As May and June brought us a wave of fresh musical talent, the music scene came alive with an eclectic mix of new releases. Our latest compilation highlights the tracks that made waves and set the tone for the autumn-to-winter transition. From genre-bending beats to soul-stirring melodies, this selection showcases artists who pushed boundaries and captured the essence of the season. Whether you were looking for the next big hit or a hidden gem, this collection had something for every music lover. Now, let’s revisit the vibrant world of new music from the past two months!

#LAMAG HIGHLIGHT

Chayuta “Getaway Remix”

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She shared: “The core message in Getaway is that it is important and ok to sometimes just want to take a break from your daily life and routine. In the song I even say that it doesn’t mean you have to go somewhere far, you can just decide to switch off and relax and clear your head. When I was writing the lyrics, I was really just thinking about how long it had been since I had a break and I just wanted a nice holiday so I ended up literally writing about that. It seems like it is an important message I sang about because it brings out a lot in my fans. So many people have said that after listening to it, they feel that they all need a break and a getaway and they can’t wait to go on a holiday and relax and vibe to my song which is amazing because that’s exactly the message I was trying to bring across with my lyrics”.

MAY

SOA Mattrix “Akani”

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Speaking about the significance of ‘Akani’, SOA Mattrix shares, “This album is dedicated to my son who has inspired me to become an even better version of myself. In many ways, fatherhood brings out the best in our abilities, showcasing strengths we never knew we possessed. ‘Akani’ is a testament to how my son has catalysed my growth as an artist and person.”

Thuso Wa Sibini x aFrikasoul “Mr. Melanin”

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‘In a world that often seeks to diminish their worth, black men carry the weight of expectations and stereotypes that are unjustly placed upon them. From systemic oppression to societal pressures, the journey of the black man is laden with obstacles that may seem insurmountable. But with That song, I want to remind our black men that within them lies a strength, resilience, and greatness that cannot be extinguished’, Thuso Wa Sibini.

Tiwa Savage “Water & Garri”

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Bakhita “After Two”

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“All the tracks I am currently working towards touch on different queer African experiences; Finding acceptance within, queer love (through a scope free of sexualization), the power of community, unapologetically showing up as yourself, living your truth in a homophobic country, and the celebration of Queer life. The body of work I am currently forging will sonically and lyrically and visually express and demand recognition of the vibrance of Queer Kenyan Culture, in hopes of propelling myself and our community onto the international stage,” Bakhita.

King Kerby “Leeches”

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According to King Kerby A&R Philip Koth who is acclimated for his astounding work with Nairobi drill faction Buruklyn Boyz, he champions Kerby’s brazen style and ambition to try new sounds. “The song is a funk-influenced tropical house anthem, but there are tonal shifts that seem designed to showcase King Kerby’s range as a singer and a rapper”.

Zichy “Confam”

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“My song CONFAM reflects my deep admiration for someone who has captured my heart from afar. It’s about a girl who fits perfectly into my world, someone I’ve longed for, and I’m hoping to make her the love of my life. This song is a testament to my powerful emotions for her, and I hope she can feel the sincerity and depth,” shares Zichy. He adds: “The moment the beat kicked in with its lively bounce, I was instantly captivated. The melody that followed resonated like a sweet love aroma, filling the air with a profound sense of affection and longing.”

K.O x Maglera Doe Boy “Let Me Cook”

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“I’m a huge fan of the recent breed of raw rap talent in SA and having been in chats with MGD since 2022 for us to link, glad that’s finally happening” says K.O. “His swag and energy is so raw and I had to make sure I come up with a record that best compliments him and my vibe at the same time. Let Me Cook is a bold statement piece and the stern message behind it is: ‘Be quiet! While I show and prove’”.

“’Let Me Cook’ is my first link up with one of the greatest artists in the history of this country’s history of hip hop,” says Maglera Doe Boy. “Having it as the feature that puts us on the cover of Rap Life is full circle because that’s what the lifestyle of both the song and the artists on the songs embody. The sonic is so high end and feels rich. Big shout out to everybody who is listening to it and vibing. This one is a treat for connoisseurs.”

Moonchild Sanelly “Scrambled Eggs”

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Moonchild said of Scrambled Eggs – “When I started staying in the GOOD hotels, I noticed how the world is obsessed with avo and eggs for breakfast. It became a thing… you get avo & eggs for breakfast at the good places …” She added “My writing recently has been me at my most humble, and Scrambled Eggs is me reminding everyone – by the way, I AM that bitch! I’m a multi-passport artist travelling the world in custom designs and doing it all on my terms. And I’m really f**king proud of that.” The video for Scrambled Eggs was directed by Jabu Nadia Newman and shot last month in Johannesburg, South Africa, It is an action-packed, chaotic and carefree caper – and a celebration of female-led business empires – styled by Chloe Andrea Welgemoed and featuring costumes by South African designers Siyababa and Sihle Masango and inspired by Johannesburg’s cutting-edge style and playfulness. Moonchild said – “The Scrambled Eggs video marks my arrival at the beginning.   It’s the beginning of being in THAT space; this new world that this crazy, amazing, powerful, beautiful gang of absolute muthaf**kers built together.  This world contains everything I’ve ever worked for…  These are my people, and this is our superhero moment.”

SYX RSA “Different Arrangement”

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Rashid Kay x AB Crazy “Brotherhood”

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Thandiswa Mazwai “Sankofa”

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Thandiswa says, “The making of Sankofa was a sonic odyssey that took me from the ancient villages of the Eastern Cape to Dakar and New York, weaving a thread that culminated in something truly special. Within those ancient rhythms and polyrhythms, a common lexicon revealed itself to me and I am excited to share this music with those who have been growing and evolving with me. Listen out for uhadi, umrhubhe, ngoni, kora and drums in the music. It is about a celebration of the pan-African spirit, healing old wounds, and returning to what honours us.”

About the recording of Sankofa, her fourth release since 2016’s Belede, 2009’s Ibokwe and her solo debut 20 years ago Zabalaza, Thandiswa says “In 2010, I went to visit the International Library of African Music at Rhodes University where I got access to an archive of field and research of Xhosa music; I had these recordings for a very long time. During the COVID lockdown, I went back to these recordings and realised I could use them as a bedrock for creating new songs, and these field recordings became the building blocks of the album. After I did all the pre-production on songs with my friend Tendai Shoko, we would put down to bass, notes, and guitar chords to create demos, which we then took to my producers Nduduzo Makhathini and Meshell Ndegeocello.”

Mazwai continues, “What I noticed was they were really responding to the archives, and this became the looming spirit that carried us through the album: all of us experimenting, discovering, investigating, questioning, collecting our lineages, rooting ourselves and responding to the archival experience and infusing it with something from the now. In West Africa, they responded to the archive by marrying expressions from umrhubhe with the kora; bringing their colour into it, making this an album that speaks not only to the pan-African spirit but also to the diaspora.”

Yumbs x Focalistic x Joeboy x Bien x Moliy “Off My Mind”

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CHXRL “Love Me”

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Ballaké Sissoko x Derek Gripper “Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper”

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A new African string theory is elaborated in the complex web of themes and variations spun by Sissoko’s twenty-two strings and Gripper’s six: “Musically we tested each other,” says Sissoko, explaining that the most magical aspect of their encounters are spontaneous. “We have the mastery of our instruments, the technique and a good ear. Derek is very curious, that’s very important.” “He’s just such a good listener,” says Gripper about Sissoko. “It’s not what he plays, it’s how he plays it. He’s an amazing interpreter, the prime master of timbre.”

Teejay Mokoena “Umakoti”

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SbuNoah “Heavenly Psalms”

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“Heavenly Psalms” follows the theme of SbuNoah’s first album ‘A David Kind Of Psalms’ the beloved gospel star shares the breakdown of the album; ‘I grew up in the church and so hymns are part of what moulded my music interest as they are singalong’s that most people resonate with. The book of psalms also influences my song writing a lot and so even with compositions, you’ll actually recognise the similarities between them and ‘amahubo’ that we grew up singing. So the psalms part represents the style of writing as well as the captivating melody with hooks that keep the songs in the minds and hearts of my amazing fans.

The ‘Heavenly’ part is probably the most interesting part. With every project, it becomes important for us to pray and inquire from God which direction one should take. The Bible talks about angels God created to worship and while praying for this project I was challenged to say, “if God created angels for worship, why would God leave that kind of splendour and come listen to our worship?” And the answer was “Heavenly worship”, so I wanted to create an album that interpret what kind of worship God experiences in heaven, with emphasize being on the lyrics and melodies; so we created psalms that are heavenly – influenced, hence “Heavenly Psalms.” So this album is our interpretation of the psalms and hymns being sung in heavenly places.’

SGaWD “Tha GaWD – Side A”

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As SGaWD puts it, “I want my listeners to feel alive! This project is for trying new things that sound great, evoke emotion, and stick.”

PapaRaZzle “Darling”

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According to PapaRaZzle, ‘Darling’ is an embodiment of his vision to spread positivity and joy through his music. Speaking further about the inspiration behind the track, PapaRaZzle describes it as his heartfelt tribute to love and romance, “This song is my little contribution to putting some more sweetness, love, and romance back in the world. It is a song that celebrates love, and an appreciation for someone who’s been by your side, plus the song will make you dance. I feel it was my duty to put that energy into the world in the form of music, and I also think ‘Darling’ is such a sweet word, it should be said more (lol). I hope it resonates and people feel it as deeply in their hearts as that’s where it was created from.”

DESIREE x Selaelo Selota “Thrrr… Phaaa!”

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On the production, DESIREE is clear to bring the process into perspective, “…the production of the song was particularly challenging. Unlike most electronic music, where producers have access to isolated tracks, the song is a complete live recording. This meant everything – drums, vocals, instruments – was all on one track, making it difficult to isolate and manipulate individual elements. However, this only fuelled my creativity. I’m a big fan of live music and jazz, and I was determined to find a way to fuse that organic energy with my own electronic style.”

Although DESIREE was only 5 years old when the song came out, she asserts, “… the song was omnipresent well into my teen years. Coming from a Sepedi speaking household meant that the song naturally resonated with us”. “Despite Sepedi being my mother tongue, I have noticed over the years growing up, into my adulthood that there is a severe lack of representation of the language in South African music, especially electronic music. This is partly the reason why this song is so special to me. Selaelo has been a prominent figure in South African music history who has proudly championed Sepedi in his music and inspires me greatly to do the same not only for Sepedi but also for other underrepresented languages

Cristyle “Body Body”

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Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Cristyle remarked, “I wanted to celebrate the beauty of women in all their splendor. ‘Body Body’ is my way of expressing admiration for the captivating allure and grace that each woman possesses. It’s about honouring their confidence, sensuality, and strength.”

Ricky Tyler “Happy 2 Be Alive’”

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Ricky Tyler explains, “Hip-hop has always been my first love, and ‘No More Discos’ is my tribute to the genre that shaped me as an artist. This track is about conquering fears and rising above challenges, one bar at a time.”

Kiddo CSA x Anzo “Amalanga”

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Dope Saint Jude “Happy Day”

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“There is a sense of hopelessness in the world at the moment, and this track is a plea to protect and maintain hope that better days are ahead,” shares Dope Saint Jude. She adds: “The world can be a wonderful place, but it can also be a challenge to our inner peace. This track is written as a radical affirmation to protect one’s inner world despite the chaos that exists externally.”

SpheMusic “Do Better”

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Regarding the creative process behind “Do Better,” Sphe expresses, “Writing this song felt like a cathartic journey, a process of reawakening. I allowed myself to fully embrace my emotions, resulting in a heartfelt composition. It’s a culmination of a long emotional voyage, and I earnestly hope it resonates with everyone.” Having regarded her previous single “Khuluma” as her most successful track since re-entering the music industry, SpheMusic holds equally high, if not higher, expectations for her current release to “Do Better.” Embarking on her musical odyssey at the age of 16 with a feature on DJ Bongz’s “Survival Of The Fittest” album, where her hit track “As Long As You Love Me” soared the charts, SpheMusic harbored dreams of a music career. However, she pursued her academic aspirations, earning a degree in Marketing before dedicating herself wholly to music.

Miona “Isthembu”

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KG Moepyë “Mandingasuki”

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Mandingasuki wasn’t birthed from hardship but from a profound place of contentment. “I wrote the song when I was in a very good place in my life,” Moepyë explains. “I didn’t want to move from that position of gratitude, peace, and joy. Of which I believe all these are our choice. Practicing gratitude is our choice. And we also choose who and what brings peace and joy in our lives.”

Hanna “Guilt Free”

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About the EP Hanna shares: “The Guilt Free EP began as a nod to my graduation and the freedom to wholeheartedly pursue my dreams thereafter, but later evolved into an exploration of self-love and the guilt of self-preservation. It’s a diverse collection of sounds with influences ranging from pop to R&B to trap and even gospel, maintaining strong hip hop roots with powerfully relatable lyrics. It’s a feel-good project which will leave you feeling refreshed, triumphant, validated, and rooting for yourself more than you were before.”

She adds: “The writing on this EP spans years, and came to life through one intense week of studio, in which myself, Michael Zietsman and Luc Veermeer worked around the clock to bring all the songs to their full potential. This EP is a testament to the power of community, and the beauty of allowing oneself to create music free from the pressure of genre. I couldn’t be prouder of what we created and everyone who contributed.”

Gemma Fassie “No More”

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About “No More” Gemma Fassie shares: “Although you’d think “No More” is a heartbreak song it’s the complete opposite. The idea that love can only be a positive feeling is what blinds us to the red flags. This song is affirmation to myself to learn to let go. The beat evokes so many different feelings. The contrast between the lyrics and the beat can explain how one can go from feeling all the emotions being in love comes with to being able to say “I love you enough to let go”. “This project enabled me to tap into a different form of my artistry. Not only was I able to be experimental but find the beauty in telling my stories through songwriting and having the ability to share it with my friends, family and a complete stranger,” says Gemma Fassie.

Mr JazziQ x Robot Boii “Magents (Khululu)”

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“I am really excited about this release firstly because I worked with two of my favourite artists in Amapiano and I think this is the first time we all make a song together. I’m talking about Jay Music as well as Robot Boii. The name of the song is titled peace magents in brackets Khululu and it’s a song that is dedicated to our late friends who we lost in a car accident almost 4 years ago, which was very sad. I unfortunately was not in the country when the tragic car accident took place and I guess this is my special message to them to say that we miss them life has not been the same without them and like how they always used to say peace magents, peace magents, peace magents. RIP to the Big 5 Khululu.” – Mr JazziQ reflects on the inspiration and making of the song. ‘Magents (Khululu)’ is more than a single and Robot Boii, who was close friends with them shares, ‘everything that we do is for Amagents including everything we are going to do in the future’ on the single further solidifying the intention of honouring their memories.

Saràh Phenom “10%”

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“You’re on my mind again / but I’m on like 10%”, she sings over the track’s flawless production. “The song is a love song, with a twist”, Sarah says. “It really is about things that girls and everyone goes through in relationships. It’s the push and pull between two people that just can’t get on the same page, as much as they’re attracted to each other, they’re equally frustrated with each other and the track takes you through that journey.”

Megatronic x Wandile Mbambeni “Rumours (Dr Feel Remix)”

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The Joy “Bayang’khethela”

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Talking about ‘Bayang’khethela’ The Joy explain: The song came from an upbringing and tradition in which parents choose who you should marry. ‘Bayang’khethela’ comes from the contrary belief that nobody can choose who you should marry or be in love with.

Bhek’zizwe “African Stories”

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“I’m excited about African Stories, and believe it will do well – the older generation aged 35 to 50 is being left out because everyone is going after Ama Piano. There is a need for more adult contemporary music and we are filling this gap for those who don’t want to be young again – they just want to listen to the music they enjoy,” Bhek’zizwe.

Professor “Watsamaya”

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Malumz on Decks “Uzuri”

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Baby S.O.N x Sbuda Maleather x Ice Beats Slide “Happy Birthday”

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“We wanted to create something special, something that captures the essence of birthdays and brings people together in celebration,” says Baby S.O.N. “With ‘Happy Birthday,’ we’ve crafted a song that not only honours the tradition of birthdays but also embodies the spirit of joy and fun that comes with it.” Baby S.O.N adds, “We aimed to create a track that would get people on their feet and dancing. This track is sure to play at birthday celebrations everywhere – it’s not a birthday celebration without it.”

Linda Sikhakhane “Iladi”

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Nadia Nakai “Umfazi”

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Shardenay “Come Closer”

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Tiger BMT “Turn Up (Askhuphuke)”

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Dato Seiko x EASY FREAK “Chance On Me”

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The collaboration between Dato Seiko and EASY FREAK on “Chance On Me” has resulted in a track that is as emotionally charged as it is sonically vibrant. EASY FREAK, known for their eclectic mix of pop, funk, and soul, brought a unique energy to the project. “Working with EASY FREAK was an incredible experience,” Dato reflects. “From the moment we started, there was an undeniable synergy. The music seemed to flow naturally, igniting a creative spark in all of us. We captured the essence of love and the bravery it takes to pursue it.”

Leigh Audrey “Hold Me”

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She notes, “I’ve written, sung, performed, and listened to a lot of music in my life; but this one right here…is my first born.”

Nicole Elocin “Mi Amor”

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Speaking about the inspiration behind the project, Nicole Elocin shared, ‘Mi Amore is about lovers that fall inlove at first sight, the project dives deeper and explains how true love is not bought, but it comes by itself. It was written to spread a “true love” intention.’

Jaywon x Spyro “For My Head”

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June

JL SA “Hamba Nathi”

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Expressing his enthusiasm about the upcoming release, JL SA said, “This EP is the beginning of a new era for me. I’ve poured my heart and soul into these tracks, and I can’t wait for my fans to experience this new journey with me.”

Azana x Sam Deep “Kwa Khanya”

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Discussing the EP, Azana shared, “Kwa Khanya is a body of work touching on topics such as the creation of Earth, African beliefs, the drive to survive and succeed, and various experiences in love. Collaborating with Sam Deep was amazing, as we both aimed to tell our story – his through instruments and mine through voice and lyrics.” Azana’s role model, Lira, has significantly influenced her artistic journey. Sam Deep expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This project with Azana is something South Africans didn’t know they needed. We hope our people enjoy it as much as we did creating it and look forward to seeing them sing it back to us on the road.”

Mörda “CR4ZY”

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“This is music for the feet,” Mörda explains. “I always make music for the soul, but now I want to make people move physically.” His unique sound, carefully curated from everyday moments that catch his attention, has been tested in live performances, consistently drawing immediate reactions from audiences. The EP’s inspiration stems from Mörda’s keen ear for the extraordinary in the ordinary. “I was inspired by the sounds I was being exposed to. Sounds from moments that would just pop up from nowhere,” he shares. This unique approach to sound curation has resulted in an innovative and instantly engaging collection.

Recorded at his studio, ‘CR4ZY’ sees Mörda collaborating with esteemed artists like Brenden Praise, Lusanda, Mpho.Wav. and Kwamsy. Closing out with “Morena,” a deeply personal ode where Mörda steps into the vocal booth and pays homage to the source of his blessings, his ‘CR4ZY’ EP is a true reflection of where he’s at in life right now, expressing: “Life is beautiful and for someone that comes from where I come from, that is CRAZY”.

Bassie x M-Touch x Ranger x Amaza x Zimmy “Kwelanga”

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The song’s title, “Kwelanga,” which translates to “the setting of the sun” in isiZulu, metaphorically captures Bassie’s feelings at the time. “All I could think about was how badly things were going,” she explains. “The sun was ‘going down’ in my life—there was no light in my career, in my studies. I felt like it was the end of the road for me, and that’s what I wrote about.”

Dinho x Kabza De Small x Tumza D’Kota x Agzo x Optimist Music x Seun 1401 x EL Stephano “Ukhome Lotto”

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Berry Jive x 25K “RedMan Remix”

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Charli XCX “BRAT”

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DJ Lag x Sykes x Vanco “Iza Ngamandla”

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“I’ve had the idea for this song for a while now, Vanco and I worked on a similar song last year which was lost due to a computer crash and when we got back in the studio it shaped into something different. After Sykes laid down his vocals I took the song back and made some changes inspired by his writing and delivery. It evolved from being a beat driven production to a real song, as I wanted the arrangement to really tell a story and convey a powerful message,” shares DJ Lag.

Jaz Karis x Reekado Banks “Tequila”

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Of the track, Jaz shared, “This song is for honeymoon stage lovers. I wanted to make a song that felt as good as I did inside, something warm & exciting that describes the feeling of when you first realize you’re falling for someone. I was so happy to have Reekado Banks join me for this, as I was already such a huge fan of his work and he just added perfectly to it. We shot the music video in beautiful Barbados & being from the Caribbean myself, that really felt like home to me. We wanted the visual to match the warm, sultry vibes of the song hence why we went for a tropical setup. I hope this song brings you the butterflies and smiles I had whilst writing it.”

Jaz’s first full length album, Safe Flight, is due out later this year. On the album, Jaz notes: “I am so proud and so happy to announce my debut album Safe Flight. The whole concept of this album came to me whilst I was working in LA. This past year or so I have traveled back and forth between London & Los Angeles so much that I hadn’t realized how much my life was changing before my eyes. The title Safe Flight felt fitting due to the amount of times I had heard it this past year, it also felt like I was embarking on a new journey which is exactly what this album has been for me. The majority of this album was created in Los Angeles, bar a few songs made in other places such as New York City, Atlanta & Texas. With only one song being created at home in London, it felt like I really had begun a new chapter in life with this body of work. I wanted the features to also reflect my travels & I’m so fortunate to have had so many stellar artists from across the globe collaborate with me on this. The music also goes into different worlds, but I would like to think that soul runs throughout every song, making them all feel like a flowing body of work. From me to anybody listening, I hope you have a safe flight.”

Aremmic “Echoes of Love”

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Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Echoes of Love’, Aremmic explains, “God’s love for us is like an echo that never fades. Even before Jesus’ sacrifice, His plan for our salvation was already in motion. Just as a shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, God’s love reaches out to each individual. He doesn’t wait for us to come to Him; He actively seeks us out.” Resonating just as powerfully today as it did millennia ago, this powerful message is at the heart of ‘Echoes of Love,’ illustrating that God’s love is unwavering, offering forgiveness and a path to redemption.

King Kerby “Saba”

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“I’m excited to be able to finally share the whole vision for Saba, and create room for upcoming projects to show more growth. We are creating thick and fast, evolving thick and fast into what our ideal sound, identity and global language is, ” Kerby states. “The thought process for the live show is to transport people deeper into the ‘Saba’ realm. A space of perfect imperfection and realness rather than fabricated aesthetic that lacks human depth, substance, warmth and compassion. The experience is going to be sonically cozy and homely. Wholesome art is of big value to us,” Kerby mentions.

Citizen Deep x Maline Aura x Dr Thulz “Ubala”

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“Ubala” is a powerful song that speaks to the impact of fear on our lives. According to Maline Aura, “Ubala is a song about how fear can limit you in life. How fear can block your blessings simply because you are afraid to take that leap of faith and become that person you’ve always imagined yourself as. It’s a cry and admission that I don’t want fear to control me anymore, I want to break free from it and let my light shine in its brightest form.”

Phila Dlozi “Babekazi”

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Phila Dlozi explains, “Babekazi is a very special song and very close to my heart because it reflects a reality many African homes face. I conceived this song two years ago but hesitated to release it, unsure of how it would be received due to its sensitive and touching storyline. It sheds light on the plight of orphans who, after losing their parents, find themselves in the care of relatives who prioritize their own children over them.” Inspired by the stories of numerous orphans who have experienced similar fates, Phila Dlozi hopes “Babekazi” will spark meaningful conversations within communities. He urges the African community and others facing such issues to recognize and address this cruelty, advocating for the protection and support of vulnerable children. “No child should be punished for the death of their parents or made to feel alone,” Phila Dlozi emphasizes. “By not standing up for them, we are failing them. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child is cared for and supported.”

Xowla x K.O “Namhlanje”

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“Namhlanje” is a celebration of life, joy, and togetherness, blending modern sounds with the nostalgic rhythms of Kwaito. This track pays homage to the genre that played a significant role in shaping Xowla’s musical journey. Reflecting on his inspiration, Xowla shares, “Creating this sound was a way for me to pay homage to the Kwaito genre, as it contributed a huge factor to me falling in love with music as I was growing up.” “Working with legends in the industry alongside my mentors has always been a source of gratitude and excitement. Collaborating with K.O. was amazing as I look up to him and admire how he has built his career.” Xowla adds.

PJ Morton “Cape Town to Cairo”

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PJ Morton says: “I wanted to capture the emotions I felt while I was on the continent, so I made a promise that I wouldn’t write anything before I arrived in Africa, and I wouldn’t write anything after I left – I ended up recording all my vocals before I left too. It really was an experiment in trusting my instincts. I have the ability to overthink as many of us do, so I wanted to spark something that had real stakes. What ended up happening was that all of my raw thoughts and influences came out all at once. There’s of course R&B and soul, but there’s also gospel in songs like ‘Simunye,’ pop in ‘Count On Me,’ jazz on ‘All The Dreamers,’ all combined with the inspiration of Africa. We didn’t have the luxury of time to police which genres would fit where, and the origins of all this music started in Africa anyway. Cape Town to Cairo is the diaspora in music form, done my way.”

Tems “Born In The World”

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Major League DJz x Wiz Khalifa “Mine For The Night”

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oSHAMO “oSha-Piano”

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Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘oSha-Piano’, oShamo says, “This song was heavily inspired by my love for fuji, hip-hop, and amapiano, and me trying to find a middle-ground between these genres for my own music. Before ‘Life of the Party’, I had always been known as ‘that viral guy’ on TikTok that infuses genres, turns them into a 30-second sound, but never actually drops a full song. With ‘oSha-Piano’, it is the first song I’ve created that I really feel comfortable releasing. The song lyrics speak to my journey as an artist, from not knowing what to do with my life to now finding a purpose in music”.

Don Toliver “Hardstone Psycho”

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DMT_SA x Blak.T “Sweet Love”

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“The songs speak about love the feeling and expression of love. Inspired by a beautiful woman of my dreams. This song is like a love letter to the one I admire,” says DMT_SA.

Dwin “I Go Nowhere”

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“‘I Go Nowhere’ is an anthem for everyone who knows what it means to be in love and stay in it, choosing to do every day with your person; whether friend, sibling, or lover”, says Dwin, The Stoic. “I can’t wait for fans to experience the magic we’ve created with the whole album, starting with this single”.

Linda Sikhakhane “Ukukhushulwa”

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In discussing the inspiration behind ‘Ukukhushulwa’, Linda explains, “This piece represents the sonic as a mode for reaching beyond ordinary limitations. It speaks to growth at many levels as an eternal phenomenon, a journey that is eternal.”

031Choppa x ShakesxLes x Zee Nxumalo “Abogogo”

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The collaboration with 031Choppa and ShakesxLes adds a unique layer of musical depth to the track. Known for their dynamic production style, 031Choppa and ShakesxLes bring a blend of traditional African sounds with contemporary beats, creating a backdrop that perfectly complements Zee Nxumalo’s emotive delivery in the song. “This song is a reflection of a very personal journey. It’s about those moments when you feel alone and helpless, and all you can do is call out to your ancestors for strength and guidance. ‘Abogogo’ is a prayer, a cry for help, and a testament to the enduring connection we have with those who came before us,” the rising star adds.

Coldplay “feelslikeimfallinginlove”

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Moonchild Sanelly x Self Esteem “Big Man”

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Self Esteem shares, ‘Me and Moon wrote a song from the perspective of a good boyfriend. The ones that are just chill and secure so they just leave you to it. The ones that don’t want a medal for doing the bins. The ones that see that you’re working your tits off so they go and get yet another thing you’ve ordered and missed the delivery of from the post office. The ones that don’t take your success as a direct threat to their existence. To me this is real masculinity. We have both collaborated with Johan Karlberg on our records and I’m so grateful to him for introducing us, it was a joy to make this song together. In my head the video always needed to be an inverse ‘I Want To Break Free’ – Piers Dennis executed this gorgeously cos he’s a fucking Big Man. Self Esteem 3 lez go.’

Moonchild Sanelly adds, ‘We were in the studio bonding HARD, having the deepest conversation about relationships and how it’s hard to be bold, loud female artists in a relationship. How you can be the baddest bitch on any stage, but if you have an insecure man he can’t support your success as a woman. Instead of celebrating and supporting you, he sees your success as a personal attack and uses it to pull you down and make you feel bad. And we thought… what would it feel like… to be ourselves, doing what we do, and have a man who properly supported all that we are. So Rebecca and I wrote from the perspective of our ideal partner. The song is from the hypothetical perspective of a man who supports their partner and is happy for their woman. A man that is fully secure. A big man.’

The Joy “The Joy”

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Thando Zide “Ziveze”

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Anacy “Delight”

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Sun-El Musician x Kenza x Mthandazo Gatya x Anzo “Inhliziyo”

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BabyMac “What’s True”

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“’What’s True’ is a reflection of my journey, encapsulating years of experiences, challenges, and victories,” commented BabyMac. “Each track on this EP tells a different part of my story, with ‘Thetha’ already resonating deeply with my audience. I’d like to extend a special thank you to my partner and manager, Natika Tucker, for her unwavering support, and to Buch and The Eternal Whiteowl for his incredible collaboration on the title track. I hope listeners find as much meaning in these songs as I have.”

DJ Lag “The Rebellion”

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“Making this album has been a real journey and I had a lot of fun making it. I wanted to experiment musically but also take the experience from dance floors I play for around the world into the project. I just hope everybody enjoys it as much as I did making it” expresses DJ Lag.

Tyler ICU x DJ Maphorisa x Lojay x Shallipopi “Mnike Remix”

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Rowlene “Sweet Escape”

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Commenting on the inspiration behind “Sweet Escape,” Rowlene shares, “This song is very personal to me, and I wanted to capture the feeling of finding solace and freedom in love. ‘Sweet Escape’ is about embracing moments of liberation and empowerment, and I hope it resonates with listeners in a meaningful way.”

Midnight Uzo x Professor “Hayi”

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“Hayi is essentially a love song about longing to see someone dear to me. People can interpret it how they wish in their own lives. It can be the longing to see a partner, family, or friend. But it is essentially a song of longing for love,” Midnight Uzo says. She marks working with Professor, as an achievement from her bucket list, “Having Professor bring his unique Kwaito voice to the song made a big difference. The song is of international sound, and his lyrical prowess just made it then relatable to home.”

Simmy x Nkosazana Daughter “Amazwe”

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About the single Simmy comments: That’s how this beautiful story of one’s irreplaceable form of love and existence in another’s life came about, as quoted from the song “Ngihambile wonke amazwe, ay akekho ofana nawe…” which in translation says, “I’ve been around the world, but none compares to you.”

Simmy comments about the collaboration: “I’ve always loved Nkosazana and her work. We met and were just going on about how we needed to create something together, and we stayed in contact. Two years down the line, I asked her to please pull through at the studio. She got there, and in less than an hour, she effortlessly added her vocals.

Nkosazanah Daughter adds: “Simmy is one of the few female artists I’ve always had the utmost respect for, and her creativity is continuously evolving. Our collaboration is something we have both awaited and looked forward to. Not only was it an honour to finally be in the studio with her, but it was also easy. Working with her was a breeze; we should definitely do it again. She’s good people.”

Jabulile Majola x Yoav “Unyazi”

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“Throughout the process of writing this record, it felt like we were going through a collective grief. Our intention was to create something healing and nourishing, and in the process, we experienced healing ourselves.” – Yoav

Pheelz “Pheelz Good II”

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Speaking about the inspiration behind Pheelz Good II, Pheelz says, “I want to introduce the world to a new style of afrobeats, and also show people back home another style of interpreting the Afro spirit, as I’ve been doing for over a decade now. ‘Pheelz Good II’ is a hybrid of different other sides of afrobeats. It’s creating a marriage between emotions and the dance floor once again, through the goddess that is afrobeats. This project is an intimate reflection of my true self, where I’m unapologetically me, embracing my vulnerabilities and my ‘crayge’ – that crazy rage within. It’s about fully owning who I am and allowing my audience to connect with the raw, unfiltered version of myself”.

Konstance x Bankulli “My Heart”

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Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘My Heart’, Konstance says, “This is one of my favourite songs have recorded so far. Because it’s a love song, I’m sure people will be wondering if ‘My Heart’ is from a personal experience. The song is about giving your heart up for love, and although I have never been in love, I’m saying if I do give my heart up for love, I hope I won’t get hurt. Hence the line ‘if I give you my heart, dakun ma je ko fo’, which means ‘if I give you my heart, please don’t break it’, and putting Majeeed on the song was the best idea. I mean what’s a love song without Majeeed!”

EESKAY “JUST BECAUSE”

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THE END!

Let us know which tracks you dig!

Image Source(s): Supplied