Tyler ICU has released a new single, ‘Government’, made in collaboration with LeeMcKrazy, DJ Maphorisa, Ceeka RSA, Tiiger, Tyrone Dee, Al Xapo AND Jay Sax.

The track came out on Friday, April 26, and marks the South African star’s first single from an upcoming project.

Speaking about the meaning behind the release, Tyler ICU revealed: “Government is inspired by the fact that our country is going through elections this year, I approached this song in a manner of addressing the issue of our government not investing in our arts and that we, as youth, have to find ways of getting money to invest in our arts. Its tackling the fact that we are our own government.”

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‘Government’ adds to his extensive repertoire, as well as exploring a change of mood for the artist, with Tyler ICU saying: “Government sets the tone for the upcoming project because all the songs are more tackling speaking out, like voices of me speaking out of my stories, my emotions.”

The track features vocals by LeeMcKrazy, and was produced alongside amapiano pioneer and one half of Scorpion Kings, DJ Maphorisa, along with Ceeka RSA, Tyrone Dee, Tiiger, Alxapo and Jay Sax.

It follows a productive 2023 for Johannesburg’s latest star, with his multi-platinum hit ‘Mnike’ becoming one of amapiano’s most popular songs globally, amassing close to 100 million audio streams and 6 billion Tiktok streams, as well as featuring in Mixmag's best dancefloor bangers of the year.

He's also recently worked with JAE5 & Lojay on their 'Loveless' EP, with DJ Zerb for his viral song 'Mwaki', and Kamo Mphela for the amapiano hit 'Dalie'.

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Tyler ICU also received a nomination for “Best African Act” at the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards, alongside Burna Boy, Asake, Libianca and Diamond Platinumz.

He is currently touring, with dates across the UK, Europe, China, UAE, and more to be announced soon.

‘Government’ marks the start of the next chapter for Tyler ICU, as he looks to cement his position as an amapiano household name.

Listen to ‘Government’ below. Stream or buy the track fvia other platforms here.

Jamaal Johnson is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Instagram