EAST LONDON’S South African MC, Toya Delazy, drops single ​“Qhawe.” ​

Meaning “be strong warrior” in Zulu, the bass-filled floor-filler carries a powerful message to stand your ground in the face of adversity.

Qhawe ​ is the latest track in a new genre visionary artist Delazy is pioneering dubbed “Afro-Rave,” ahead of her album dropping Summer 2020. As African sounds take over the global stage in exciting fusions with Western staples, Delazy unleashes rapid, sharp Zulu vocals over fiery British bassline bursts, courtesy of UK producers Raf Riley and ​Hen – JOY (Anonymous) ​.

Delazy says: “I wrote Qhawe last year after devastatingly losing my Grandma. Struggling with the loss of someone so special, I found myself in a dark place and at war with my own mind. Eventually, I realised that no cavalry is coming to save me – I needed to empower myself. Through meditation, researching spiritual healers and reconnecting with my rich heritage, I found my inner warrior – my ‘Qhawe’.

“This track is a rallying call to my fellow humans to be your own warrior, brace yourself and hold your ground, because that’s what changed my course. By rapping in my native tongue – Zulu – I’m practicing what I preach by being myself and not conforming to current musical norms.”