Who’s getting your first listen today? Read through for a round up of our six top new releases in South Africa right now!
▪️ ‘Hurricane’: music video by Jesse Clegg
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Jesse Clegg has dropped the highly-anticipated music video for his single, ‘Hurricane’. The music video, directed by André Badenhorst, amplifies the song’s theme of unity and strength through an unforgettable live performance.
Set in an airfield just outside Johannesburg, the video features a massive 28-meter-long Hurricane sign, with Clegg performing alongside the Jeppe Girls Choir from Jeppe Girls High School. “The choir brought so much energy to the shoot,” says Jesse. “We had an 80-piece choir belting out the gospel-inspired harmonies, and it was just this amazing feeling of joy and community. We spent the whole day jamming and rocking out together—it was one of the most fun shoots I’ve ever been on.”
A platinum-selling South African singer-songwriter with five SAMA nominations to his name, Clegg is known for his captivating live performances and chart-topping singles such as ‘Speed of Light‘, ‘Use Me‘ and ‘Let It Burn‘.
He has performed extensively in the US, UK, and South Africa, sharing stages with legends such as Joan Armatrading, Daughtry, and Imagine Dragons. His evolving sound and dedication to his craft continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Watch the music video HERE.
▪️ ‘Stone Cold Heart‘: New (visual) album by Elaine
Acclaimed South African singer-songwriter Elaine’s highly anticipated debut album ‘Stone Cold Heart‘ has officially dropped. Known for her sultry R&B vocals and introspective songwriting, Elaine breaks new ground with this visual album, a compelling combination of music and cinematography that allows fans to experience each track in a deeper, more immersive way.
‘Stone Cold Heart‘ represents a profound artistic evolution, blending Elaine’s signature R&B sound with the rhythms of Amapiano and house music. The 14-track album marks a defining chapter in Elaine’s career, offering a glimpse into her personal journey of survival, transformation, and empowerment.
Each track is accompanied by visuals that see the rising star, real name Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli, stirringly perform for her fans, reinforcing the emotional and sonic depth of her music. From soulful trap-soul to genre-defying anthems, Stone Cold Heart reflects the battles and triumphs that have shaped her.
“Writing ‘Stone Cold Heart‘ felt like writing an open letter to the world,” Elaine shares, adding: “It’s me sharing my journey through some of the darkest and most transformative moments of my life – moments that made me question everything but ultimately led me to who I am today. This album is about surviving, finding strength in pain, and emerging stronger. I’ve poured my heart into it, and I hope listeners can feel that journey too.”
The album is divided into two distinct parts: Side A and Side B, each showcasing a different facet of Elaine’s artistry. ‘Side A’ highlights her R&B roots, offering a collection of deeply personal tracks that showcase her silky vocals, soulful lyrics, and unmatched ability to convey emotion through music. It’s a return to the sound that first captivated her audience, but with newfound vulnerability and strength.
‘Side B’ sees Elaine stepping out of her comfort zone, embracing the vibrant sounds of South African dance music. Drawing on influences from Amapiano and house, she infuses these genres with her distinctive voice and sultry delivery.
‘Stone Cold Heart‘ is available for streaming and purchase on all major platforms.
▪️”Smaak To Love’ (Lamza): new music video by Zulo
Rising South African hip-hop star Zulo has taken “bedroom performance” to a whole new level. In the fresh, visually stunning music video for his latest single ‘Smaak To Love (Lamza)‘, Zulo is summoned, with his band, into the middle of his crush’s bedroom after an Instagram follow-back.
Throughout the video, the Johannesburg-based rapper serenades his crush with soulful intensity, creating an unforgettable moment of connection that makes for an intimate, almost dream-like visual experience.
The single effortlessly blends hip-hop, Afrobeats, R&B, and a hint of amapiano, evoking the lush, soulful vibes of a ‘70s slow jam, but with a distinctly modern South African twist.
Comedian Dimpie Dimpopo makes an unexpected yet delightful appearance on the glockenspiel, while fellow rapper Dali Danger adds a touch of star power with a cameo that enhances the playful tone of the video.
“I just wanted to make something cute and wholesome,” Zulo explains, “something you just can’t stop smiling at while you’re watching.”
With ‘Smaak To Love (Lamza)’, Zulo sets the mood for summer, sure to make December a memorable one with its irresistible blend of romance, groove, and undeniable style.
known for his unique blend of hip-hop, afro-pop, and soul, Zulo has been on an impressive single run over the past year with a series of standout releases, starting with ‘Adawise‘, which ignited lively discussions across social media, with fans drawing comparisons to the late AKA.
Watch the official video for ‘Smaak To Love (Lamza)‘ HERE.
▪️’Learning As I Go’: single by Kip Moore
Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore releases his new song ‘Learning As I Go‘ on Friday, October 18 ahead of his headlining performance at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, and DHL stadium in Cape Town on Saturday (October 26), as part of the CTC Festival.
Available digitally through Virgin Music Group, ‘Learning As I Go‘ is co-produced with Jaren Johnston, and it’s the second new song Moore has unveiled in a matter of weeks, providing an early peek at his next chapter and hinting at more music to come.
With an underdog spirit and a sweeping, driving tone, ‘Learning As I Go‘ finds resilience in navigating the sometimes turbulent unknown.
“I just recorded ‘Learning As I Go’ before I left for Australia, and the feeling in the studio and then once we got the recording back, was so palpable, we wanted to get it out there as soon as possible,” says Moore. “I think it’s a pretty universal feeling to feel like a failure if you slip up once or twice, but there is a beauty in learning from those perceived ‘mistakes’ that I think we sometimes miss. This track is about embracing the lessons instead of beating yourself up about not getting it right the first time.”
Hailed as “an uncompromising, genre-defying artist firing on all cylinders” (Vice/Noisey) and “one of country’s more thoughtful artists” (Billboard), Moore is in the midst of his marathon Nomad World Tour which wrapped a whirlwind 14-show run in Australia, including sold-out arenas in mid-October.
Next stop will be his highly anticipated return to South Africa, where he performed to sell out stadium crowds of over 40,000 fans in April 2023, followed by a string of dates in the US kicking off November 2024.
Listen to ‘Learning As I Go‘ HERE.
▪️’Up At Night’: single by Daniel Baron
Chart-topping South African multi-SAMA nominee Daniel Baron is back with his highly anticipated new single ‘Up At Night‘, a sultry, high-energy pop-club banger that marks his powerful return to his dance anthem roots.
Known for his eclectic style and genre-blending, Baron delivers a track that’s equal parts exotic and dark, designed to ignite dance floors across the globe. The song compares the beauty, allure, and entrancing nature of a woman’s love to music that literally keeps you up at night.
Pulsating with infectious rhythms and seductive synths, the track effortlessly merges pop melodies with a deep, club-ready sound that’s built to dominate playlists and clubs alike.
Baron first captivated audiences with his multi-platinum hit “Children of the Sun”, a track that remains one of the biggest anthems to ever emerge from South Africa. With ‘Up At Night’ Baron once again demonstrates his ability to create music that transcends genres, blending elements of pop, dance, and a touch of something never-before-heard, yet undeniably accessible.
In addition to releasing new music, Baron has been making waves behind the scenes. In 2024 alone, he has achieved a staggering five number-one hits as a producer, working on a multitude of projects for various artists. His exceptional work has earned him three SAMA nominations, further cementing his status as one of South Africa’s most successful music makers. In recognition of his contributions to the music industry, Baron was inducted into the Grammy Recording Academy in 2022.
Speaking about his latest release, Baron shares: “I wanted to write about how the euphoria of being addicted to someone’s love can literally keep you up at night—the rush, the intensity, the love-drunk obsession, and how music can magnify every emotion. ‘Up At Night’ is all about that energy you can’t shake off.”
Available now on all major streaming platforms, listen to ‘Up At Night‘ HERE.
▪️’Is’fungo‘: New EP by twin duo Aneliswa (2023 Idols SA S9)
Dynamic South African twin duo Aneliswa, made up of Anele and Neliswa, who first captured the nation’s attention on season 9 of Idols SA in 2013, has released their highly anticipated new EP, “Is’fungo,”.
Known for their emotional delivery and harmonious vocals, Aneliswa takes listeners on an intimate musical journey with this latest project.
Independently launched under their own label, Aneliswa Music, ‘Is’fungo‘ is a bold expression of love, commitment and the power of promises. ‘Is’fungo‘ meaning “a promise” offers a heartfelt collection of songs centered on emotional connection and the beauty of staying true to one’s word.
The twins’ signature harmonies, soul-stirring melodies and relatable lyrics shine throughout, marking a significant step forward in their artistic journey. Some of the standout tracks include a soulful offering ‘Yeshua‘ which has emerged as the EP’s fan favourite – per recent streaming statistics. The song blends heartfelt lyrics with uplifting melodies, resonating deeply with their growing audience.
“This EP is all about love, not just in the romantic sense but also about promises that bind us to those we care about,” the twins shared. “With ‘Is’fungo,’ we wanted to offer music that encourages people to embrace commitment in their relationships.”
‘Is’fungo‘ is now available for streaming on all major digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer.
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