The South African house scene is officially getting its groove back, thanks to UPZ. Yes folks, after nearly five years of silence, the creative force behind some of the country’s most enduring anthems is finally back in the spotlight.
UPZ (the mastermind who gave us “Pure Surprise,” “Believing,” and “Uzongilinda”) has completed his journey back to the stage and the studio.
From 2018 to early 2023, UPZ stepped back completely. There were no new tracks, no high-energy performances, and no DJ sets. It was a total hiatus that allowed for a complete creative reset, and the results are finally here for us to hear.
A Journey Back to the Roots
The road to this moment began late in 2023. UPZ started releasing a string of singles that acted as a sonic roadmap of his evolution. He moved through deep house and soulful house, experimented with the driving rhythms of Afrotech and 3-step, and eventually circled back to the soulful foundations that made him a household name.
All of this momentum has led to his latest project, an album appropriately titled The Comeback. This record isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a cohesive body of work that bridges the gap between his renewed energy and the timeless quality he is known for.
Collaborative Magic and Sonic Exploration
The Comeback is a masterclass in collaboration. UPZ has enlisted a heavy-hitting lineup to bring this vision to life, including Salvador, Mo-T, and Digital Sangoma. You’ll also hear the viral Afro house vocals of Sofiya Nzau on “Na Wose” – a track already supported by Black Coffee – and an electrifying guest appearance from dancehall royalty Beenie Man on the track “Boom Boom.”
But the experimentation doesn’t stop there. UPZ is pushing his boundaries by exploring neo-soul and nu-disco under the alias AL Catraz with “You Lift Me,” and dipping into Afrofusion as Fynite. He even revisits his own history with fresh, high-energy updates: “Believing 2.0” and “Disco Girl 2.0.”
The New Anthem: “Uthando Luyabaleka”
Leading the charge for the new album is the moody and atmospheric “Uthando Luyabaleka.” This 3-step standout features a heartfelt English and Zulu duet with Dahl Hates Disco. It’s a track that perfectly balances raw emotion with sophisticated production, featuring pulsing Afrotech synths and infectious log drums that keep the storytelling front and center.
UPZ describes this era as a period of creative permission, noting that the hiatus allowed him to return with a clearer sense of identity and the confidence to push past his own established sound. The Comeback is the fullest expression of that freedom – soulful, musical, and entirely unafraid.
You can stream/download The Comeback HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
Want to promote your business, event, product or service? We get more than 14,000 pageviews a month! Contact us for marketing and advertising options.
