Johannesburg-based Afro-electro label Ahead of Time has unveiled its first release of the year – a single titled ‘Spirit’ by South African DJ and producer Silvva and Kenyan artist Olivia Ambani.
The collaborative project – which is now available for streaming and download – combines the distinct talents of two artists working in different genres. Silvva, also a sound engineer, taps into his unique production style that fuses elements of techno, progressive house and Afro-house, whereas singer-songwriter Ambani lends her writing abilities and vocals.
Thematically, the track serves as a catalyst, urging the listener to unleash the boundless potential of their spirit. Driven by a desire to rise above adversity, the protagonist advises listeners to overcome fear and doubt.
On the song, Ambani intertwines elements of spirituality and introspection, with lines such as “Truly hoping that I will find / Something spiritual deep divine”, evoking a sense of connection to something greater, and “Help me out, help me rise”, reflecting the shared aspiration to break free from limitations and embrace personal growth.
Speaking about the making of the single, Silvva said: “I am not so sure how we discovered each other, all I remember is sending Ambani the instrumental of ‘Spirit’ as a reference for her to be able tell if she would be able to write to my style of production and she sent back a complete project. It was a shocking, exciting and an uplifting experience all at once.
“The initial draft of the song was ready in April 2022 and I had to put on my sound engineering hat to be able to rework the instrumental to accommodate the dynamics of the vocals. This resulted in a song that is somehow both motivating and energising. A song you can listen to in the shower, on your way to the gym, at the gym and at the club.”
Ambani said: “At the time I was writing, I was in a reflective space thinking about how much we look outside ourselves for answers when so much truth lies within us; how powerful our spirit is and the ability it has to guide us at all times. This is what I eventually ended up centering the song around a journey of self-discovery and awareness of the spirit within to encourage us through dark and good times.”
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