DJ and producer DJ Moma releases Asilali, the latest single from his album Jozi Love Affair,  a project shaped by his time spent living and working in Johannesburg.

The single features South African artist Baby S.O.N (real name Phelela Gcwelumusa Ziphakeme Mathonsi), an Amapiano singer, songwriter and DJ from Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal. Known for blending soulful melodies with Amapiano production, his work often leans into emotive, storytelling-led songwriting. Nicknamed “Son of Natal,” Baby S.O.N has built a growing profile since launching his career in 2018, gaining widespread attention for the hit Dalie, which saw strong traction on TikTok. He has since collaborated with artists including Musa Keys, Yumbs, Zādok and the late AKA, establishing himself as a distinctive voice within the South African music landscape.

Built around the pace and rhythm of the city, Asilali draws from Johannesburg’s nightlife and evolving dance culture. The track sits within the broader sonic world of the album, which reflects the influence of Amapiano, Afrohouse and other distinctly South African sounds that continue to resonate both locally and internationally.

Originally from Queens, New York, DJ Moma has built a global profile through his work as a DJ, producer and curator, including his well-known Everyday People event series. Jozi Love Affair, however, represents a more grounded body of work, informed by an extended period spent in South Africa between 2017 and 2020, including six months living in Johannesburg.

During this time, Moma developed a close connection to the local music ecosystem, engaging with its artists, producers and dance floors. The project reflects a scene that is both self-sustaining and globally influential, with South African dance music continuing to grow its footprint across major cities worldwide.

Speaking on this connection, DJ Moma says:

“The current South African dance scene feels similar to where the US was in the 90s, when it was developing its own sound and sharing it with the rest of the world. At that time, house music coming out of cities like New York, Detroit and Chicago went on to influence scenes globally, and I see that same kind of movement happening now with sounds like Amapiano and Afrohouse. What’s particularly striking is how strongly local audiences support homegrown music, with a real sense of connection between the DJs and the crowd. My relationship with Johannesburg goes back to my first visit in 2017, where I was introduced to early Amapiano tracks like ‘Oe Batla Kae’ and immediately felt the uniqueness of the sound. That experience led me to dive deeper into the scene, and it continues to shape how I view South Africa’s role in global dance culture today.”

Asilali captures this perspective in a track that reflects both the energy of Johannesburg and the collaborative nature of its music scene.

The single is available now on all major streaming platforms: https://open.spotify.com/track/4hMgvD4I6VRG5Ki4eweGm0?si=1fbc829046484d5d