New York based DJ & producer, Francis Mercier aka Emvafaya, has utilized his vastly cultured and seasoned understanding of house music to produce and perform different facets of deep, melodic, and tech-house melded with afro, soul, and disco influences. His ‘Bolingo Nanga’ feat. Bibi Den’s Tshibayi track was one of the highlights on ABRACADABRA’s ‘Human Nature’ compilation album on initial release back in April of this year, and now gets a full single release, backed with remixes from two of the scene’s hottest tickets, Nico de Andrea and Nitefreak. Mercier explains more about the gestation of the song…

“On my last European Tour back in Feb 2020, I had a chance to meet some established African vocalists and musicians such as Magic System, Kanda Bongo Man, Amadou & Mariam, and others, one of which was Bibi Den’s Tshibayi who was at his prime in the late 80s. I always had an affinity for Bibi’s unique, and emotive tone, and upon meeting him in Paris at my performance at Radio FG we clicked and his positive energy impacted me on day one. He really loved my set and simply couldn’t stop dancing and requested that I sent him some beats.”

“As such, upon returning to the US, I sent Bibi the musical backing idea and without any surprise, I received his bone-chilling vocal stems. I immediately went to work, spending early mornings and late nights creating what can be heard right now. This being during prime Covid, the lockdown and the prevention of me performing as much as I normally would have been during this time allowed me to sit down and be remotely available to work with Bibi between New York City and Paris. This project being my first authentic afro house record, with a strong message of Love (which is what “Bolingo Nanga” means), has a deep-seated meaning for me, and will always remain the catalyst and inspiration to have me continue down this beautiful path of afro house music.”