South African producer and DJ Desiree has joined forces with South Sudanese-Canadian rapper, activist, and artist Emmanuel Jal for their brand-new, multilingual single, “Macho,” released via Ninja Tune.
This collaboration blends hypnotic Afro-house rhythms with the rich, call-and-response traditions of African music, creating a dialogue between two worlds that feels both organic and globally resonant.
A Cultural Fusion
“Macho” is a deeply personal project for Emmanuel Jal, who weaves together four languages—Kiswahili, Nuer, Arabic, and English – to reflect his journey across South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, England, and Canada. “At its heart, it’s a love song inspired by the way we used to express love in the village through call and response,” Jal explains. “I had Desiree in mind – not only as the muse I was singing to, but also her style of Afro-house, which is so stylish and soothing.”
Desiree highlights the track’s intent to bridge traditions with dancefloor energy. “The track is built on call and response, the way African music has always moved between people,” she says. “My goal was to hold the intimacy and longing of a love song while giving it the sound a dancefloor demands.”
You can stream/download the “Macho” HERE.
About Desiree
Named as DJ Mag’s Future Star in 2023, Desiree stands at the forefront of electronic music’s evolution. Born in Ivory Park, South Africa, her work explores identity and empowerment, championing South African talent through her label, MMiNO.
Her meteoric rise has seen her perform at iconic venues and festivals worldwide, including a scintillating debut at Coachella in 2025, Panorama Bar at Berghain, and Burning Man’s legendary Mayan Warrior sound system.
About Emmanuel Jal
Emmanuel Jal is a South Sudanese-born artist, actor, and peace activist whose life story – from former child soldier to internationally acclaimed musician – has made him a powerful voice for social change.
With a catalogue featuring seven studio albums and collaborations with artists like Faithless and Da Capo, he is a leading figure in the global Afro-house and hip-hop movements. Beyond music, Jal is a dedicated humanitarian through his charity, Gua Africa, which supports education and youth empowerment in refugee communities.
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