Zimbabwean-born, UK-based star Donel may have shot to fame as a contestant on The Voice UK but he’s certainly keeping fans on their toes as he officially steps into the world as a recording artist. Having released ‘Motion’ as the lead single off his debut EP ‘African Boy Pt. 1 in April year, the star is tapping into his African roots as he enlists South African producer Kooldrink for the official amapiano remix to the track.
The remix offers a glossy fusion of Donel’s pop-powered songwriting with the hypnotizing synths and floaty percussion of amapiano, South Africa’s buzzing and quickly rising style of dance music. It’s buoyant and bright, a perfect match for the sunny outlook Donel offers on the track.
Kooldrink admits that when he was asked to work his magic on the track, he was already familiar with the rising star. “When Max Gousse at the label got in touch – I already knew who Donel was. Zim boys killing it around the world never really go under my radar,” he says.
The producer adds “Every now and then a producer gets one of those songs that really pulls the best out of them – this was one of those songs. I knew exactly what I had to do. Must say, this song was perfect for the amapiano sound that I’m pushing – and I hope the world receives it the same way I made it, with love.”
Kooldrink is currently charting locally with another rising star Tyla. Her debut single ‘Getting Late’ is taking the country by storm and saw her sign a global record deal with Epic Records.
Listen to the amapiano remix of ‘Motion’ below and read more music news here.
