Coming from France, house music prodigy Mx Cartier connects with LA rapper and singer/songwriter Benni Ola for their follow-up tune “Zesa,” joined by Grammy-nominated artist Dr. Chaii. Out now on Insomniac’s offshoot imprint IN / ROTATION, the vocal-driven afro house tune is slated to send an electrifying impulse across world dancefloors with its captivating interest commanding quality.
Standing behind a banner breakout year, Parisian producer Mx Cartier has been on fire out of the gate, amassing nearly 7.5 million combined streams across the first two songs since project debuted last year. Once more, as he connects with his first offering for IN / ROTATION, his production skills are taking the front stage. Deep, simmering basslines on “Zesa” are high voltage from the largest megaclubs to the most secret rave alcoves, going haywire to its contagious rhythm. The track’s seething soundscape is created by sustained padlines, tribal drums, light-tapping percussive hits, and a full-bodied kick working in concert as Benni Ola and Dr. Chaii alternate to pour out lyrical gasoline. Whispered shrieks and hyped-up commands from Chaii, reminiscent of Afro-Caribbean soundsystem culture, meet soft hip house-esque vocals. “Zesa” showcases three rising stars sending shockwaves through the club circuit by fusing hip-hop, Afrobeatz, dancehall, and deep house into a highly-conductive afro house collaboration.
Speaking on his intentions behind the single, Mx Cartier says: “This release is all about raw dancefloor energy. The word ‘Zesa’ itself means ‘electricity’ in Shona—and that’s exactly the energy we wanted to capture. A vibe, a call to move. From the very first groove, the track was designed to spark movement, connection, and joy. It’s a celebration of rhythm, light, and the simple power of a beat and the bass that brings raw energy to the dancefloor.”
Adding in his own life-affirming perspective, Dr. Chaii explains: “I believe that music is the medicine and this song is no exception. We made a song that captures the energy of celebrating life and staying in your power, no matter what you’re going through. This one means a lot to me and I’m excited for the world to hear it!”
Only in July 2024 did Mx Cartiers music surface, with a remarkable Afro house remix of High by the renowned soul singer Jorja Smith. Then, a few months later, his first album, “Oh Na Ri Na,” released on Diplo’s Higher Ground, amassed millions of streams. He connected with Benni Ola for his huge song “My Return Home” a few months after that. Though his narrative has only started, it has already been a tumultuous trip. Names including Keinemusik, Alex Wann, AmyElle, PolyRhythm, Niki Belucci, and many more have backed his music.
Benni Ola, on the other hand, has been on a tear in recent memory. Apart from his successful career as a solo artist, the LA local has been stepping up the fire as a lyricist, poet, rapper, and singer/songwriter. His strong penmanship and flexible vocal style have caused him to collaborate with powerhouse dance artists like J. Worra, OMRI. , and Daktyl, thereby earning credits in the prestigious catalogs of Hot Creations, Three Six Zero Recordings, and Young Art Records.
Regarded as the minister of pleasure, Dr. Chaii is a pillar of contemporary African music. Spreading positivity to the maximum, the Zimbabwean musician has strong recording partnerships with like-minded Phenom, Bantu, in addition with Julian King, Soaky Siren, and Kida Kudz. Besides his excellent pop credentials for J. Balvin, Camila Cabello, Sean Paul, Dua Lipa, Tyla, Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Maroon 5, and many more.
Playing to their individual strengths, Mx Cartier, Dr. Chaii, and Benni Ola each perform with their new single “Zesa,” creating a mesmerizing afro house cut that foreshadows what lies ahead for international house music.
Mx Cartier, Dr. Chaii, and Benni Ola’s new single “Zesa” is available everywhere via IN / ROTATION.
Stream it here.
