Watch Epic Minds’ Izolo video featuring Flameboy Universe

‘Izolo’ is the lead single off the group’s upcoming album, On The Road, which is set for release in August. The track, whose attendant video features party scenes at a cozy art gallery in Jeppestown, is a fusion of melodic amapiano and Afrobeats characterised by catchy chords, bright synths and memorable hooks.

“This collaboration was part of the dreams that I have always had, which is collaborating with amazing producers and artists from across Africa,” Flameboy Universe told Music In Africa. “Epic minds are on my top three list of the most artistic music producers.

“When I first heard the instrumental, it was so clean, well done and the first thing that came to mind was ‘English lyrics talking about love and stuff’. I then quickly thought about how much I really love African languages in music and decided to talk about a certain experience that relates to an artist who just found success.”

Founded in 2008, Epic Minds comprises Eddie Hatitye and Taf Chimbwa. Their music was first picked up by the Red Bull Music Studio in 2012 when the duo’s song, ‘Jiva’, was featured in the Red Bull Beat Battle competition. Since then, the group has collaborated with a number of African artists, including Skales (Nigeria), Camidoh (Ghana) and Ingrid White (Cameroon).

Flameboy Universe (born Sakhile Mavimbela), who is the first musician from eSwatini to clinch a deal with Sony/ATV, has gained some success in his country. The musician’s two singles ‘Nowerdays’ and ‘Dancing Alone’ have reached the No 1 spot on the MTN SBIS 2 Radio Top 20 chat show. He has also performed at numerous events including the 2016 Global Leadership Summit and MTN Bushfire Festival, among others.