Listen to ChopLife SoundSystem’s Wena ft. Ami Faku

Produced by DJ Tárico and released via Choplife Limited, ‘Wena’ showcases a deep and futuristic Afro-dance sound that continues the amapiano wave which Mr Eazi has incorporated on his latest singles.

The song makes use of Faku’s vocals to deliver a heart-breaking message in Xhosa, as Mr Eazi responds in English. Theirs is a story of would-be lovers who never quite consummate their connection, a tragedy that can only be resolved in the glow of the dance floor.

‘Wena’ is the lead single off the soon-to-drop South Africa-positioned mixtape Chop Life Vol. 1: Mzansi Chronicles. Out on 28 May, the full-length project sees the pair team up with a host of producers, DJs and vocalists on what is without doubt one of the most exciting and unique projects in global dance music in years.

ChopLife SoundSystem derives its name from the popular West African Pidgin slang phrase chop life, meaning ‘enjoy life’, and sound system, a Jamaican term for a crew of mobile DJs and MCs, typically financed by a prominent local businessperson.

Recent years have seen international outfits like producer Diplo’s Major Lazer project put their own spin on the format, functioning as both creators and performers of original music, as well as a tastemaking DJ crew.

With ChopLife SoundSystem, Mr Eazi is putting a modern, African twist on sound-system culture, fusing genres like amapiano and Afrobeats to curate the ultimate African party experience – both for original studio recordings and live events.

Mr Eazi is the primary vocalist on ChopLife SoundSystem and serves as its MC at live events, where he is joined by resident selector DJ Edu along with guest artists and DJs. 

“I’m going back to where I started from, hosting the biggest parties at uni,” Mr Eazi said. “That’s how I started singing. I am looking forward to this new and fun ride, and I can’t wait for all the music to start dropping and the accompanying live experience.”