between electronic production and African musical influences. Producers working within the genre often explore a range of textures and vocal styles while maintaining a strong focus on the dance floor. In “Imali”, organic percussion and Zulu vocals help establish a distinctive local character within a contemporary club framework. The track’s uplifting energy also gives it a broad appeal that extends beyond specialist dance music audiences. By bringing these qualities together, DJ Manzo SA and Soulphiatown deliver a release that celebrates rhythm while remaining accessible to different types of listeners.
The growing visibility of South African dance music continues to create opportunities for producers to experiment with sounds and collaborate across genres. Amapiano, Kwaito, Afro House and other electronic styles each contribute to a diverse musical environment in which artists can draw inspiration from different traditions. DJ Manzo SA’s career reflects this flexibility, with “Imali” providing another example of his willingness to explore new rhythmic directions. The collaboration also highlights the value of maintaining a connection to local musical identity while creating productions suited to contemporary dance floors. As the single receives further exposure, its combination of energetic percussion and Zulu vocals gives it a clear place within this evolving scene.
With “Imali”, DJ Manzo SA and Soulphiatown deliver an uplifting Afro House track built around movement, rhythmic energy and vibrant vocal expression. Its combination of organic percussion, deep club rhythms and a feel-good groove makes it suitable for dance floors, workouts and everyday listening. Early playlist support from Alex FM and Thobela FM, alongside servicing to SABC radio stations nationwide, provides a foundation for the single to reach a broader audience. For DJ Manzo SA, the release continues a musical journey that began in Soweto and developed through years of DJing, production and experimentation across South African dance music. As he builds on the success of “AMA45” and “Sax Dance”, “Imali” reinforces his commitment to exploring new sounds while keeping rhythm, movement and positive energy at the heart of his music.
Stream Imali HERE
