Mix It Up Vol.4 has arrived, and it is a statement about the power of collaboration, cultural exchange, and Africa’s enduring place at the forefront of global music. Executive produced by amapiano superstar Uncle Waffles, the project brings together a remarkable cast of artists and producers who represent the best of multiple worlds: Nigerian singer-songwriter Fave, UK rap legend Ghetts, North London’s rising star Chy Cartier, alongside South Africa’s formidable production talents Ice Beats Slide, Royal MusiQ, TK Creedlion, Makhanj,and Sbuda Maleather.
The three-track release is a tapestry of stories, sounds, and lived experiences. On “Gen Z Love”, Fave fuses amapiano’s rhythm with pop, Caribbean, and hip-hop influences, pouring vulnerability into her exploration of modern love. Her vocals float seamlessly over Ice Beats Slide’s soulful production, while Sbuda Maleather adds local texture, grounding the track in unmistakable South African energy.
Chy Cartier’s “Jozi” captures the raw electricity of Johannesburg, written in real-time with playful nods to her surroundings, including a breakfast rusk on the table during recording. With Royal MusiQ’s militant snares and bass-heavy production, her quick wit and fierce performance find balance in Makhanj’shypnotic chorus, a perfect blend of global and local voices.
On “Bad One”, Ghetts, the B.E.T. Award-nominated “MC’s MC,” delivers sharp commentary wrapped in lyrical swagger. Paired with TK Creed lion’s inventive amapiano production, the track balances bittersweet themes of relationships and triumph with rhythmic chants from Makhanj that root the song in its African heartbeat.
What sets Mix It Up Vol.4 apart is not only the star power on its tracklist but also the unique ecosystem behind its creation. Released under BFM Records, the label of non-profit organisation Bridges For Music, the project continues a mission of building cultural bridges through sound. From hosting the Ubuntu Stage at EDC Las Vegas, where 21 African artists—including Uncle Waffles—performed at one of the world’s biggest electronic festivals, to empowering township talent with performances at global stages such as Garbicz in Poland and Wonderfruit in Thailand, BFM is redefining what a label can be.
Now in its fourth year, Nando’s Mix It Up project in partnership with non-profit, South Africa-based organization Bridges For Music was set up to celebrate Nando’s South African heritage and platform emerging music talent. Mix It Up shines a light on the incredible sounds and talent coming out of the South Africa and global music scenes, whilst driving Nando’s broader initiative to change lives through its connection and influence within music in the UK and SA.
For Uncle Waffles, steering Mix It Up Vol.4as executive producer reflects her own journey as one of Africa’s most exciting cultural exports. Her vision anchors the project, weaving together the sounds of multiple continents into a cohesive celebration of amapiano’s global resonance.
With its infectious rhythms, raw storytelling, and bold cross-border synergy, Mix It Up Vol.4 stands as one of the most exciting projects to emerge from Africa this year; an embodiment of collaboration done right, and proof that the future of global music is African at its core.
