The explosive French producer Mx Cartier connects with Grammy-nominated artist Dr. Chaii and LA-based lyricist Benni Ola for their raw, electrifying house collab.
Based out of France, the house music prodigy Mx Cartier reconnects with LA’s rapper and singer/songwriter Benni Ola for their follow-up single “Zesa,” joined by Grammy-nominated artist Dr. Chaii. Arriving by way of Insomniac’s offshoot imprint IN / ROTATION on July 22nd, the vocal-fueled afro house number is set to fire a jolt straight through global dancefloors with its attention-commanding intrigue.
Standing behind a banner breakout year, Parisian producer Mx Cartier has been on fire out of the gate, accruing close to 7.5 millions collective streams across the first two singles since launching the project last year. His production chops are stepping into the spotlight once again, as he touches down with his debut offering for IN / ROTATION. On “Zesa,” a deep, simmering bassline is high voltage to the point that it will have any room—from the biggest megaclubs to the most hidden rave alcoves—going haywire to its infectious rhythm. Sustained padlines, tribal drums, gentle-tapping percussive hits, and a full-bodied kick work in unison to create the track’s seething soundscape, as Benni Ola and Dr. Chaii take turns to pour out lyrical gasoline. Ola’s suave hip house-esque vocals are met with Chaii’s whispered shouts and hyped-up commands, harkening back to Afro-Caribbean soundsystem culture. Seamlessly melding hip-hop, Afrobeatz, dancehall, and deep house into a highly-conductive afro house collab, “Zesa” shows three rising stars sending shockwaves through the club circuit.
Speaking on his intentions behind the single, Mx Cartier says: “This release is all about raw dancefloor energy. The word ‘Zesa’ itself means ‘electricity’ in Shona—and that’s exactly the energy we wanted to capture. A vibe, a call to move. From the very first groove, the track was designed to spark movement, connection, and joy. It’s a celebration of rhythm, light, and the simple power of a beat and the bass that brings raw energy to the dancefloor.”
Adding in his own life-affirming perspective, Dr. Chaii explains: “I believe that music is the medicine and this song is no exception. We made a song that captures the energy of celebrating life and staying in your power, no matter what you’re going through. This one means a lot to me and I’m excited for the world to hear it!”
Mx Cartier’s music appeared only back in July 2024 with a stunning Afro house remix of “High” by the celebrated soul singer, Jorja Smith. Then, a few months later, he racked up millions of streams with his debut release, “Oh Na Ri Na,” out on Diplo’s Higher Ground. A few months after that, he linked with Benni Ola for his smash hit “My Return Home.” His story is just beginning, but it’s already been a wild ride. His music has been supported by names such as Keinemusik, Alex Wann, AmyElle, PolyRhythm, Niki Belucci, and the list continues to grow.
Benni Ola, on the other hand, has been on a tear in recent memory. Apart from his notable career as a solo artist, the LA resident has been turning up the heat as a lyricist, poet, rapper, and singer/songwriter. His versatile vocal style and mighty penmanship has led him to work alongside powerhouse dance artists like J. Worra, OMRI., and Daktyl, landing him credits in the respected catalogs of Hot Creations, Three Six Zero Recordings, and Young Art Records.
Dr. Chaii is a stalwart of modern African music, dubbed as the ‘minister of enjoyment.’ Spreading positivity to the max, the Zimbabwean artist has held a strong recording partnership with like-minded phenom, Bantu, while collaborating with Julian King, Soaky Siren, and Kida Kudz. This comes in addition to his impressive pop credentials for J. Balvin, Camila Cabello, Sean Paul, Dua Lipa, Tyla, Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Maroon 5, and many more.
With their new single “Zesa,” Mx Cartier, Dr. Chaii, and Benni Ola each play to their own personal strengths, resulting in a captivating afro house cut that signals to what’s on the horizon for global house music.
Mx Cartier, Dr. Chaii, and Benni Ola’s new single “Zesa” is available everywhere via IN / ROTATION.
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