Shimza Elevates Afro House with New EP Sunset in Pretoria on Kunye

Shortly after launching his highly anticipated residency at Pacha Ibiza, South African electronic music powerhouse Shimza has returned with a deeply personal and globally resonant new project. Released on 19 June 2026 through his own record label, Kunye, Sunset in Pretoria is a three-track EP that showcases the producer’s continued evolution while celebrating the sounds, stories and creative talent of South Africa. Arriving at a time when Afro House continues to gain recognition across international markets, the EP serves as both a musical statement and a tribute to the country that has shaped Shimza’s artistic journey. Through carefully crafted collaborations and emotionally rich compositions, the project highlights the depth and sophistication of South African electronic music on the world stage.

Sunset in Pretoria is more than just a collection of tracks. It is a sonic journey that captures different moods, emotions and landscapes through music. Across the EP, Shimza blends atmospheric textures, melodic storytelling and rhythmic precision to create a body of work that feels cohesive from beginning to end. Each track contributes to a larger narrative that reflects themes of home, identity and connection. While the project remains firmly rooted in South African musical traditions and influences, its production quality and universal emotional appeal make it equally at home on international dancefloors. This balance between local authenticity and global accessibility has become one of Shimza’s defining strengths as an artist.

The title track, Sunset in Pretoria, opens the EP with a sense of cinematic elegance and emotional depth. Created in collaboration with French and Dubai-based producer Demayä, the song captures the atmosphere of a South African sunset through carefully layered instrumentation and thoughtful arrangement. Warm synthesizer pads create an inviting backdrop while hypnotic percussion drives the track forward with subtle intensity. As the song unfolds, soaring melodic elements gradually emerge, transforming what begins as a reflective and understated composition into a powerful and immersive musical experience. The track sets the tone for the entire EP, inviting listeners into a world where emotion and rhythm exist in perfect harmony.

One of the most significant moments on the project arrives with uMa Wami, a collaboration that brings together Shimza, Thatohasti and Jnr SA. The track embraces a vocal-driven approach while maintaining the infectious energy that defines Afro House music. Rolling rhythms provide the foundation for soulful harmonies and expressive performances that create an atmosphere of warmth and connection. The collaboration feels natural and authentic, reflecting the strength of South Africa’s contemporary music scene and the creative chemistry between the artists involved. The song stands as a celebration of local talent while demonstrating how Afro House can successfully blend traditional vocal storytelling with modern electronic production.

Thatohasti’s contribution to the EP is particularly noteworthy given her growing influence within the South African music industry. As one of Spotify’s most-streamed female artists in the country, she arrives on Sunset in Pretoria during a period of significant career momentum. Her recent chart success has further established her reputation as one of the country’s most exciting voices, and her performance on the EP adds both emotional depth and a distinctive feminine perspective. Her presence reinforces the project’s commitment to showcasing diverse South African talent while creating opportunities for meaningful artistic collaboration. Through her contribution, the EP gains an additional layer of authenticity and emotional resonance.

The closing track, Entle, featuring Jabulani Majola, provides a fitting conclusion to the journey that Shimza has carefully constructed throughout the project. Built around expressive vocals and a slow-building arrangement, the song explores themes of emotion, vulnerability and release. Rich instrumentation unfolds gradually, allowing every element to contribute to the track’s growing intensity. Rather than relying on immediate impact, Entle rewards patience by building toward a powerful and deeply satisfying climax. The result is a song that leaves a lasting impression while bringing the EP’s narrative full circle. It demonstrates Shimza’s ability to balance dancefloor functionality with genuine emotional storytelling.

Beyond the music itself, Sunset in Pretoria also reinforces the vision behind Kunye, the platform and label that Shimza has developed to elevate African electronic music. Over the years, Kunye has become a respected brand that showcases both established and emerging talent while connecting African artists with audiences around the world. The release of this EP reflects the same philosophy, placing South African creativity at the forefront while engaging with international collaborators and listeners. By releasing the project through Kunye, Shimza continues to strengthen the platform’s role as a driving force within the global Afro House movement.

Fans will soon have the opportunity to experience the energy of Kunye in a live setting. The next major event on the calendar is Kunye Pretoria on 4 July 2026, followed by Kunye Johannesburg on 7 November 2026 and Kunye Cape Town New Year’s Day on 1 January 2027. These events have become known for delivering immersive musical experiences that celebrate African electronic music culture while bringing together diverse audiences. As the popularity of Afro House continues to grow internationally, Kunye events remain an important space for showcasing the genre’s evolution and creative potential.

Sunset in Pretoria arrives as a powerful reminder of Shimza’s influence within both the South African and global electronic music landscapes. Through its thoughtful collaborations, emotional storytelling and exceptional production, the EP captures the essence of contemporary Afro House while remaining deeply connected to its roots. Each track contributes to a larger narrative about identity, community and artistic expression, making the project far more than a simple dance music release. As Shimza continues to expand his international presence while investing in local talent and platforms, Sunset in Pretoria stands as another significant milestone in a career defined by innovation, authenticity and a commitment to elevating African music on the world stage.

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