South Africans Marco Pex and BlaQRhythm capture the Evolution of Afro House with a stunning new Mayonie Productions album

17 all-new tracks from influential artists reflect the label's legacy while shaping the future

Release Date: 21st January 2026

Pre-order/Preview the EP HERE

Mayonie Productions is a much-revered label, home to some of the most influential Afro house and tech artists in the world. The pioneering independent imprint and talent management agency is celebrated as the first to be run from Durban, South Africa, and was founded by the globally renowned, Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum-selling artist Zakes Bantwini. Now, the label makes another vital contribution to the scene with this carefully curated deep dive into all facets of its sound. It's a collection that moves on every level, with magnificent emotion defining each track and authentic percussion, vocals, and melodies all making this powerful statement of South African creative intent.

BlaQRhytm & Marco Pex kick off with an evocative intro before Pex goes it alone on the stirring 'Crazy', the first of two solo cuts ahead of 'Solus', with its deep, rolling drums and spiritual synth work that rises up out of the groove to illuminate the night sky. BlaQRhythm & Deena G keep the late-night magic flowing with flickering melodies and achingly beautiful vocals on 'I Thought You Knew', and highlights keep coming in the form of Drega's luminous and rousing 'Gandia', while BlaQRhythm, Mbalenhle M & Maline Aura hook up for 'Entweni', a spine-tingling blend of supple and deep grooves, delicate shakers and quietly profound synth work.

Elsewhere, Drega, Skye Wanda combine for 'Mpumalanga' with its angelic vocal sounds and soul-stirring melodies, all riding a deft but empowering Afro groove, there's emotional release in Dr. Phil RSA's 'Secrets (Feat. S.A.N.E)' and Privacii & Agnobays hook up for the deeply profound 'Break'. This quietly profound and always sophisticated album closes with Skillz's 'Ibhanoyi' ft. Zakes Bantwini, another carefully crafted and deep, roomy Afro sound with plenty of space for the celestial synths and authentic Afro percussion to make a lasting impact.

Various Artists' 'Evolution of Afro House' on Mayonie Productions comes on 21st January 2026.

Marco Pex: Instagram - Soundcloud - Beatport

BlaQRhythm: Instagram - Beatport

Mayonie Productions: Instagram - Beatport