The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) and Paradise Sound System have announced Bantu Calling as the 2026 edition of Searching for Paradise, an annual initiative connecting African artists with international creative opportunities.
UK-based Nigerian-Ugandan artist, producer and DJ HARUNA leads the project, which merges African musical traditions with contemporary electronic music.
The four-track EP, released through Paradise Sound System, features South African singer Thuso Wa Sibini, producer DarkFace and guitarist Obe 380. The title track is offered in three versions:
- original vocal recording
- instrumental version
- remix by South African producer Mr. Norble Guy
The EP also includes “Saturn Return,” an original composition by HARUNA that draws inspiration from South African house music, the 3-Step genre and UK club culture.
“Searching for Paradise is about creating spaces for collaboration and allowing different musical experiences and influences to meet. Bantu Calling reflects that journey. It’s about connection, movement and celebrating the ways African music continues to evolve and inspire,” HARUNA said.
According to the organisers, Bantu Calling explores themes of identity, movement and cultural exchange while highlighting collaboration between artists working across different musical traditions and geographical regions.
The Searching for Paradise initiative was established by ARMC to create opportunities for African artists through music production, collaboration and international partnerships. Each edition results in original releases on Paradise Sound System and facilitates creative exchanges between African musicians and artists from other parts of the world.
