From Viral Hit to Global Anthem: Ciza Drops ISAKA II (6AM)

South African genre-bending artist/DJ, Ciza, returns with the electrifying new version of his beyond viral single, “Isaka II (6am),” featuring two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Tems and Afrobeats powerhouse Omah Lay. Released via LVRN Records, the track blends 3-Step, Afro House, Afrobeats, and R&B into a magnetic late-night anthem that celebrates the power of African collaboration on a global scale. With Tems’ soul-stirring vocals and Omah Lay’s effortless flow layered over Ciza’s futuristic production, “Isaka II (6am)” pushes boundaries and elevates the original to bold new heights.

The track captures the essence of summer’s final stretch with a lush, immersive soundscape that pulses with energy and emotion. Following the breakout mega success of the original version, which took TikTok and streaming platforms by storm, this reimagined release cements Ciza’s standing as one of Africa’s most innovative young artists. As Ciza describes, the goal was to “capture the late-night energy of summer—something chilled yet full of life,” a vision fully realized through this striking collaboration.

Born Nkululeko Nciza, Ciza’s breakout moment came in 2021 with the release of “Bank Notification” from his debut EP, Golden Boy Pack which showcased both his versatility and pan-African vision. Drawing from Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afropop, and his own 3-Step style, Ciza has quickly become a defining voice of Africa’s next generation, recently named African Rookie of the Month by Billboard. And now with the viral success of “Isaka,” he continues to reshape the sound of the continent for a global audience.

Discover more about Ciza and his latest projects here.

REVIEWS

“Ciza is keeping the energy alive with a fresh take on his breakout hit “Isaka (6am)” featuring

Jazzworx and Thukuthela, this time linking with Nigerian superstars Tems and Omah Lay. Arriving via Love Renaissance (LVRN) Records, “Isaka II (6am)” reimagines the viral smash that already pulled in more than 80 million streams and 1.38 million TikTok creations.”

—REVOLT

“‘Isaka (6am)’ spent nine weeks atop the South Africa Songs chart and has earned 81.5 million

official global streams, according to Luminate (through Sept. 18). And with the help of some

marquee DJs, and thoughtfully curated remixes, “Isaka (6am)” has also taken over the European scene. Black Coffee played the “Vanco Mix – In Joburg” version during his residency at Hï Ibiza while Ciza was behind the booth with him. And Keinmusik’s Rampa and Adam Port played the then-unreleased Major Le ague Djz, Kidflo and Kotto remix at Brunch Electronik in Madrid and at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud in Paris.”

—Billboard

“The release further cements Ciza as one of the most innovative figures in global music, using

bold fusions and infectious rhythms to expand African sounds on the world stage.”

—The Source

"Released via LVRN Records (Love Renaissance), the new version arrives just in time to

soundtrack the final stretch of summer. The 24-year-old South African artist seamlessly delivers a style known as 3-Step, a genre that fuses or borrows from Amapiano, Afrohouse and Broken Beat, pushing musical boundaries and highlighting the distinct artistry of each collaborator."

—Global Grind

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