Emerging vocalist Lali P makes an impressive debut with "Keep It Smooth," featuring acclaimed saxophonist Najee and produced by GRAMMY®-winning artist and producer Michael Mani. Blending Latin soul, R&B, contemporary jazz, and Afrobeat influences, the single introduces Lali's sultry voice and sophisticated musical style. "Keep It Smooth" celebrates confidence, connection, and effortless cool through a modern fusion of soul, jazz, and Latin rhythms.
“Think of a Latin Sade. That sound suits Lali’s voice and style perfectly,” said Mani, a GRAMMY® winner for his work with Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Last year, he scored his first No. 1 single as an artist with the title track from his debut album, Triangles.
Mani was scrolling through social media when he came upon a video of the Colombian singer
and was immediately struck by her voice. He invited the Miami-based vocalist to record in his North Hollywood recording studio. The result, "Keep It Smooth," is out now, earning airplay and chart traction across outlets tracked by Billboard, Mediabase, Smooth Jazz Network, and Groove Jazz.
Having helped develop the careers of Becky G, Tori Kelly, and H.E.R., Mani envisioned a distinctive lane for Lali that he calls "sophisticated Latin soul." He played Lali some of his musical ideas and introduced her to a musical direction she had never considered pursuing, one that immediately resonated with her.
As Lali and Mani began working together, they went viral on social media by posting videos of Lali singing classics by Stevie Wonder (“Overjoyed” and “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing”) and Michael Jackson (“I Can’t Help It” and “Human Nature”) accompanied by Mani’s keyboards, which generated over a million views across multiple platforms. The response demonstrated a growing audience for the duo's blend of Latin soul, R&B, and sophisticated jazz influences.
"Coming from Colombia and working in Miami, Latin music is part of who I am," said Lali. "When Michael introduced me to this blend of soulful R&B, jazz harmony, and Afrobeat rhythms, I immediately connected with it. 'Keep It Smooth' felt like the perfect song to introduce myself as an artist."
Lali, Mani, and Allen Kepler wrote “Keep It Smooth.” Built upon sultry Afropop rhythms, Mani played jazz-inspired instrumental lines to create additional space for melodic interplay between the vocals and saxophone. Kepler, who helped coin the term "smooth jazz" and founded the influential Smooth Jazz Network, suggested bringing Najee onto the track.
“When Najee heard the song, he loved it and agreed to join us," said Lali. "His saxophone added another level of soul and sophistication that elevated the entire record.”
The Miami-based, Barranquilla, Colombia-born Lali P (Paez) earned a bachelor’s in music from Universidad del Norte in Colombia. In the studio and on stage, she has performed with Latin GRAMMY® winner Tony Succar and Latin music luminaries Oscar D'León and Nacho.
As momentum continues to build around "Keep It Smooth," Lali attended Thursday's Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami.
Listen to “Keep It Smooth”: https://ffm.to/keep-it-smooth
Watch “Keep It Smooth”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtpWn_l9gsA&t=19s
For more information: https://iamlalip.com
Follow Lali P on Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamlalip/.
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