Ungenamali is a heartfelt and emotionally resonant collaboration between DJ Tira, Zee Nxumalo, and Prince Bulo, blending soulful vocals with polished Afro-house and Amapiano-inspired production. The title, “Ungenamali” — translated from isiZulu as “You don’t have money” — captures the essence of the song’s central theme: love and relationships challenged by financial struggle, pride, and emotional vulnerability. It’s a song that speaks to the realities of modern life, where affection and connection often collide with the harsh truths of circumstance.
DJ Tira, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small recently appeared on Zasha featuring Leehleza, Dladla Mshunqisi, Uncool MC and Captain.
From the very beginning, Ungenamali sets an introspective tone. The production opens with smooth, shimmering chords and a steady rhythm that immediately grounds the track in DJ Tira’s signature sound — clean, rich, and rhythmically immersive. The beat is laid-back but precise, built around layered percussion, warm basslines, and subtle log drum textures that give it a contemporary Amapiano edge without losing its soulful house roots. Every element of the instrumental feels intentional: the drums carry emotion rather than force, and the melodic structure mirrors the balance between melancholy and hope that defines the track.
Zee Nxumalo takes the emotional lead with her unmistakably soulful voice. Her delivery is tender yet commanding, carrying both the fragility of heartbreak and the strength of self-respect. There’s a quiet ache in her tone as she sings of love strained by economic hardship — the kind of pain that feels personal and collective at once. Zee’s vocal performance is raw and real, her phrasing filled with honesty. She doesn’t just sing the lyrics; she inhabits them, embodying the voice of someone who loves deeply but is weighed down by unfulfilled promises and life’s heavy realities.
Prince Bulo complements her perfectly with his deep, warm tone and grounded presence. His contributions give the song balance — where Zee brings light and vulnerability, Prince Bulo provides weight and reassurance. Together, they create a delicate emotional conversation between two lovers facing the unspoken tension that money often brings. The chemistry between their voices is subtle yet powerful, like two perspectives of the same heartbreak speaking in harmony.
DJ Tira, as always, acts as the invisible architect, shaping the song with precision. His production captures the mood of quiet reflection while maintaining groove and energy. The arrangement flows seamlessly, with soft keys and restrained percussion creating space for the vocals to shine. There’s no rush in the rhythm — the track unfolds naturally, almost like a slow dance between emotion and sound. His use of ambient pads and layered harmonies gives the music a spiritual quality, turning what could have been a simple love song into something far more meaningful.
DJ Tira, Zee Nxumalo & Prince Bulo – Ungenamali
DJ Tira, Zee Nxumalo & Prince Bulo – Ungenamali
