TRESOR ft: Sofiya Nzau - Wale Wale (Single) + Interview
After three years, multi-award-winning artist TRESOR makes a powerful comeback with ‘Wale Wale’, an electrifying collaboration with Kenyan sensation Sofiya Nzau. Known for redefining African pop on the global stage, TRESOR once again proves why his artistry is unparalleled.
A radiant fusion of African house and pop, ‘Wale Wale’ is a dreamer’s prayer set to music—celebrating the freedom to dream and live boldly. Sofiya Nzau, fresh off her global hit ‘Mwaki’, brings soulful energy to the track, elevating its magic. “This song is deeply personal to me,” says TRESOR. “It’s joyful, uplifting, and a testament to the universal power of African melodies.”
TRESOR’s impact spans international charts, collaborations with icons like Drake and Metallica, and a pioneering role in African music through Jacquel Entertainment Group. With acclaimed albums like VII, The Beautiful Madness, and Nostalgia, he continues to shape the future of the genre. His latest partnership with Sunset Recording Studios reaffirms his commitment to spotlighting African artistry globally.
And this is just the beginning—TRESOR hints at more music coming this year, in “so many forms.”
TRESOR sat down with Wordplay Magazine to chat about all things music:
How did your journey in music start?
My journey in music started in my local church choir in Goma ,East DRC. I started as drummer and guitarist.
What does hip hop mean to you?
Hip hop is to me one of the greatest forms of art that has really shaped culture as we know it today. It’s poetic revolution that has impacted through rhymes, fashion, lifestyle and storytelling.
You are a multi-disciplined artist and producer, have you ever taken influence from rap/hip hop/R&B in your productions?
Yes all the time, I pick different elements to build something distinct the fusion of soul, rock and blues.
Name 3 things that you can’t live without in the studio?
Drum machine, Korg Mood, Guitar and good vibes.
Your recent track ‘Wale Wale’ is a deep and soulful vocal afro house celebration of African culture, can you tell us more about your production process on this one?
With Wale Wale I wanted to create something timeless, inspiring and authentically African. I co-produced the song with Batundi who is signed to my company Jacquel Entertainment Group. We had a very prominent keys player Alie Keyz play the chords and then Sofiya and I did the vocals quite fast. Afterwards we built the rhythm and synth everything.
When it comes to the lyrics of the track, can you breakdown some of the ideas in them? What language are they in too?
We are singing in Swahili spoken in east Africa and Kikuyu, a kenyan language. Wale Wale is dreamers prayer, its song about relentlessness and inspiration.
What is your favourite lyric on the record and why?
Itakuwa sawa, means everything will be alright.
You’ve worked with rap giants like Drake and Popcaan, how did working with these artists affect how you go about your work now?
I have always created music from an authentic place and with the aim to always push the envelope.
If you could work with another rap/hip hop/R&B artist right now, who would it be and why?
Rihanna, Frank Ocean and The weekend. I love their sound and boldness in their artistry.
What can fans expect next from TRESOR?
Plenty of music, shows and possibly news projects outside of music. I love architecture and fashion so more of that soon as well.
Interview: Jack Meredith