‘Chemical Messages’ marks a defining moment for Sondela Recordings as core members of the label, CLEIDO and Dillan Desai, step forward together with their debut release, joined by Masilo The Healer & Remy Lowé. Following their first collaboration ‘Hard To Love’ earlier in 2025, the duo return with a record that feels both deeply personal and sonically expansive, signalling a new chapter in their creative partnership. Fresh off being named one of Mixmag’s Artists to Watch for February 2026, CLEIDO’s arrival as a recording artist on Sondela feels long overdue, while Dillan continues to further cement his role as a key creative force within the label’s evolving sound.

Born from an organic studio session in Johannesburg, ‘Chemical Messages’ carries a sense of place and emotion at its core. Built around emotive keys and layered with rich, soulful vocals, the track blends Afro house textures with melodic depth, creating an immersive and transportive listening experience. The groove is immediate and intentional, pulling listeners into its world, while subtle details like the thunderous accents and the recurring phrase “iyez’imvula,” meaning ‘here comes the rain’ in Zulu, root the record in a moment of real-life inspiration, capturing the atmosphere of rain, tension and release.

To extend the record’s reach on larger dancefloors, the pair turned to one of their favourite producers of the moment, Meith, trusting his instinct to bring a sharper, more driving edge to the project. Staying true to the core emotion of the original, this added perspective pushes the track further into Afrotech territory, enhancing its impact while preserving the essence that made it special from the very beginning.

Already road-tested in standout sets from KOKO to fabric in London, ‘Chemical Messages’ has proven its ability to connect on both an emotional and physical level. Balancing introspection with peak-time energy, it reflects a shared intention between all collaborators to create something timeless; music that resonates beyond the dancefloor, leaving behind a signal for those who come next.