Musa Keys unpacks modern dating in latest single 'Nomathemba', featuring Dominiique

There’s a fresh vibe stirring in the amapiano scene, and it comes with a message.

Musa Keys, one of South Africa’s biggest Amapiano exports, is back with a brand-new single, "Nomathemba", featuring the soulful voice of Dominiique. The magic of the track lies in its honesty.

"Nomathemba" is a Zulu phrase that roughly translates to “even if you hope” or “still hope” in English.

The song tackles the tension between genuine love and financial security, exploring a theme that’s way more common than we like to admit.

Speaking to Independent Media, Keys says the song is personal. "I mean, I’m young and fly, that comes with its own challenges. In this time and generation, the dating pool is a bit different for people like me.

"Sometimes just showing interest in someone can end up with them sending you an invoice dressed in humour."

In today’s dating world, the line between love and money is blurrier than ever. Blessers sliding into DMs, sugar daddies and mommies lurking with expectations, and girlfriends negotiating that “monthly allowance”, it’s a whole modern survival game.

Keys taps into this tension in "Nomathemba," exploring whether someone is genuinely in it for your heart or just your wallet. The song hits because it’s real: we’ve all dated someone more interested in our bank statements than our Netflix password.

The chemistry between Keys and Dominiique is immediate and undeniable. Musa recounts how the collaboration happened.

“Dominiique is now one of the very few people I trust with my work, and that trust was built from our very first link-up. He tagged me on an Instagram story, and I liked the rendition he made of a song by Kabza De Small.

"I messaged him on Instagram, brought him to the studio that same night, and Nomathemba was the first song we created together.” 

What makes the track stand out, beyond the irresistible Amapiano rhythm, is the dual narrative it carries. On one side is "Nomathemba", chasing financial stability; on the other is Keys himself, longing for authentic, committed love. It’s a story of tension, compromise, and choice, wrapped up in a beat you can’t resist moving to.

Beyond the relatable romance, Keys is conscious of the bigger picture. “I travel quite often to showcase the unique sonic identity we have as Africans.

That has allowed me to become one of the power players helping export our sound and helping the world understand it on a deeper level. The collaborations I’ve had and the ones still to come will always be revolutionary and game-changing.” 

Keys also peppers the track with lessons and honesty. “As a young, hardworking man, don’t waste too much time or money trying to satisfy a girlfriend’s needs when you should be focusing on yourself and building your legacy, especially when dealing with women who live by the rules of the streets,” he adds, blending humour, reality, and life advice in true Keys fashion.

"Nomathemba" is the kind of track that works on every level. Perfect for the festive season -  whether you’re stuck in traffic, pretending to clean your lounge while secretly dancing with a Castle Lite in hand, or sipping hot rooibos thinking about that lover who’s here for your money and not your love, it hits just right.