SOWETO BLUES is the brand new track by leading artist, producer and DJ – JULS.

His first official single of 2020 inspired by an unforgettable trip to South Africa, continues the ‘Africa meets UK’ narrative that informs his music – this time dipping into a golden vault of SA’s Amapiano scene.

Linking one of South London’s finest new voices – BRIT school alumni Jaz Karis with South Africa’s powerhouse, Busiswa, to stunning effect.

The British songbird’s silky tones hold “Soweto Blues” together on the track with Eastern Cape born – singer, songwriter and poet who provided her fire to 2019’s critically acclaimed, awarding winning project The Lion King: The Gift curated by Beyonce on ‘My Power’ alongside Nija, Yemi Alade, Tierra Whack and Moonchild Sanelly.

The accompanying video for “Soweto Blues” is directed by renowned South African cinematographer Nigel Stöckl (DJ Maphorisa, ShaSha, Kabza De Small, Cassper Nyovest) and was shot on location in Soweto.

The video sees Juls breaking bread with Busiswa and soaking in the music and cultural landscape of the country. Against a backdrop of Jaz’s voice blending seamlessly into Juls’s ‘soulful- Amapiano’ led beat, colliding respectfully with Busiswa’s energetic bounce.

Championing his Ghanaian roots and British East London upbringing, the two-time Mobo Award nominated Juls put his stamp on the UK music scene by boldly blending African music, Hiphop and Reggae into one; adding his own influential sound to the Afro – Pop movement.

Juls says “My trip to Johannesburg has been very special. It’s added a whole new perspective of how I view things now both career wise and personally. The energy is amazing, the people are lovely and I’ve found a second home – especially the vibrancy of Soweto.

“Jaz Karis is singing a love song, which is symbolic of my new love of Soweto and I’m honoured to have worked with Busiswa whom I have been a fan of for a long time”.

Having played a major role in the rise of Afro-pop, his production on Mr Eazi’s international crossover hits “Bankulize” and “Skin Tight” heralded a new dawn sonically for the genre.

In addition, he collaborated with US rapper Goldlink on his Grammy nominated album ‘Diaspora’ on ‘U Say’ which also featured Tyler The Creator and Jay Prince.

Closer to home, he’s championed the best of British talent – the likes of Kojey Radical, Kojo Funds, Ms Banks, Not3s, Pa Salieu, Eugy, Tiggs Da Author and Stefflon Don as well as Nigeria’s African Giant – Burna Boy. A cultural tastemaker, he curated the first UK Afrobeats session for The Boiler Room. 

Taking notes from the ever popular dance led Amapiano lifestyle, Juls collaborates for the first time with a South African artist. As we descend into uncertain times with a global lockdown, ‘Soweto Blues’ is the first track to be lifted from his forthcoming fourth edition of his yet untitled EP and follows his previous works: ‘Colours’, ‘Ojekoo’ & ‘Leap of Faith’, available across all DSP’s now.