Zim diva collaborates with Mozambican producer

Latwell Nyangu

SONGBIRD Karen “Kahreign” Kawadza has collaborated with South Africa-based Mozambican producer, Malandro, in her new soulful amapiano track titled With You.

The 24-year-old UK-based diva said the song will be available across different platforms this weekend.

“With You is an introduction to the lighter side of Amapiano, simultaneously fuelling a powerful sense of emotion with the sincere and relatable lyrics, and making you move to the beat – a definitive characteristic of the ever-popular Amapiano style.

“The collaboration arose through a meeting over social media.

“A natural collaboration, thanks to our shared passion for music and South African cultures, which is prevalent throughout the track.

“With You is a sweet tale of finding a sense of home, in all different interpretations, metaphorical and physical.

“Finding home in somebody, a loved one who you find a unique kind of safety and familiarity with, where there’s comfort in the power of understanding your true identity.”

Kareign said the song also taps into an appreciation for South Africa, since they were both raised there.

“The warm chords, like a hug from your dearest, invite a sense of hope and security while the Amapiano drum patterns combine to make a feel-good song with an irresistible rhythm.

“The single artwork even ties into the purpose of my solo trip in Lisbon that I describe as ‘my home far away from home.’

“A trip that became a turning point and evolution in my personal and professional journey with music,” she added.

Hailing from Zimbabwe before moving to South Africa and then to Manchester, Kahreign is a producer, singer and songwriter.

In 2018, she released her first single Switch – a smooth yet bouncy synth-pop track using catchy lyrics woven into the melody, which instantly makes you want to dance.

Her second single, Finesse, followed in 2019 and firmly established her distinct sound.

Embracing upbeat pop and summer dancehall riddims, with a vibrant video to go alongside the release.

Kahreign channels an ‘Afro-futuristic’ feel through her 2020 single Juju. She consistently featured on BBC Music Introducing, BBC Radio Manchester. 2021 welcomed Ebb and Flow, a self-descriptive pop healer.