ZHU Releases “BURN” Featuring Joyia Ahead of BLACK MIDAS Album Drop
ZHU has officially unveiled “BURN,” the second single from his highly anticipated 2026 album project BLACK MIDAS. Released February 13 via Broke and BLACKLIZT Sound Syndicate, the track features Toronto-based singer, songwriter, and producer Joyia and marks a defining moment in the sonic direction of the upcoming album.
Built around sleek synth textures, a rolling bassline, and Joyia’s smooth yet commanding vocal delivery, “BURN” sits at the intersection of R&B and deep electronic production. It is a reminder of ZHU’s ability to merge sensual songwriting with underground dancefloor sensibilities.
The Story Behind “BURN” and BLACK MIDAS
The release carries deeper personal significance. In early 2025, ZHU was displaced during the Southern California Palisades wildfire. While his home and studio structures survived, they were rendered uninhabitable due to smoke damage. The year that followed became a period of rebuilding, reflection, and reinvention.
Out of that rebuilding came BLACK MIDAS.
The forthcoming album channels late-night narratives, atmosphere-driven production, and the emotional textures ZHU encountered during that time. The project spans deep house, melodic techno, and R&B-infused electronic tracks, featuring collaborations with emerging and underground artists including Joyia.
On working with Joyia, ZHU has shared that he wanted to bring soulful R&B elements into an uptempo dance context, allowing listeners to move while still feeling the emotional pull of the record. “BURN” captures that vision clearly. It is dance music with heart, restraint, and intention.
ZHU’s Momentum Into 2026
As “Faded” recently found renewed energy through a remix by HNTR, ZHU spent 2025 leaning deeper into DJ culture and his BLACKLIZT nightlife concept. He delivered sets alongside Mathame in Bogotá, deadmau5 at Coachella’s Quasar stage, and surprise pop-ups following Bonnaroo’s weather shutdown in Nashville. Appearances at Brooklyn Storehouse in New York and Lightning in a Bottle reinforced his continued relevance within both mainstream and underground circuits.
Internationally, ZHU headlined Istanbul’s VW Arena and performed at London’s Drumsheds, further expanding his global footprint.
With BLACK MIDAS set for full release on March 20, 2026, he enters the year with renewed clarity and creative focus.
Joyia Continues Her Global Rise
Joyia’s feature on “BURN” further elevates her growing international profile. The Toronto artist has performed at Club Chinois in Ibiza, Sound in Los Angeles, Coda in Toronto, and Factory Town during Miami Music Week. With over 13 million streams across platforms and chart success on Beatport and Traxsource, she continues to bridge deep house, Afrohouse, and soulful electronic styles.
Her ability to move between acoustic performance, hybrid DJ sets, and vocal-driven club records makes her a natural collaborator within the world ZHU is building.
Upcoming ZHU Performances
ZHU will support BLACK MIDAS with major festival appearances in 2026, including:
- March 29 – Ultra Music Festival – Miami, Florida
- April 4 – Rabbits Eat Lettuce Festival – Queensland, Australia
- July 25 – Tomorrowland – Boom, Belgium
Additional dates are expected to be announced.
Listen and Pre-Save
Listen to “BURN” featuring Joyia:
https://broke.ffm.to/zhu-burn
Pre-save the BLACK MIDAS album:
https://broke.ffm.to/black-midas
Album Release Date: March 20, 2026
Label: Broke / BLACKLIZT Sound Syndicate
