Emerging Colombian vocalist Lali P is carving out a distinctive musical identity with “Keep It Smooth,” a sophisticated debut single that blends Latin soul, R&B, contemporary jazz, and Afrobeat into a sound built on sensual rhythms, understated elegance, and effortless confidence. Featuring acclaimed saxophonist Najee and produced by GRAMMY-winning artist and producer Michael Mani, the track introduces a compelling new voice with a style that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.
“Think of a Latin Sade. That sound suits Lali’s voice and style perfectly,” says Mani, who earned a GRAMMY for his work with Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. The comparison captures the single’s central appeal: a sultry vocal delivery, polished arrangements, and a relaxed sophistication that allows every musical element to breathe.
The collaboration began with a chance discovery on social media. While scrolling through videos, Mani came across a performance by Lali, a Barranquilla, Colombia-born singer now based in Miami. Her voice immediately caught his attention, prompting him to invite her to his North Hollywood recording studio. What followed was an introduction to a musical direction she had never previously considered, but one that resonated with her almost immediately.
Mani envisioned a sound he describes as “sophisticated Latin soul,” a lane designed to draw on Lali’s cultural roots while expanding her artistic possibilities through soulful R&B, jazz harmonies, and Afrobeat-inspired rhythms. The producer has a proven track record of identifying and developing emerging talent, having helped shape the careers of Becky G, Tori Kelly, and H.E.R. His approach with Lali reflects that same instinct for matching a distinctive voice with a compelling musical identity.
For Lali, the connection was instinctive. “Coming from Colombia and working in Miami, Latin music is part of who I am,” she explains. “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.”
The chemistry between vocalist and producer soon extended beyond the recording studio. Together, they began sharing performances of classic songs on social media, with Lali delivering interpretations of Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed” and “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” as well as Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It” and “Human Nature,” accompanied by Mani’s keyboards. The videos collectively generated more than a million views across multiple platforms, demonstrating an appetite for their combination of expressive vocals, sophisticated musicianship, and contemporary soul.
That growing online audience helped establish the foundation for “Keep It Smooth,” a song co-written by Lali, Mani, and Allen Kepler. Built around sultry Afropop rhythms, the track balances a contemporary rhythmic pulse with jazz-inflected instrumental passages. Mani’s keyboard work creates space for the vocal melody to interact with the saxophone, giving the arrangement an organic, conversational quality rather than overwhelming the song with production flourishes.
The addition of Najee brings another layer of musical distinction. A respected figure in contemporary jazz, the saxophonist lends the recording his signature blend of expressive phrasing and polished musicianship. Kepler, who helped coin the term “smooth jazz” and founded the influential Smooth Jazz Network, suggested bringing Najee into the project.
“When Najee heard the song, he loved it and agreed to join us,” Lali says. “His saxophone added another level of soul and sophistication that elevated the entire record.”
The result is a track that occupies the space between genres without losing its sense of purpose. Latin rhythms provide the cultural foundation, R&B supplies the emotional warmth, jazz contributes harmonic depth, and Afrobeat influences give the production its understated momentum. Rather than treating these styles as separate ingredients, “Keep It Smooth” brings them together in a cohesive sound that feels tailor-made for Lali’s voice.
Her background provides an important part of that musical equation. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, and now working in Miami, Lali P—whose surname is Paez—earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Universidad del Norte in Colombia. Her professional experience includes studio and stage performances with Latin GRAMMY winner Tony Succar and Latin music luminaries Oscar D’León and Nacho, giving her a foundation that spans Latin music traditions and contemporary performance.
With “Keep It Smooth,” she steps into the spotlight with a more personal artistic statement, one that preserves her connection to Latin music while embracing a broader palette of influences. The single also marks another milestone for Mani, whose recent success as a recording artist includes his first No. 1 single with the title track from his debut album, Triangles.
As “Keep It Smooth” gains airplay and chart traction across outlets tracked by Billboard, Mediabase, Smooth Jazz Network, and Groove Jazz, Lali’s introduction is already reaching audiences beyond the social media platforms where her collaboration with Mani first attracted attention. Her appearance at Thursday’s Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami adds to the momentum surrounding the release and places the emerging vocalist within a wider conversation about the continuing evolution of Latin music.
For Lali P, “Keep It Smooth” is more than a debut single. It is the opening statement of an artist finding her own space at the intersection of Latin soul, contemporary jazz, and modern R&B. With Mani’s production, Kepler’s creative input, and Najee’s distinctive saxophone, she delivers a performance that favors subtlety over excess and personality over formula.
The track’s message is reflected in its sound: confidence without force, sensuality without exaggeration, and sophistication that never sacrifices accessibility. If this debut is any indication, Lali P is poised to make her mark with a musical identity that honors her roots while moving comfortably across borders and genres.
Listen to “Keep It Smooth” at ffm.to/keep-it-smooth, watch the official video on YouTube, and visit iamlalip.com for more information. Follow Lali P on Instagram at @iamlalip.
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