South African music collective Abafana Be Skuta has released its debut independent single, “Chomie”, featuring Butternut and vocalist Mzukwase. The track marks the group’s first release as a standalone act after contributing to a series of viral collaborations that helped define a rising local sound.
“Chomie” is built around energetic production, rapid-fire verses and a call-and-response hook rooted in township life. The song draws on the daily rhythms of morning commutes and late-night street gatherings, reflecting the humour and texture of youth culture in South Africa’s urban centres.
The collective consists of three members: Mvelost, Set Off and Somololo. They first gained attention through featured appearances with WOODBLOCK DJs (Scelo and Thobzin), most notably on the breakout track “Skuta Baba” and its remixes. The “Skuta Baba” remix has surpassed 11 million streams on Spotify, while the broader catalogue has accumulated millions of streams across digital service providers and more than 10 million views on YouTube.
While those collaborations helped shape the now-recognisable “Skuta Sound”, Abafana Be Skuta are now focusing on their own material. Their approach blends high-energy production with township storytelling and vocal performances aimed at both street-level authenticity and wider commercial appeal.
“Chomie” launches a new phase for the group as independent artists, with plans to build a catalogue that reflects their identity.
