‘Melakusi (DJ Edit)’: Queen Halima’s Afro-Electronic Fusion Signals Club-Ready Sophistication

By Emmanuel Daraloye

Born in Enugu State, Victoria Ogechukwu Egbogu, professionally known as Queen Halima, brings acuteness to her work. Her role as both vocalist and producer influenced this record production, where rhythm, melody and structure confluence. Melakusi known widely as DJ Edit is an example of an artist with a mastery of sound systems, Djing and live performances, establishing himself and his records unputdownable for plays at club, festivals and electronic-leaning Afro-fusion spaces.

The song, which was released on January 15, 2025, immediately establishes its dance-floor intent with emotionally charged chords layered over a steady four-on-the-floor kick pattern. The song is a fusion of Afrobeat and Amapiano, taking from the genius of the two genres with a major attention to house music to make a song that is not only grounded but universally appreciated. 

 This technique aimed at creating a unique sound enabled a fascinating effect by relaxing the tempo and giving the instrumentals enough space to breathe. Energetic synth lines that give the record lift and urgency push it firmly into club-ready territory without sacrificing melody. She is renowned for her proficiency in log drum programming. The precise groove, the controlled kick-bass interaction, and the smooth layering of Amapiano log drums with Afrobeat percussion and electronic textures are all clear examples of his contribution.

Mixing

Sandra, known for her swift technical execution handled the mixing on Melakusi. She brings in her clarity and foresights into polishing every bit of the record into the masterpiece it is now. Sandra Amartey makes for the vocals to sit more keenly due to her sound mixing. 

The overall stereo image is clearly defined, and the synths continue to be lively and dynamic, guaranteeing consistent performance on digital streaming platforms, radio playback, and club sound systems. A professional standard that is in line with expectations for an international release is reflected in the mixing.

Queen Halima is in line with a new generation of African musicians creating globally exportable electronic and dance-influenced music because she places more emphasis on rhythm, texture, and repetition than on lyrical narrative. The DJ edit format increases the record’s usefulness in international club circuits and makes it suitable for long sets and performance settings.

Creative direction 

Oduweku Wuraola Francisca (gholldy), brought her experience into conceptualising,initiating and delivering this master piece. She directed the recording and also was in charge  the visual identity and creative direction from inception of the project  to its release. 

Verdict

Melakusi (DJ Edit) is brave and confidently executed. It accentuates Queen Halima’s ever-sharpening artistic mastery and technical skill. The substance of the song is in its simplicity, honesty and emotional clarity. It pays attention to purpose and not attention. It’s a record in which plain honesty meets with sound storytelling skills, the type that lays bare every single detail. Undoubtedly, this record places Queen Halima in the global chart of the evolving Afro-electronic soundscape. 

Rating Scale

0–1.9: Poor
2.0–3.9: Below Standard
4.0–5.9: Fair
6.0–7.9: Strong
8.0–10: Outstanding

Rating Breakdown

Production & Sound Design: 1.6 / 2
Creativity & Genre Fusion: 1.5 / 2
Energy & Dance-floor Appeal: 1.4 / 2
Execution & Arrangement: 1.3 / 2

Total: 5.8 / 8

Overall Rating: 7.3 / 10 — Strong