“2025 was such an important year for me and for the Afro movement as a whole,” Shimza tells Apple Music. The South African DJ/producer landed in 2026 with an Ibiza residency already under his belt and a major headline show at London’s Roundhouse still to come, furthering his personal mission to showcase the very best Afro-house sounds from around the world. With standout cuts including Darque and ZIDDO’s “Unembeza,” featuring Section Five, and “If I Could Stop the Sunset” by Juan Yarin—“you can feel the heat coming through the speakers”—this vibrant January 2026 mix radiates the kind of boundless euphoria that transcends borders. “I’ve always felt it’s important to highlight where these producers are from, as this sound has spread so widely and it’s a beautiful thing to see,” says Shimza. “This mix alone features music from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Angola, and South Sudan, through to France, Germany, Greece, Israel, and Türkiye, and across to Mexico and Chile. Each of these countries brings its own perspective to the sound, but the deep grooves, melody, and cultural roots run deep, connecting and