By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – London, the pulse of the international electronic music scene has found a new rhythm as the lines between underground club culture and mainstream pop continue to blur. In a move that signals a significant milestone for the UK’s burgeoning Afrohouse movement, London-based producer and DJ Skyla Tylaa has unveiled her latest sonic offering, "Makuhia." This high-profile collaboration sees Tylaa joining forces with two formidable vocalists: the globally recognized R&B and pop powerhouse Chlöe and the rising Kenyan sensation Sofiya Nzau. The result is a track that not only serves as a testament to Tylaa’s evolving artistry but also highlights the increasing globalization of African-influenced electronic music.
"Makuhia" arrives at a pivotal moment for Skyla Tylaa. Having initially carved out a reputation as a formidable selector behind the decks, Tylaa’s transition from DJ to producer has been nothing short of meteoric. Her early career was defined by her deep immersion in the Amapiano and Afrohouse scenes, where her ability to read a dancefloor and curate infectious rhythms earned her a loyal following. However, it is her move into the studio that has solidified her status as a multifaceted artist. "Makuhia" marks her third official release, following a string of successes that have already garnered more than 30 million streams across various digital platforms. This level of commercial impact is rare for a producer so early in their career, particularly one operating within the specific niche of Afro-fusion electronics.
The sonic architecture of "Makuhia" is built upon a foundation of brooding, resonant basslines that provide a dark, atmospheric undercurrent to the track. This depth is contrasted sharply by the intricate percussion characteristic of Afrohouse—polyrhythmic drum patterns that invite movement while maintaining a sophisticated, modern edge. The production is polished yet retains a raw energy, a hallmark of Tylaa’s signature style. By blending these club-ready elements with the high-gloss appeal of contemporary pop vocals, Tylaa has created a track that feels equally at home in a dimly lit warehouse rave as it does on a daytime radio rotation.
The inclusion of Chlöe (Chlöe Bailey) brings a level of star power that underscores the track’s global ambitions. Known for her immense vocal range and her ability to navigate various genres with ease, Chlöe delivers a performance on "Makuhia" that is both sultry and commanding. Her involvement in this project is particularly noteworthy as it reflects a growing trend of Western pop icons seeking out the authentic, rhythmically complex sounds of the African diaspora. For Chlöe, this collaboration offers a chance to explore a different side of her artistry, stepping away from the traditional R&B structures that defined her early career and leaning into the hypnotic, repetitive grooves of house music.
Complementing Chlöe’s powerhouse delivery is the ethereal and culturally rich voice of Sofiya Nzau. The Kenyan vocalist has been a rising force in the global house scene, most notably gaining international acclaim for her work on the viral hit "Mwaki" with producer Zerb. Nzau’s contribution to "Makuhia" provides the track with its soul and its grounding. Her ability to weave traditional linguistic and melodic influences into modern electronic frameworks has made her one of the most sought-after vocalists in the Afrohouse genre. On this new single, her interplay with Chlöe creates a vocal dynamic that is both harmonious and structurally complex, bridging the gap between the Kenyan highlands and the studios of London and Los Angeles.
This collaboration is the first time these three artists have appeared on a record together, and the chemistry is evident. The track follows Tylaa’s previous successes, such as "Bombshell" and "Vele Uyena (Risk It All)," which featured a diverse array of talent including JAZZWRLD, Thukuthela, Elaine, and Solaariss. Each of these releases has acted as a stepping stone, building a narrative of a producer who is not afraid to experiment with different textures and regional sounds. With "Makuhia," the ambition has clearly scaled up, aiming for a broader audience without sacrificing the rhythmic integrity that Tylaa’s core fanbase expects.
The rise of Skyla Tylaa is also a reflection of the broader health of the London electronic scene, which continues to act as a melting pot for global sounds. The city’s historical connection to the African continent has allowed genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afrohouse to flourish and evolve in unique ways. Tylaa, as a London native, sits at the heart of this cultural exchange. Her recent performances, including a highly energetic set at the DJ Mag HQ in the summer of 2025, have showcased her ability to blend these genres seamlessly. That performance, which remains a talking point among fans and critics alike, served as a precursor to the polished sound found on "Makuhia," demonstrating her growth in real-time.
From a technical standpoint, "Makuhia" benefits from a production style that prioritizes space and tension. The "brooding" nature of the bass mentioned by early listeners refers to a sub-heavy frequency that feels physical, a common trait in the Amapiano music that Tylaa helped popularize in the UK. However, the Afrohouse influence brings a faster tempo and a more driving percussive force, making it more accessible to the international house community. The "pop vocals" are not merely layered on top; they are integrated into the rhythmic structure, often chopped or delayed to act as melodic instruments in their own right.
The success of Tylaa’s previous work—surpassing the 30 million stream milestone—suggests that there is a massive appetite for this specific blend of sounds. As streaming services continue to equalize the playing field for artists from different regions, collaborations like "Makuhia" become vital. They represent more than just a musical partnership; they are a form of cultural diplomacy. By bringing together a UK producer, a US pop star, and a Kenyan vocalist, the track creates a triangle of influence that covers three major markets, ensuring its reach is truly global.
Industry analysts point to "Makuhia" as a potential "crossover" hit, a term often used when a track rooted in a specific subculture manages to break into the mainstream charts. The presence of Chlöe provides the necessary visibility for pop audiences, while Tylaa and Nzau ensure the track maintains its credibility within the electronic and African music communities. This balance is difficult to strike, but "Makuhia" appears to have found the "sweet spot" by focusing on high-quality production and a hook that is both catchy and culturally resonant.
As the summer festival season approaches, "Makuhia" is expected to become a staple in the sets of major DJs worldwide. Its versatility is its greatest strength; it has the weight to anchor a mainstage festival performance and the melodic charm to suit sunset beach club sessions. For Skyla Tylaa, this release is a statement of intent. It confirms that she is no longer just a DJ who produces, but a producer who is shaping the sound of the future.
In conclusion, "Makuhia" is more than just a new single; it is a celebration of the interconnectedness of modern music. It showcases Skyla Tylaa’s prowess as a producer capable of orchestrating complex, multi-national collaborations while staying true to her roots in Afrohouse and Amapiano. With Chlöe’s vocal star power and Sofiya Nzau’s authentic cultural resonance, the track is poised to further elevate the profile of all three artists. As Tylaa continues her ascent, "Makuhia" will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in her career, a track that captured the spirit of a globalized music industry and turned it into a brooding, rhythmic masterpiece.
