Picture this: the sun sets over the rolling hills of South Africa, the air hums with rhythm, and a beat drops that makes your heart sync with the pulse of the earth. That’s the vibe Natty and Mrisi deliver with the Amapiano-infused “Mountains (Mrisi Remix),” the second single from Natty’s upcoming The Divine Trinity Remix EP, set to drop on June 6, 2025. If you’re craving a track that blends modern South African grooves with soulful roots, this one’s about to steal your playlist. Let’s dive into why this remix is a must-listen and what makes Natty’s collaboration with Mrisi so special.
A South African Soundscape with Global Heart
“Mountains (Mrisi Remix)” is a masterclass in Amapiano, South Africa’s hottest musical export. For the uninitiated, Amapiano is a genre that fuses deep house, jazz, and lounge vibes with log drum basslines that hit you right in the chest. Mrisi, a South African-born, UK-raised artist, takes Natty’s original track from The Divine Trinity and gives it a fresh coat of paint with those signature rolling beats and infectious grooves. The remix keeps Natty’s soulful vocals front and center, weaving them into a lush, danceable soundscape that feels like a celebration of Southern African musical heritage.
The track’s melody is warm and uplifting, with Natty’s voice carrying a spiritual weight that speaks to both the heart and the hips. The production is crisp, with layered percussion and subtle synths that create a vibe perfect for late-night drives or a sunset festival set. Lyrically, “Mountains” feels like a call to rise above challenges, its themes resonating with Natty’s Rastafarian roots and his deep connection to nature. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to move while reflecting on something bigger—pretty rare for a dance track, right?
This remix is one of three on the EP, each showcasing a different South African style. Alongside “Mountains,” you’ve got “Hurt Not The Earth” reimagined in Kwaito, the township sound of the late ’80s and early 2000s, and “Open Up Your Heart” transformed into Afro House, a bass-heavy genre with timeless appeal. Mrisi explains, “The idea for the three genres was Natty’s, a natural response to the original songs.” Together, they’ve crafted an EP that feels like a love letter to South Africa’s musical evolution, from its nostalgic roots to its cutting-edge present.
Natty’s Journey: From London to Jamaica’s Hills
Natty’s story is as compelling as his music. Born in San Francisco and raised in London, he was discovered on the open mic circuit and skyrocketed to fame with his 2008 debut album Man Like I, which hit the UK top 20 after a standout performance on Later with Jools Holland. Dubbed a “soul-reggae crossover sensation” by The Telegraph, Natty’s career has taken him across the globe, from headlining in Khartoum to sharing stages with Ziggy Marley. His Rastafarian beliefs and passion for sound healing shine through in his work, especially in his latest album, The Divine Trinity, recorded in his solar-powered studio in St Ann, Jamaica, where he lives off-grid with his family.
This move to rural Jamaica has clearly shaped Natty’s sound and ethos. “Hurt Not The Earth,” another track from the EP, reflects his commitment to environmental issues, inspired by his sustainable lifestyle. “Moving out of the city to rural Jamaica has connected me to [Mother Nature’s] beauty and power in ways I could not describe,” he shares. It’s this authenticity that makes Natty’s music resonate, whether he’s singing about climate change or channeling the vibrant energy of South African genres.
Mrisi, his collaborator, brings a similar depth to the project. Also South African by birth and UK-raised, Mrisi infuses his remixes with nostalgia for the sounds of his youth, like Kwaito and South African House. “Natty and I feel a strong nostalgia for that sound,” Mrisi says, and you can hear it in every beat of the EP. Their shared heritage and mutual respect for South Africa’s musical legacy make this collaboration feel like a homecoming.
Why This Matters in Today’s Music Scene
Amapiano has exploded globally, with artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid incorporating its rhythms into their hits. Natty and Mrisi’s take on the genre feels both fresh and rooted, tapping into a trend that’s dominating playlists while staying true to their cultural influences. The Divine Trinity Remix EP also arrives at a time when fans are craving authentic, genre-blending music that tells a story. With Natty’s UK headline tour kicking off in Birmingham on June 5, 2025, and hitting iconic venues like London’s Village Underground, this EP is poised to set the stage for some unforgettable live moments.
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Let’s Talk!
What do you think of “Mountains (Mrisi Remix)” and its Amapiano vibes? Are you feeling the South African influence, or is there another track from the EP you’re excited about? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going!
