“Mngani Wam” is more than just a song — it’s a heartfelt statement about friendship, loyalty and chosen family. The Afrohouse and Amapiano collaboration between K-Zaka, Uncool Angels and Philharmonic captures the spirit of unity and creative exchange that sits at the heart of the BAL’ING ON THE CONTINENT project. In this interview with The Yanos Magazine, the artists open up about the real-life bonds that inspired the record and the cultural movement they are proud to be part of.
1. “Mngani Wam” translates to “my friend”. What personal or shared experiences inspired the message behind this song?
“The truth is that the _Uncool Angels_ consists of two beautiful ladies that have been in each other’s life’s almost a decade (10 years). Growing up in front of each other and learning new things and always being there for each other is the inspiration for this beautiful song Mngani wami. While _Philharmonic_ and K-Zaka came into our life when we joined RosePearlEnt and immediately the journey of friendship started, travelling to shows together, studio camps and just being creatives.”
2. How did the collaboration between K-Zaka, Uncool Angels, and Philharmonic come together under the BAL’ING ON THE CONTINENT project?
“We happened to work on a couple of songs together, now coming to K zaka also being an all rounder when it comes to music and production. We loved the Afro amapiano infused sound and decided to make a song about friendship that we have created during our journey and new friends we’ve recently met under Rosepearl Entertainment K Zaka and Philharmonic. This is a journey with fellow friends not just making music.”
3. The production is stripped-back yet emotionally rich. Why was a minimalist sound important for this particular story?
“Can’t say minimalist sounds but when producing the song we tried to send out the message more and awareness that this song was created in a happy space where we all gathered together doing what we love.”
4. Friendship and chosen family are central themes. How do these ideas reflect your own journeys as artists?
“Its important to know our friendship is a decade this year. We met through the entertainment industry as just professional dancers we have experienced transitions. Like becoming moms, getting in and out relationships. We have now elevated from just being dancers to artists. Business partners and friends making sure we build and do best for our kids through the art and talent. This is not just friendship but a sisterhood.’
5. BAL’ING ON THE CONTINENT was inspired by AfroFuture’s travels during the Basketball Africa League Season 5. How did movement across Africa influence the music creatively?
“Music is a language that we all understand and gets us through life. As young as we are ,we are fighting towards implementing the pan Africanism and the best way to do it is through music, sports and dance. And that’s where BAL’NING ON THE CONTINENT COMES IN.”
6. AfroFuture has positioned this project as a cultural movement rather than just a compilation. What does that mean to you as contributors?
“Its amazing because we get to give other people across the globe and continent of our style and culture in music, but then we believe music as diverse as it is, it speaks one language for everyone to enjoy. Having to contribute in this cultural movement makes us really proud.”
7. How do you feel Afrohouse and Amapiano continue to serve as powerful vehicles for storytelling and emotional expression?
“From my understanding , I know the back story of Afrohouse ,the beats originates from drums and drum in my African culture I played in times of celebration and joy, but times Changed where by we have added new elements that created Afrohouse and Amapiano an now known for its ability to unite Africa in dance and movement. Allowing us to express ourselves through dance and music sounds.”
8. Each of you comes from a distinct background and sound. What did you learn from one another during this collaboration?
“What we learnt from one another is anything is possible. From playing around with different sounds and being versitile with sounds of music and not be confided in just one genre.”
9. The project uses music as a bridge to promote basketball and pan-African unity. Why is this intersection between music, culture, and sport important right now?
“Music is a way to unite people and promote pan Africanism, it is a great tool that will create memorable moments and make the experience more meaningful and enjoyable in dance and music. Next step we want to people to remember BAL’NING ON THE CONTINENT , Basketball, BAL season 5 and immediately starting sing Mngani Wami .”
10. With “Mngani Wam” setting the tone, what can fans of Amapiano and Afrohouse expect from the rest of the BAL’ING ON THE CONTINENT project?
Fans of Amapiano and Afro house can expect a vibrant blend of sounds and collaborations from the BAL’ING ON THE CONTINENT project. “Mngani Wam” sets the tone with its warm, reflective, and uplifting vibe, exploring themes of loyalty, companionship, and chosen family. The project brings together diverse artists and producers from across Africa, showcasing the continent’s rich musical heritage.
With “Mngani Wam” setting the tone, fans can expect the rest of the project to deliver vibrant collaborations, diverse Afrohouse and Amapiano sounds, and music that celebrates Africa’s shared identity and creative spirit.
Make sure to stream “Mngani Wam” on all digital platforms HERE.
