A New Year, A New Conversation on TheJournalistDJ.com
TheJournalistDJ.com officially kicked off its first live Instagram interview of the year with a dynamic conversation featuring Afrofuturistic producer K-Zaka, Amapiano vocalist Philharmonic, and genre-bending DJ duo Uncool Angels. The discussion centred on their newly released collaborative single “Mngani Wam”, a standout release from AfroFuture’s pan-African music project BAL’ING ON THE CONTINENT.
Despite minor technical hiccups during the live broadcast, the energy, honesty and creative chemistry between the artists shone through, setting the tone for a strong musical year ahead.
Introducing the Artists: Three Worlds, One Sound
During the conversation, each artist took time to introduce themselves and their creative journeys.
Philharmonic, a Soweto-born vocalist, described himself as “a rock star stuck in the Amapiano era,” highlighting his passion for storytelling, structure and emotional depth. He spoke about his desire to inspire young creatives from the township who may feel the industry is out of reach.
K-Zaka, born and raised in Northam, Limpopo, positioned himself as more than just a producer and DJ. As an A&R and creative director, he explained his role as a bridge between artists and labels, shaping sound, vision and collaboration. He also touched on his recent international milestone — producing a song for Nigerian superstar Davido — underscoring his growing global footprint.
Uncool Angels, the high-energy female DJ duo, shared their roots as professional dancers and performers before transitioning into DJing and music creation. Their background in theatre, live productions and international touring has shaped their performance-driven approach, making them far more than just DJs behind the decks.
How the Collaboration Came Together
The collaboration behind “Mngani Wam” was born organically in the studio. Uncool Angels explained that their transition from dancers to artists led them to creative spaces where they met K-Zaka and Philharmonic for the first time — all on the same day.
K-Zaka added that the connection was also professional, as Uncool Angels are signed under Rose Pearl Entertainment, where he plays an A&R role. From there, the creative synergy flowed naturally, resulting in a record rooted in trust, shared vision and mutual respect.
The Story and Inspiration Behind “Mngani Wam”
Philharmonic revealed that his contribution to the song was sparked by instinct. After being repeatedly called into the studio by K-Zaka, he immediately connected with the song’s narrative of friendship, loyalty and shared journeys.
The chorus, which he penned and performed, serves as a continuation of the story told in the verses — reinforcing the emotional core of the track. Translating to “my friend”, “Mngani Wam” celebrates chosen family and the bonds that endure through different stages of life.
Starting the Year Strong: Strategy and Momentum
Uncool Angels explained that releasing music early in the year was a deliberate move. “They always say start strong,” the duo shared, adding that the early traction from social media challenges, tags and cross-border engagement has already confirmed they made the right decision.
The record has begun resonating across the continent, with fans participating in TikTok challenges and spreading the song organically — a key objective of the project.
BAL’ING ON THE CONTINENT: More Than Just a Project
K-Zaka unpacked the broader vision behind BAL’ING ON THE CONTINENT, describing it not as a personal movement but a collective African collaboration platform powered by AfroFuture.
Inspired by AfroFuture’s travels across Africa during Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 5, the project connects creatives from different countries, cultures and musical traditions. “It’s about getting people in a room, creating together, fusing audiences and taking African music to the world,” he explained.
The project is distributed by The Continent.Live in partnership with Orchard West Africa, reinforcing its pan-African reach and ambition.
AfroFuture and Cultural Exchange
The discussion also highlighted AfroFuture’s long-standing role in talent discovery and cultural exchange. K-Zaka reflected on his time in Ghana, crediting AfroFuture for opening doors, facilitating meaningful connections and placing African creatives in the right global spaces.
According to Khadijat El-Alawa, Head of Music & Talents at Culture Management Group (AfroFuture), BAL’ING ON THE CONTINENT is designed to foster unity, collaboration and storytelling — using music as a cultural bridge while promoting basketball across Africa.
AI in Music: Tool or Threat?
One of the most engaging moments of the interview came during a candid debate on artificial intelligence in music.
While K-Zaka and Philharmonic viewed AI as a tool that enhances creativity — likening it to autotune, digital instruments and modern production software — Uncool Angels raised concerns about AI potentially taking opportunities away from upcoming creatives.
The discussion landed on a balanced conclusion: AI is neither inherently good nor bad, but its impact depends entirely on how it is used. As one artist noted, “AI works best when combined with human skill, not when it replaces it.”
Female DJs and Performance Culture
Uncool Angels also addressed ongoing criticism aimed at female DJs. The duo firmly rejected the idea that they are part of a passing trend, emphasising that their work is rooted in professional performance, athleticism and musical understanding.
“We are not influencers. We are performers,” they stated, explaining that their live shows merge DJing, choreography and theatrical energy into a full sensory experience — something that must be witnessed live to be fully understood.
What “Mngani Wam” Means for Their Brands
All three acts agreed that the single represents growth, unity and global reach.
For Philharmonic, the song strengthens his connection to West African audiences. For Uncool Angels, it marks a major step in building their still-emerging brand with credibility and momentum. For K-Zaka, it is a strategic bridge into Nigeria, Ghana and beyond.
At its core, “Mngani Wam” is about standing together, creating together and winning together — a message that mirrors the ethos of BAL’ING ON THE CONTINENT itself.
Looking Ahead
With overwhelmingly positive early reception and a broader project set to release later this year, “Mngani Wam” sets a powerful tone for what’s to come. The single is not just a song, but a statement — positioning collaboration as a continental cultural movement rather than a trend.
