UPZ stages comeback; releases with Sofiya Nzau, Kali Mija
After a four-year hiatus, the Cape Town-based DJ and producer UPZ, formerly associated with Soul Candi, is staging a notable comeback. Known for his house music classics like “Pure Surprise,” “Believing” (with Kafele), and “Uzongilinda” (with Qness & Maleh), UPZ is re-entering the music scene with fresh singles and an innovative live performance concept, UPZ Live, which combines original music with semi-live DJ sets.
His first release since the 2019 compilation “Best of UPZ,” is “Some Lovin,” a deep house track co-produced with Salvador and featuring Kali Mija. Kali Mija gained prominence with her remake of “Gypsy Woman” via Stay True Sounds. Additionally, UPZ is collaborating with Kenyan viral sensation Sofiya Nzau, known for her hit “Mwaki,” remixed by Major League Djz, Tiesto, and Major Lazer. Their first single together, “Walking On Water,” marks UPZ‘s exploration into Afrofusion under his Fynite moniker.
“I was introduced to Sofiya by a mutual Kenyan producer friend. I absolutely loved hearing Sofiya’s unique vocal and lyrics sung in Kikuyu. I had a soulful amapiano production with my vocal melody and lyrical ideas on it. She heard what I wrote and thankfully loved it, so I ended up producing several versions of ‘Walking On Water,’ including an AfroPiano and Deep House version.”
UPZ shares,
Following “Walking On Water,” their second single “Na Wose” dives into Afro house, backed by support from renowned DJ Black Coffee, who previously remixed UPZ‘s “Love Is Not For Hire.”
“I wanted to explore additional music genres but felt limited under the UPZ brand, so I delved into new projects including indie, electronica, etc. During the lockdowns, I started missing the soulful and Afro sounds. The exciting global emergence of Amapiano and covers of ‘Pure Surprise’ by artists like Prince Kaybee and Khanyisa & MFR Souls lured me back into the scene. I also realized the best way for me to return to DJ’ing is via a semi-live show concept where I play all original UPZ productions with bootlegs and remixes I’ve done over the years, accompanied by amazing percussionists like Thomas Dyani (Shakira, Mi Casa, Incognito) and Bongani (Oskido).”
Addressing his hiatus and return, UPZ explained,
Looking ahead to the rest of 2024, UPZ has ambitious plans.
“More singles and collaborations under UPZ and Fynite; ‘UPZ, Slowed’ comes out this month with 18 UPZ back catalogue singles slowed for a new generation of house lovers. I’m also expanding UPZ Live with more shows and will release various back catalogue and new singles on vinyl, starting with ‘Pure Surprise’.”
With his renewed energy and creative direction, UPZ is set to make a significant impact on the music scene once again.
To follow UPZ and keep up to date with his upcoming shows & releases:
