The VERVE Roundup Vol. 4
Honestly, July may have been my personal favourite month of music releases. I found myself drowning in so many different sounds crafted by so many new and divergent virtuosos scattered around the country.
In our fourth edition of our monthly Roundup series, I was blessed enough to have so many new tunes and projects to choose from, ranging from all the different and intriguing categories. However, what was in the air this past month? Was it romance, the chilly Winter weather, or was it something else? I felt like it was mainly the talented Soul/R&B/Pop vocalists who carried the game this past month.
With that being said, enjoy the list below and don’t be afraid to check out the brilliant work from our many talented musicians in our country. The support goes a long way, and these guys are really putting in the work.
4LVIN x Earlridge x EltonK - LOCKED DOWN (11 July 2025)
Listening to this amazing single by the talented trio gave me waves of nostalgia, taking me back to the days of discovering gems with this distinct upbeat Indie-Pop/Rock sound while playing the legendary FIFA games. This single was filled with funky vibes, top-notch rap performances, and a narration of the struggles and frustrations of being in a puzzling relationship - All the best ingredients to cook up an enjoyable song.
500. - no sleep for the wicked (19 July 2025)
The talented composer from Jozi used this four-track EP to showcase what he’s able to create with such a variety of soothing sounds. This project was filled with radiance, having sounds from the piano and horns to the drums charmingly beating behind the tracks, never failing to create such a lulling environment for this wonderful Jazzy listening experience.
banzai x Xashmere XO - Gauteng to Gaborone (30 July 2025)
I have always been a fan of the works of banzai, but this was my first introduction to the intriguing sound of Xashmere XO and his distinct raspy voice over this wonderfully crafted seven-track project that had the duo swoon listeners with their satisfying performances over an array of euphonious instrumentals.
Beatmochini x Towdeemac - presents: Machine Soul - TowdeeMac Chapter (5 July 2025)
The award-winning producer and Towdeemac, two legendary figures in the Hip Hop scene, combined their gifts to bless traditional Mzansi Hip Hop fans with a body of impressive joints on this six-track project. I also loved the cameo appearances from the likes of Maglera Doe Boy, Priddy Ugly, Benjamin, and KayGizm. This tape was filled with stunning lyricism over simplistic yet poignant Hip Hop instrumentals, which I absolutely adored.
Ben Reid - CONNECT (11 July 2025)
On this newest single, Ben used this track to express his frustrations with his loss of finding or maintaining connection with people and his surroundings in his life. I really enjoyed this track as I found myself relating to his story, and I adored the cheery instrumental - even though it had a polar opposite vibe to Ben’s somber tale.
BoMalone - B,L,U Tapes, Vol 2 (Better Left Unsaid) (11 July 2025)
Merging his lyrical gifts with his lovely vocal performances over alluring Hip Hop instrumentals, BoMalone did an impeccable job at birthing this gem of a tape. I loved how tranquil of a tape this was, having the talented musician flaunt his skills over an array of expressive Hip Hop instrumentals, especially on my standout track of the tape, titled “steviewondercansee”.
Bvse x Liamar - Lantuza (25 July 2025)
I’ve always known Bvse as a virtuoso who has always been capable of riding any sort of beat, but this new release took the cake, impressing me with how sweet but melancholic his verse was over this gloomy instrumental. Liamar’s verse was also one to love, displaying why I adore his poetic storytelling at the highest level as he did what he always does best over the eerie instrumental.
C.H.A.D - You Stay (25 July 2025)
The talented Capetonian virtuoso dropped this absolute gem of a single. I loved how open and vulnerable C.H.A.D was on this track, unveiling his struggles in his life and how he’s had to endure and overcome his pain, always looking at the bright side of things. His charming melody over the sweet but sombre instrumental was such a joy to experience.
Chloe Zee - FUNNY (4 July 2025)
Evolving her sound to the next level, Chloe did a superb job at providing what I believe to be her best work yet. This five-track EP had the starlet flaunt off every aspect of her talents, flexing her rapping abilities while also exploring more of her singing talents, especially on the track “Lost On The Way” that had her feeling so comfortable with using her special gifts as a musician.
Cistamatic - Psycho Bitch (18 July 2025)
This newest single from the three-piece Punk band from Cape Town was everything that embodies the notorious genre. I loved how loud and vicious the performance was from the stimulating group, having raging guitars roar over Gabbi’s thrilling vocal performance that had me wanting to throw shit everywhere around me.
Creed Oasis x Even - HAMBA (12 July 2025)
Switching up his sound once again, Creed and Even used this exhilarating single to flex their prowess over a wicked instrumental, incorporating heavy bass and 808s while Creed did his usual job at crafting a vibe on any track he touches. I’ve always known how important being a versatile artist is to the young rapper, and this new single proved just that.
Francis Blaz3 x HUGX-INN - KiCK iT!+ (18 July 2025)
Francis did one hell of a number on this one, showcasing his flair over a dystopian Hip Hop instrumental. This track was such a fun listening experience, with the beat having an attractive upbeat tempo that would surely have the clubs bumping. Francis is one we’ve closely been keeping an eye out for, and if you have yet to peep this new single, we urge you to - you’ll understand exactly why we have such high hopes for his ascension in the music scene.
Freddy L - Hallelujah (25 July 2025)
A powerful anthem for the hopeful - this newest single by the inspiring Rock trio was everything I had wished for. These three young geniuses have never failed us with their music releases, and “Hallelujah” was an absolute music paradise, captivating me with Freddy’s potent vocal performance over Claus and Reece’s sensational execution on the instrumentals.
Guluveli - lust (18 July 2025)
Someone, do me a favour and check up on Guluveli for me. His latest duo-release had the rapper expose his unfavourable dealings with the women in his life, and as a listener, you can fully understand the full picture (especially on the track “evil angel”). Although the lyricist spoke on troublous topics, he still kept the vibe buzzing, sharing his story over vibrant Hip Hop instrumentals.
Hannah Morris - Echo Chamber (18 July 2025)
At the young age of only 17, it’s crazy to hear how distinguished Hannah’s sound is at such a juvenile stage in her music career. This track had her unveil her hardships and regrets of being in love, showcasing her lovely voice over a gloomy instrumental that had lovely guitar notes strumming above her heavenly performance.
In2une - proof.demo06 (19 July 2025)
Following the success of his vocal debut on his previous “EXPOSURE.THERAPY” tape, this new single from In2une had the gifted producer and poet share his words over a tranquil instrumental that pulled sounds from the vintage era. I adored how eerie and deep his cadence merged with the elevating beat, creating a sound of uniqueness.
JAYSTEEZE x SlickZack - FRM WAY BACK (4 July 2025)
Instantly stunning me with how mature an approach these musicians put into this five-track project, I was left having to pick up my jaw off the ground after experiencing this polished EP. This was my first time listening to their work, and wow, am I grateful. This project took massive inspiration from the OG Hip Hop era, having mellow instrumentals that created a perfect foundation for the lyricists to do what they do best. This was evident on tracks like “CLEAN FLOW” and “FOR YOU”, and I’ll definitely be following these guys' rise in the scene.
JAYTOOLITT x RayyCore - Take My Hand (20 July 2025)
This is the one for those long, lonely late-night drives on the highway. This short but sweet single had Jay flaunt his elegant singing talents over an alluring Trap-R&B instrumental, speaking on love and urges with a hopeful person in his life. A true love ballad for all the hopeful romantics out there.
Kamve x Pijjin - Illusive Fantasy (4 July 2025)
Exploring an array of attractive sounds, the two creative minds used this six-track project to combine their talents, gifting listeners a blissful listening experience that mainly focused on telling a narrative of the hardships of being in a loving relationship. I loved how expansive and experimental this tape was, easily displaying how these young virtuosos are still free enough to dabble with any kinds of sounds they’re keen on messing around with.
Kila G x Stanley Branson - Kutheni (10 July 2025)
A duo I never expected to see come together to create magic together, this newest heartthrob release by the talented Capetonian vocalists was one of absolute glory. I adored how easily their vocals glided over the smooth and soulful instrumentals that somehow made the song that much intriguing while they used the moment to express their moods and experiences of being in a perplexing yet loving relationship.
Kimberleigh Venty - New Direction (13 July 2025)
Dropping her latest single of self-exploration, this single had the gifted songbird beautifully voice her struggles with being lost in a world of love, begging anyone to direct her on a path that fully makes sense to her. Venty’s vocal performance over this glamorous instrumental was one to die for, captivating me with how powerful and alluring her voice sounded, and I look forward to seeing how she grows her sound more in the near future.
Kristi Lowe - Time With You (25 July 2025)
Building on her already impressive discography, Kristi wasted no time proving why she’s so recognized as one of the most distinguished singers coming out of the Mother City. This new single had the vocalist share her talents over a stunning Jazzy-inspired Soul track, having her express her love and desire to simply spend time with the lover in her life.
Laurde - cOttuP (25 July 2025)
I can’t even begin to break down how brilliant this release was from the mind of Laurde. Not only were his sweet verses on this track a lovely listening experience, but it’s also the beat and instrumental that stole the show, having cute little sounds float above a mesmerizing beat that made this track that much sweeter. It sounds like something that we don’t get to hear that often, so it’s a joy to see someone out there still making bangers of this sort.
LIMAA - Did it get better, darlin? (3 July 2025)
LIMAA did an incredible job with this release, crafting a beautiful song over a sound of serenity that had her unveil her hardships of things not getting better in her life. The second half of this single was a whole journey, having her strong yet lullabying vocals soar over a celestial instrumental that had me feeling like I was soaring in the skies after my first listen of the track.
Lotus Maroon - Hue (11 July 2025)
Simply expressing his thoughts and reflections, Lotus did a swift job at narrating his everyday experiences dealing with his personal opinions and preferences in his life while flaunting both his rapping and singing talents over a smooth Boom Bap instrumental that captured my ear. Lotus Maroon proved to be a true talent in the making with this release.
Love, Tumi - MILANA (25 July 2025)
This was my first listening experience of the gifted singer, instantly making a mark on me with how charming and endearing her voice sounded over an array of entrancing Neo-Soul instrumentals. I especially loved the track “Tired” that had her dominate a wonderful beat with her magnetic voice.
Miggy Pop - Sorry, No Beige (17 July 2025)
The talented Electronic/Dance producer from Cape Town gifted club lovers with a stunning body of Techno-inspired sounds, crafting a number of stimulating numbers for listeners to lose themselves to. I personally loved the track “GimmeMore” while not even really knowing how to describe why - it just all sounded so good, and that’s the same feeling I received from the rest of this intriguing project.
Mopau Mumu - COLLIDE (11 July 2025)
Blending both the sounds of Soul and AfroPop music into one joint, Mopau did an outstanding job at perfecting this new single. I was impressed by her celestial vocal performance as she swooned my ears with this love ballad; however, the beat caught me off guard, dazzling me with the groovy Afro instrumental (sprinkled with subtle Amapiano sounds) that had me wanting to sway my hips along with the tune.
MYNK - A BOOMBOX IN A PUBLIC PLACE (19 July 2025)
Listening to this phenomenal tape had me feeling like I was back under my parents’ roof, listening to the classic sounds they grew up listening to. Being produced by the Paarl native, this project explored sounds from the retro era, reminding me of the greats like Phil Collins or The Police with a contemporary twist to it. I found the title so fitting, as it literally sounded like the music you’d hear from an old-school boombox system - a sound we don’t hear too often anymore these days.
nexa x Crunchy Sweater - I’m Yours (11 July 2025)
A smooth and tranquil listening experience that had me swooning over how gorgeous this track from the two bright musicians sounded, I absolutely cherished everything about this release. nexa’s performance on this groovy joint was top-notch as they expressed their love for one another, while Crunchy Sweater’s execution on the instrumentals was an absolute paradise to listen to. This is a duo I’d definitely like to hear more from in the future!
Nikky Dymondz - Kgosi Teemane (4 July 2025)
Using this six-track EP as a canvas to traverse through different musical grounds, I loved how Nikky decided to tackle this approach with this project. The first half had the virtuoso slow things down with more melodic performances, like the track “Snuggle Pop” alongside the talented Ayanda, while the second half switched things up with a higher tempo, having Nikky flex his lyrical gifts over thrilling Trap instrumentals, especially on the track “On My Momma” that was an absolute vibe to experience with how loud and distorted everything sounded. This was a brilliant effort from the exciting prospect.
ol.floww - Neruda: The last Trilogy (30 July 2025)
I had high expectations for this heavily anticipated sophomore album from the Jozi lyricist. I was already impressed with his earlier single releases, “Issues.” and “Culture.” so I had a really good feeling about this latest offering - and damn did it impress. I enjoyed every offering on this project, having floww share his story of journeying through life while trying to achieve his destiny over sophisticated Hip Hop instrumentals. I was also left feeling grateful listening to this, as it also introduced me to a whole list of newer artists like Puramannie, Frank, The Outcast, Andile A.M, G3NESIS, Kopano Kale, and a whole lot more. I won't lie - this was definitely one of my favourite albums to come out in July.
Phiwo - Falling (25 July 2025)
Narrating her journey of voyaging through her ups and downs in a falling relationship, Phiwo did a splendid job at channelling her somber story through her heartwarming performance on this Neo-Soul single. Her voice glittered all over the radiant and soft instrumental that had me feeling lovestruck. I recall the first time encountering the talented songbird on her cameo appearance for Mark Akol’s “FUBU” release, and I’ve been a fan ever since. It’s brilliant to see her continuing to push her peachy sound.
P$I x Fiji Mageba x Earlridge - SOMEDAY (4 July 2025)
Easily my personal favourite release out of July, this precious release from the trio showcased how simple but emotional a song can be. Fully embracing the R&B genre, P$I put in an outstanding yet catchy performance on the chorus while also allowing Earlridge to do what he does best, lifting listeners up with his angelic vocal performance. And I cannot forget the immaculate production on the instrumental, provided by the incredibly gifted Fiji Mageba, having a bouncy beat with intriguing sounds floating above everything. This track has honestly been stuck in my head for way too long now.
Ricky Akimbo - Still Here (16 July 2025)
Dropping the sequel to his “Fallen Bridge” release, Ricky seems to be quietly building a strong catalogue of Rock-inspired numbers. This new single had the gifted prospect pour all of his heart out on this exhilarating release. I loved how loud and raunchy Ricky’s performance was while also telling a heartwrenching yet relatable tale on this electrifying single.
santana x Ariaty - SUMM3R (11 July 2025)
Fleshing out the underground Trap sound, the two geniuses dropped this gripping six-track EP that had santana have a blast of a time, flaunting his attractive song-making abilities over an array of tantalizing Trap beats, provided by the notorious Ariaty. I’m aware this genre is for the selective few who have the peculiar ear, but for those who know, this was a polished effort from the duo, especially with that track “LUKE CAN FLY”.
Sc23 x Firdy - Clarity (25 July 2025)
Perpetrating his incredulous rapping abilities over grand Hip Hop instrumentals, Sc23 killed his performance over this buzzing track that had me stunned the second I clicked play. However, that verse from Firdy was out of this world, shifting my world with how powerful and influential she sounded. The two virtuosos paired so well on this magnificent instrumental, and it honestly was a joy to experience this tune from the two talents.
Seba Kaapstad - Put Your Digits (18 July 2025)
A funky ass effort from the collective, I loved how groovy and suave this single from the engaging quartet was. Blending all their talents into one, the vibe and atmosphere of this track was one to die for, as the vocalists gifted us with melodies urging a hopeful lover to put their number on their phone. No cap, if you’re trying to hit up a potential love interest, just forward them this track and I bet you’ll find success!
Shoka Sunflower x Moo Latte- For Now Keep Dancing (25 July 2025)
A highly respected and prominent figure in the SA music scene, the anticipation for this project was at an all-time high (especially with the impeccable album rollout), so I could not wait for the official release of this album alongside Moo Latte. I had no reason to worry because this release was a fantastic listening experience, built off authenticity and outstanding performances from the gifted vocalist and producer that had me lulling at how prestigious everything sounded, having tracks like “Skin” and “Still Kicking” embody the spirit that Shoka’s been carrying out throughout his juvenile career.
Tait Mills - City of “Kings” (18 July 2025)
Swaying listeners' ears with his gorgeous voice, I loved how Tait executed this folk-inspired song. The riffs on the guitar strings and the uplifting instrumentals were amazing to experience as he showered many with his captivating storytelling and vocal performance over a heartwarming beat. I loved everything about this track, and I have the highest hopes for this upcoming singer.
Taykatrip - Lost & Found (10 July 2025)
The conceptualization and thought process behind this stunning project from the talented vocalist must’ve been one hell of a process because the execution of this EP was one of the highest standards. Blowing me away with his absorbing performance, Taykatrip had me on a journey of wonder, finding myself lost in the alluring sounds he crafted, while also narrating a tale of his melancholic experiences that he’s had to endure in his life (especially on the eerie but entertaining track “Neverland”).
Thomas Paul - Heartache (25 July 2025)
Being my first time seeing the gifted singer on my radar, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing from this prepossessing singer, capturing my heart with how dynamic he sounded over this elevating heartbreak single that was made for the countless hopeless romantics out there. The performance and energy from the vocalist were such a notable experience, and it’s so exciting to witness a new figure in the scene pave his own way in the world of music.
Venus Vulani - Mama’s Girl (18 July 2025)
After a long hiatus, Venus came through with this new single, releasing a song of hopelessness but also elevation while also showcasing her rough but aesthetically pleasing voice over a soothing instrumental. I was left stunned by how astonishing her vocal performance was over the charming instrumental that had me hoping more would be coming from the gifted songbird after her long hibernation.
VICEQUIAT - GAP TOOTH FLY NIGGA (18 July 2025)
Dominating an eerie instrumental that had a haunting atmosphere, the STAYHOMME rapper used this track to showcase his abilities as a poet, narrating his views and experiences with his surroundings in such a mesmerizing manner. This single showcased how dynamic and experienced VICE is at working his lyrics on any kind of instrumental. Honestly, I can’t see many rappers out there working something out of a beat like this besides him.
we’re alright - pricky pair (4 July 2025)
A magnificent endeavour from the rising Capetonian band, we’re alright had me singing my lungs out along the catchy chorus while also fascinating me with the spectacular performance from the band. Speaking on the experiences of being in a troubling yet affectionate relationship, the group really made me relate to the frustrations of being in that sort of scenario, and they did an exceptional job at portraying that image to listeners out there.
WorldJosi x omgeskay - BANDS IN DA SPOT (4 July 2025)
Distortion, perplexion, and stimulation were everything I received from this riveting Trap experience. I can’t even find a way to explain how I found this single appealing - all I know is how much I was vibing with the disorienting beat that had my head banging with how loud the 808s were ringing in my ear while the trappers dropped their bars over the provocative beat, and I loved every second of it.
WRCKLESS WAVE - AMANDLA (2 July 2025)
Ever since the release of their 2024 tape, titled “HOOD GOSPEL”, I’ve been keeping a close eye on this Hip Hop collective from Stellenbosch, and this new release had me grinning from ear to ear. The crew did it once again, shaking the room with their entertaining performances on this exciting four-track EP.
And there you have it! I hope you’ve discovered a new range of the many talents trying to share their phenomenal work that we at VERVE have had the joy of experiencing.
I urge you (like I always and will forever do) to please peep the works of these artists, share their crafts, and keep supporting what they’re trying to do. The music listed above is featured on our Spotify playlist, so also check that out and continue following our monthly series.
