The title of Drake’s Views From The 6 nods to his Toronto hometown, but his recent releases tap into sounds from diverse parts of the world. After dropping “Summer Sixteen” in January, Drake guested on Rihanna ’s “Work” before
“Controlla” hit the ‘net, both tracks being more in-tune with Caribbean rhythms than Canada.

Another single, “One Dance,” which features
Wizkid and Kyla , is built around African vibes provided by producers Noah “40” Shebib, Nineteen85, and DJ Maphorisa, a DJ and artist from Soshanguve, Pretoria. The 28-year-old, born Themba Sekowe, told Genius that he was in Los Angeles two weeks ago working on Wizkid’s upcoming album when the opportunity to contribute to Drake’s potential song of the summer arose.

After remixing Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” last summer, Drake collaborated with the Nigerian artist on “One Dance” via email. For his contributions, Maphorisa slowed down the tempo of Crazy Cousinz and Kyla’s “Do You Mind,” a classic 2008 UK funky house track that became popular in the grime scene.

“I was recording Wiz when they sent [the files],” Maphorisa said, referring to Wizkid’s background vocals on the song. “There was nothing really there. We started working on it—I added some production.”

Maphorisa said they finished “One Dance” in only a week—it’s one of four tracks they recorded. He says “One Dance” is blowing up in Mzansi and that it best sums up Drake’s sonic ambitions.
“He’s making other artists be aware of other sounds, to be out of the box, not to do the same thing all the way. Also for him, he’s challenged ’cause now he’s not in a comfortable space that he can just do what he’s supposed to do. Be different and come up with new things.”

Maphorisa credits Wizkid for linking him with hitmakers like Chris Brown, Jermaine Dupri, and Jidenna. Their creative relationship dates back to 2014, when he produced “In My Bed” on Wizkid’s second studio album, Ayo. The song was credited to Uhuru, a four-man South African group that includes Maphorisa, producer DJ Clap, pianist Mapiano, and vocalist Xeli. After the song gained traction, Wizkid sent him more tracks. “He really liked my sound and the way I produced,” Maphorisa said.

The two have since become inseparable—Maphorisa is now part of Wizkid’s Starboy Music production team. He produced Wizkid’s 2015 DJ Buckz-featured single “Soweto Baby” and now adds “One Dance” to a catalog that includes hits with Black Coffee, Mafikizolo, Professor, and Kwesta.

“Just to be a part of Views From The 6 makes me excited,” he said. “I did something for my country. Wow.”

www.genius.com/a/meet-dj-maphorisa-the-south-african-co-producer-of-drakes-one-dance