Denali Nova Introduces His Afro-Futuristic Vision With New Single “Tonic”

Brooklyn-born singer and songwriter Denali Nova is stepping into a new era with “Tonic,” a vibrant release that places his creativity, performance ability, and evolving sound at the center of attention. Released on May 8, the single is the first taste of his forthcoming EP, ON A TRANCE, introducing a colorful musical direction shaped by Afro-futurism, dance culture, and soulful influences.

Produced by South African producer Dave Audinary, “Tonic” moves effortlessly across Afro, house, R&B, soul, and dance, resulting in a record designed to feel immediate without sacrificing personality. Denali brings a smooth vocal presence to the production while adding enough edge to keep the song unpredictable. Its energetic rhythm and memorable hook give “Tonic” the kind of replay value that can travel comfortably from headphones to parties and late-night dance floors.

The release becomes even more ambitious through its accompanying visual, which turns the song’s energy into a complete performance experience. Denali collaborated with VMA Award-winning choreographer and director Matthew Pasterisa, whose previous work includes Teyana Taylor, Tiana Major9, and Kelela. Behind the camera, Stas Kovalevsky, whose credits include work with We Ani and Mover Magazine, gives the video a polished and cinematic finish.

Filmed in Queens, New York, the visual begins with Denali surrounded by friends at a relaxed kickback before the atmosphere quickly changes. After drinking a mysterious potion, the gathering transforms into a hypnotic dance-driven celebration filled with choreography and high-energy performance moments. The concept allows Denali to show that his artistry extends beyond the recording booth, with movement and visual storytelling becoming important pieces of the world he is building.

Denali Nova Introduces His Afro-Futuristic Vision With New Single “Tonic”

That attention to detail continues through the video’s styling and creative references. Drawing inspiration from Janet Jackson and the cinematic atmosphere of Sinners, Denali presents an aesthetic that feels confident, futuristic, and fashion-conscious. Stylist Eddie “Edds” Villegas helps bring that direction together through bold looks that complement the choreography and strengthen Denali’s identity as an artist willing to explore music, fashion, and performance as one complete vision.

While “Tonic” introduces many listeners to Denali Nova as a solo artist, his foundation in music has already been shaped by meaningful industry experience. He has previously worked behind the scenes with artists including Grammy Award-winning Brandy, Avery Wilson, Gene Noble, and Siaira Shawn, experiences that have helped develop his understanding of songwriting, vocal performance, and creative execution. Now, that experience is being redirected toward a body of work carrying his own name and perspective.

With “Tonic,” Denali Nova makes a compelling transition from trusted behind-the-scenes creative to an artist ready to command attention himself. As the first chapter of ON A TRANCE, the song offers an exciting preview of a project that appears determined to resist easy categorization. Combining strong vocals, infectious production, expressive choreography, and a carefully developed visual identity, Denali is creating a lane that feels increasingly his own.

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