DJ Cleo Turns Heartbreak Into Rhythm With New Single Zama Kwomunye

Few artists in South Africa have mastered the art of reinvention quite like DJ Cleo. From producing genre-defining hits to unearthing fresh talent, his name has become synonymous with creativity and staying power. Now, the acclaimed producer and hitmaker is peeling back the curtain on a more personal chapter of his life, translating his dating experiences into rhythm with his brand-new single, Zama Kwomunye.

Officially dropped on 29 August alongside its music video, Zama Kwomunye offers listeners a playful yet revealing glimpse into his journey through modern love and the misadventures that come with it. The title, which loosely translates to “try someone else,” is as much advice as it is anthem, pulling inspiration from the frustrations of today’s “Mjolo The Pandemic” culture.

While Cleo has built his reputation on reinvention, Zama Kwomunye is unlike anything fans have heard from him before. The track is a vibrant blend of Salsa, Afro-Beats, and Afro-Pop—an eclectic mix that not only demands movement but also carries a deeper message about resilience in love. At its core, the song reflects Cleo’s own stories of navigating singleness, even venturing into the unpredictable world of dating apps. Rather than hiding behind the glossy facade of celebrity life, Cleo leans into authenticity, sharing the humor and heartbreak that accompany the search for connection.

Adding texture and brilliance to the record is Si Monaledi, a rising voice whose performance on Zama Kwomunye is equal parts soulful and unforgettable. Her presence elevates the song, threading vulnerability into Cleo’s groove-driven production while signaling the arrival of a new talent in Mzansi’s music scene. It’s a collaboration that feels intentional—Cleo has long been committed to spotlighting new artists, and with Si Monaledi, he strikes the balance between veteran craftsmanship and fresh perspective. Together, they have created a track that doubles as a story and a soundtrack, relatable to anyone who has loved, lost, or dared to try again.

Though Zama Kwomunye leads the charge, it’s only a taste of what’s to come. The single paves the way for Cleo’s highly anticipated album, one that promises innovation, surprise, and an entirely new side of an artist who has never been afraid to evolve. In many ways, this project signals not just a return, but a reinvention. Cleo has always been more than a DJ—he is a storyteller, an arranger, and an instrumentalist with an ear for cultural shifts. With this release, he reminds us that music isn’t just about sound; it’s about the lives and emotions that fuel it.

As fans wait for the full album rollout, Zama Kwomunye will stand as both a danceable jam and a reminder of the messy, beautiful reality of human connection. Because, as Cleo cheekily suggests, if the person you’re after is already spoken for, maybe it’s time to “zama kwomunye.”