Naledi Aphiwe is stepping into bold new territory with her highly anticipated single “Waiting for You,” featuring South African rap heavyweight Blxckie and rising newcomer LilyFaith. Set for release soon, the track signals a vibrant sonic shift as Naledi moves from her signature Afro-pop sound into a rhythmic, Afrobeat-inspired groove—marking an exciting new chapter in her evolving artistry.

“Waiting for You” arrives on the heels of Naledi’s breakout sophomore single, “Romeo & Juliet,” which racked up over 10 million streams in just three months. The singer initially captured global attention with her standout vocals on Chris Brown’s “Shooter”, a career-defining feature that helped launch her into the international spotlight. Since then, she’s cultivated a loyal fanbase, boasting over 1.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and more than 5 million followers across social media.

The collaboration brings together three distinct voices. LilyFaith, the song’s surprise gem, was discovered through a viral TikTok open verse challenge. Her raw, emotive delivery adds a fresh spark to the track, signaling her arrival as a rising star. On the other end, Blxckie—known for his genre-bending talent and charismatic presence—lays down a sharp, infectious verse that rides the Afrobeat rhythm with effortless finesse.

Since his 2021 debut album B4Now, Blxckie has earned gold certifications, international tours, and a coveted spot on Def Jam Recordings Africa. His presence on the record underscores the single’s crossover appeal and potential to resonate far beyond South Africa’s borders.

Produced with global ears in mind, “Waiting for You” is more than just a genre experiment—it’s a showcase of Naledi Aphiwe’s fearless growth as an artist. While the beat is dancefloor-ready, her lyrics remain heartfelt and universally relatable, making this a standout release in what’s shaping up to be a landmark year for the young star.

The post Naledi Aphiwe Taps Blxckie and LilyFaith for Afrobeat-Infused Single “Waiting for You” appeared first on HYPE Magazine.