SAMA-nominated star sets new benchmark with Timeless album and Planetworld’s tech
Renowned South African actor and musician Nicholas “Nick Soul” Nkuna and audio innovator Planetworld set a new standard for music experiences at the launch of his 14-track masterpiece, Timeless, in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The event, powered by Planetworld’s cutting-edge Sonos speakers, soundbars, and luxury theater setups, merged Nick Soul’s 14-track masterpiece ‘Timeless‘ with immersive soundscapes—attracting A-listers like Sonia Mbele, Stanley Khoza, Gugu Da DJ, Motlatsi Mafatshe and Zamo Dlamini.
A star-studded affair meets sound innovation
The evening doubled as a celebration of Nick Soul’s 20-year artistic journey—a career spanning chart-topping soul anthems and iconic acting roles. When not captivating audiences with his smooth vocals, Nick lights up screens with his polished acting as Khalema Semeny on SABC2’s Muvhango while continuing his role on SABC1’s long-running soapie, ‘Generations: The Legacy‘.
Featuring music icon Judith Sephuma and powerhouse vocalist Thembisile Ntaka, ‘Timeless‘ weaves Nick Soul’s personal journey of love, heartbreak, and joy into a soulful tapestry.
As organisers emphasised, the event was “a showcase of next-generation sound experiences,” with Planetworld’s cutting-edge audio systems breathing life into standout tracks like ‘Gae’ (featuring Sephuma), ‘Umona’ (with Ntaka), and ‘Energy’ (with Cici).
Speaking exclusively to NOWinSA, Nick Soul reflected on his vision for the album:
“I want any music fan to enjoy this album, just like the title says, Timeless—not only have I worked with the best of the best in music, all the songs are timeless.”
Addressing the evolution of South African music, he added:
“With the rise of Amapiano–doing great internationally—with stars like Tyla on tour and riding the crest of the wave of success—there’s no denying our music is on another level. But something was missing: that feel of real music, jazz and soul. I wanted to bring that back.”
South Africa is very diverse with music, he noted. “It’s the reason we had legends like the late Bra Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Mercy Pakela, Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu. I represent a bit of that: the old and the new. We can’t leave all that is good behind.”
Elaborating on the album’s creation, he revealed:
“It took two years to craft ‘Timeless’ with the producer Lord Jazz – a brilliant talent who even played for the Temptations when they toured here. We carefully crafted this album to endure. If I never release another soul album, this would be it.”
Planetworld’s Rockstar Studios takes centre stage
The event also marked the grand unveiling of Planetworld’s Rockstar Studios, a state-of-the-art recording and performance hub. Nick Soul’s electrifying live set, backed by crystal-clear acoustics, showcased how the studio merges premium sound engineering with artistic ambition.
As the company’s spokesperson emphasised, the synergy between Planetworld’s advanced sound systems and Nick Soul’s music is undeniable. His artistry deserves to be experienced in its purest form, and our technology ensures that every note, beat, and melody reaches audiences with exceptional clarity and depth.”
What this means for the collaborators
- For Planetworld: The partnership solidifies its leadership in audio innovation, proving its tech can elevate both live performances and studio production. Rockstar Studios is now a magnet for artists seeking world-class tools.
- For Nick Soul: The collaboration amplifies his mission to preserve South Africa’s musical legacy while pushing boundaries. Timeless—and its deluxe edition—reflects his dedication to crafting enduring work in an era of fleeting trends.
Looking ahead
With Planetworld’s tech prowess and Nick Soul’s creative fire, the duo promises more genre-defying projects. As Nick Soul declared:
“This is just the beginning.”
About Planetworld
Since 1998, Planetworld has pioneered high-fidelity audio solutions for cars, homes, and studios. Rockstar Studios reinforces its commitment to empowering artists and audiences through sound.
*Stay tuned to NOWinSA – on Instagram, X and TikTok – for updates on Nick Soul and Planetworld’s next groundbreaking ventures — and explore more “Stories Shaping South Africa Today”!
