Afrofuturist trailblazer Shimza reemerged with his transcendent new anthem ‘Beloved’, featuring the soulful stylings of Aloe Blacc: the brand new single dropped on March 2024, Friday 1st, via the esteemed Helix Records imprint. ‘Beloved’ unfurls with a lush, synth-driven groove, emblematic of Shimza’s avant-garde approach to Afro-futurism. Aloe Blacc‘s velvety interpretation of Ben E. King’s 1961 classic ‘Stand By Me’ adds a contemporary sheen to the track, simultaneously evoking nostalgia and innovation.
In the wake of his groundbreaking collaboration ‘Wake Me Up’ with Avicii and solo smashes like ‘The Man’, Aloe Blacc’s magnetic vocals have become a coveted commodity among EDM luminaries such as Gryffin and David Guetta. His genre-blurring fusion of pop, R&B, and vintage soul, tinged with Caribbean nuances as a nod to his Panamanian roots, lends an unmistakable allure to every project he graces.
Without question, Shimza — born Ashley Raphala — stands as one of South Africa’s most formidable talents, a visionary architect shaping the sonic landscape of Afro-futurism on a global scale.
The release of ‘Beloved’ arrives as a watershed moment for Shimza, fresh off a sold-out spectacle at London’s iconic KOKO venue on February 9th and two gigs in his country, both at ULTRA Festival, amidst a whirlwind tour spanning continents from the US to Europe, and South America. As the month unfolds, Shimza’s sonic odyssey continues to dazzle audiences across continents. On March 21st and 22nd, he’ll make his mark at the iconic Miami Music Week captivating attendees with his visionary soundscapes and infectious energy.
words: zizi roberts
