The VERVE RoundUp Vol.1
Cover Artist - @issrueeaaa
We always knew growing VERVE wouldn’t have been an easy task but damn it has been crazy.
With so many upcoming projects lined up for us, a massive part of me missed how all of this even started in the first place - my love for music and simply writing about the sounds I was experiencing around me.
And man have I been listening to some of the finest bodies of art from so many brilliant minds. I thought it’d only be fair to touch on the ones that the team and I have been heavily messing with over the recent weeks.
These are the tunes or projects that captured our hearts, coming from artists of all genres. Keep in mind there is no ranking, I’m just alphabetically listing what we liked. If we missed anyone else or you have a special mention, let us know in the comments. It’s why I love doing what we do at VERVE.
A.B.T x Liamar - Tryna Get This Money (23 April 2025)
A.B.T has this charming effect when it comes to his music. I remember first encountering his sound after the release of his captivating single, titled “Nguban’ Le Ngan” and immediately fell in love. The two gifted lyricists combined their talents over this new single, crafting a vibrant track with one of the catchiest hooks I’ve heard this year.
Babble Hume - Marigold (14 March 2025)
I’ve always been an admirer of Nnashe, Earlridge, and S-Que’s individual discographies, so seeing them all come together to combine their gifts as a boy band, alongside producers 6teen and Jiggy Stapes, was a blessing for me. “Marigold” was amazing to listen to, stunning me with their enchanting vocal performances over a thrilling instrumental.
banzai x briann Bc - Long Way Home (20 April 2025)
The nation of Botswana has an abundance of talented virtuosos crafting the most splendid music. This track featured the two members from the Ascension Pleas collective flaunting their skills over a smooth instrumental, narrating their stories of their experiences in their everyday lives. I was impressed by their lyrical abilities, and banzai’s vocal performance was out of this world. Keep an eye out for Ascension Pleas; they're really out here doing the lord’s work with the music they’re creating.
Cellz - The Voice In My Head (25 April 2025)
After I was fortunate enough to attend a couple of Cellz’s shows during his Sonic Bridges Tour in Cape Town, this outstanding debut album release from the German-South African singer further proved how dynamic of an artist he is, creating gorgeous tunes that blended elements from the R&B, Neo-Soul, and Jazz genres.
Certified Genius - 500 DAY$ IN BRAAM (14 March 2025)
An ode for the Braamfontein suburb, Certified created this project with the intention of striking listeners with his insane beats and exciting performances on each and every track. If there was any track that left me stunned, it had to be “Antique” (alongside Angelo Superstara) but honestly, the whole project is a must-listen.
chaylon j. - good mourning (18 April 2025)
After clicking play on chaylon’s newest release and listening to the opening track, “meditacation”, I knew I was in for a ride, and boy was that journey marvelous. Blending his impeccable talents on the guitar with his vocal performances, this eleven-track project was filled with alluring songs like “shore” or “wasteful” that almost had me tearing up, it was that beautiful.
Dnemas - Free (21 March 2025)
Dnemas performance on this track had me left speechless. I loved how powerful his vocal range was, as he sang his ballad of love and what he’d like to experience alongside being love, heavily expressing that he simply wants to feel free with his loved ones. A charming sentiment for a charming song.
Dwabzi - Die Tonight Freestyle (16 April 2025)
A good friend of mine plugged me with this song by Dwabzi and I must thank him again for that. I loved everything about this song, from the eerie instrumental to his dazzling performance, merging both his singing and rapping abilities, creating such a delightful sound for an impressive song. I look forward to seeing what else the young virtuoso has locked in the vault.
EMBA - High/Low (15 April 2025)
This heartbreak song from the talented songbird had her unveil the ups and downs of being involved in a strenuous relationship, a tale I’m sure we’ve all experienced. Her performance on this track was amazing to listen to, with her creating scintillating melodies and a lovely chorus.
GR8FUL - MY SEASON (21 February 2025)
GR8FUL’s ascension in the Hip Hop realm has been impressive, even having recently worked alongside Priddy Ugly and KindlyNxsh for his track titled “Gimmicks”. However, it was this particular song that I absolutely adored, having Soulful Clay produce the lovely beat to have them craft both a jovial tune.
HZA - 24 HRS (14 February 2025)
It seems like South Africa has a new R&B gem in their hands. This track was a joy to listen to, having the young singer expand on his urges to be with a potential lover for just a day while displaying his attractive singing abilities over a bouncy beat. This track took me back to the days of the early 2010’s when this sound was at its peak, and I’m hopeful he’s the right musician to fully bring the sound back to the SA music environment.
In2une - Sway2uu_ (18 April 2025)
If you’ve been reading VERVE from day one, you’ll be aware of how much we love this bright-minded beatmakers' work. This six-track EP had the producer showcase some of the most pleasing music, crafting an enjoyable experience of smooth elementary beats for beat lovers to lose themselves in.
Internet Girl - TREAT HIM LIKE A BABY (9 April 2025)
The streak continues for the highly appreciated Garage/Punk group. This track had everything you could expect from an Internet Girl song, having raging guitars roaring over the heavy slaps of the drums while Ntsika’s vocal performances dominated the overall track. Big things are still expected from the exciting group, and this track proves just that.
i-SO - Quarter of a Century (1 March 2025)
With only two songs on this release, i-SO used every opportunity to flaunt his amazing singing voice over sultry sounds. I personally loved the rawness of “iSbhanxa Demo”, having him showcase how soothing yet powerful his vocal range truly can be within his music.
Jabulile Majola - Isitifiketi (25 April 2025)
This is a project I can’t seem to stop listening to. This outstanding effort from the enchanting folk singer from Kwa Zulu Natal was a body of deep and personal tales from his experiences being guided by soft instrumentals alongside his alluring performances with his guitar.
jodecifeenin x PSILK - Need That (14 March 2025)
After the release of “Empty Cup” by this wizard of a musician, I really became a fan of his work and I was super excited to hear he’d be working from PSILK, another artist I’ve recently discovered. This new release did not disappoint, having the two combine their sultry vocals over a funky Alt-Pop instrumental.
JOEY - Back to the Sun (28 March 2025)
Every time JOEY drops, the anticipation for his project continues to build up and this song just showcases what sounds we can expect from the skilled lyricist. “Back to the Sun” had the wordsmith flaunt his slick wordplay over a dandy beat provided by the talented Viljar.
Kai Scott - River That Washes Me Blind (28 March 2025)
Kai did a stunning job on this ethio-jazz-inspired piano performance, using the track to explore an array of questions from one side of an ending relationship. This was a beautifully written song and the whole environment of this single was warm and wholesome.
Kenz3i - Kenz3i (22 April 2025)
What a way to make an instant impression. Kenz3i wasted no time making his presence known on this intoxicating Hip Hop project, borrowing elements from artists like Yeat and Playboi Carti to gift listeners with a gripping experience, utilizing heavy bass and 808s while displaying his thrilling performances, bringing about a project of top quality.
KULA - Ponder (4 April 2025)
I was surprised to discover that this groovy single by the Jazzy R&B singer was his debut attempt. I was blown away by how sophisticated but heavenly his performance was over the divine instrumental that fitted his sound perfectly.
Lee3x3i x Jordan Downs - Excellent (25 March 2025)
For so long had I been waiting for a new song by this prolific poet and we were finally blessed with exactly that. “Excellent” was a gorgeous attempt, having the rapper speak on his troubles and movements in his everyday life occurrences. His wordplay was out of this world and his flow fitted perfectly with the elegant instrumental.
L3bby - 53LF D357RUC7 (31 March 2025)
L3bby’s sound is always a breath of fresh air, never failing to introduce me to a whole range of intriguing sounds I have never heard before, paired with his engaging performances. I especially enjoyed the track “8pm Sunset” which had me bumping my head uncontrollably alongside the enthralling instrumental.
makwil. x LOUNGE SINGER - Drizzl3 (3 April 2025)
Seeing the likes of these two amazing creatives tag team together to work on a couple of joints was everything I needed. This three-track EP had the duo flex their abilities on the highest level, having makwil. exhibit his absorbing lyrical abilities over LOUNGE SINGER’s riveting beats. The track “Suit up (New Love.) was my standout single and I urge you to check it out if you haven’t yet. You won’t be disappointed.
MANA - Orb (20 March 2025)
What a dreamy listening experience this was. I remember the first time Jeriah and I found out about MANA, attending her mesmerizing live performance of this project and walking out of the show with our jaws dropped to the floor. Everything about the whole performance and production of this project was glorious to listen to and I’m glad it’s finally out for the masses to experience.
Metro Villa - Honey (28 March 2025)
If anyone had to ask you to describe the sound of the Cape Town Indie scene, I’d easily respond with this track from this intoxicating band. Everything about this song was explosive and stimulating, having raging electric guitars bouncing off the slams of the drums that had me jumping up and down from my seat.
Mick Kairo - Spills & Thrills (3 March 2025)
I definitely wouldn’t consider myself a baddie, but damn if I was, this is the type of music I’d be listening to everyday. Mick’s performance on this four-track project had her unveil her truest thoughts of being in the most toxic types of relationships, reflecting and responding to a lot of instances that many would struggle with. And her voice was just out of this world, expanding her lovely cadence over mesmerizing instrumentals.
Miss Morena - C.O.B.R.A.S I (28 March 2025)
This project from the Upington-born lyricist had her be the truest form of herself. While still being vulnerable about her experiences, I loved how she pushed the narrative of always focusing on yourself and being selfish about it. It’s a feeling I’ve been having lately, and I was so pleased with how she portrayed this message in such a beautiful manner using music. A true project of self-discovery and self-love.
Nalu - Timamoon (14 March 2025)
This single is a whole vessel of emotions. Every time I listen to it, I feel like I’m transported to a whole new dimension of predisposition. I’ve always appreciated Nalu for her breathtaking voice, but this particular single takes the cake, backed by the perplexing instrumental that left me feeling pious.
nexa - Picnic (4 April 2025)
Damn did this six-track project from the Jozi-based songbird make me feel all kinds of ways. I loved how they made themself so conscientious and vulnerable for their audience, inviting listeners into their world with their delightful voice over the pleasant strummings of the guitars that fitted their world so perfectly.
Njebo Selah x Pumas+Roses - I’M WHAT YOU NEED (6 March 2025)
I hate but love that this song was only a minute and a half long. I was left begging for more because everything about this song was marvellous, but understandably it made sense for the sudden conclusion. I’m very much aware and in love with Puma’s sound, but being my first introduction to Njebo’s music, this track was a brilliant way to introduce himself as a sophisticated lyricist.
PSILK - Dive (4 April 2025)
I’ve always said it before, but I will never stop thanking VERVE for introducing me to new sounds from the oddest regions. This wonderful artist from Oudtshoorn already impressed me with his “No Shame” project from last year and his newest single had him continue his formula of exploring his absorbing sound, captivating me with this heavenly track.
Pumas+Roses x Enocs Mae x Umntungwambulazi - FATE (28 February 2025)
We already featured the release of “I STILL LOVE YOU FROM A MILE”, but “FATE” was an absolute stunner of a track from the gifted virtuoso. Puma’s did a phenomenal job at pairing his appealing performance with the viciousness of the beat. However, the cameo appearances from Enocs Mae and Umntungwambulazi were what left me sitting at my seat feeling dumbfounded. What an absolute joy of a song.
RGRSNW - SAID IT ALL (14 March 2025)
The ascension of RGRSNW is one I’ve kept a close eye on. The guy makes outstanding music, and this track was one I was heavily anticipating, it did not disappoint, having the talented vocalist dominate an explosive R&B instrumental while narrating his experience of love and heartbreaks.
RUVA - Thank You Lord (28 March 2025)
Soul is still alive in South Africa! Not that it ever went missing, but RUVA’s contribution to the genre reassures me of that statement. This track by the talented vocalist brought all the wholesome and holy vibes. I don’t know how to explain it…I guess it just felt like this was one of those songs that just made me feel good all over my body and spirit.
Sa’int Lucid - Neptune (1 April 2025)
Wow! Absolutely wow! I only found out about Sa’int not so long after the release of “Treat You Right” which I absolutely adored. However, this six-track project left me stunned. I loved how every track had the proficient vocalist tackle on a range of elementary R&B instrumentals that begged him to expand his abilities, however, I felt that he never came up short and instead did an impeccable job at every attempt.
Sani Lockeheart - Drive (25 April 2025)
Yeah, I get it may sound corny, but this really is the perfect song for those midnight drives on the highway. Sani has this brilliant way of merging his seductive vocal performances with his R&B beat selections, always crafting an environment of melancholy. This new release from him did this at the highest level and it’s why I adored it so much.
Sir Steez - IT’S POSSIBLE! (25 April 2025)
Steez is simply a vibe, especially on his newest release. This track had the suave poet flaunt his bars over a vibey Hip Hop instrumental. I loved how each and every of his bars landed perfectly, but I can’t help but feel like his cadence carried him through this instrumental. I honestly couldn’t picture anyone else on this majestic beat.
Suarie - Mental Exhibit (14 March 2025)
There’s always the beauty of simplicity through complexity. Suarie did exactly that on this eccentric Hip Hop banger, flexing his range over two simple yet diametric beats on this one track. Both sides of his performances were brilliant to listen to, and it was impressive how theatrical of a lyricist he truly can be.
Supah Mpondo - Amadlozi Ayabiza (5 April 2025)
Jeriah introduced me to Mpondo’s work and I haven’t looked back since. I love how versatile of an artist he is when it comes to the beats he wants to work with, and how impactful he is with every opportunity he gets. The track “Ndivumeni” is a testament to that. Mpondo is one of those artists you never know what to expect next from and it’s why I appreciate his approach to music so much. This project proves exactly that.
TASH AYY - TOO MUCH (11 April 2025)
There’s just something I can’t help but appreciate when an artist uses their music to showcase their vulnerability towards a wider audience. Tash did a brilliant job at doing this with this infectious release, while also displaying his stimulating performance over a menacing Emo-Trap instrumental.
TAYKATRIP x Namakau Star - Sweet Nothing (10 April 2025)
Seeing the two of these two Soul gems come together was always going to be a blessing in disguise. I loved how passionate and affectionate of a track this was, having the two songbirds flaunt their gifts over a heavenly instrumental while reflecting on their experiences of being in love.
T!MBO - OUTTA TOUCH (11 April 2025)
Recently, I’ve had a lot of people look at me as some local music expert, and they always ask me who’s next up in the game. Of course, I don’t know the answer. However, there’s just something about T!MBO’s sound and approach to his music that is so magical, and I always recommend people to check his discography out. His newest song is an outstanding effort, having the adept virtuoso explore his sound over a sombre instrumental that had me having goosebumps by the ending.
Tembipowers x LD Beats - THERE’S A WAR OUTSIDE (25 April 2025)
For too long have I been a fan of Tembi’s. But can you blame me when he keeps dropping outstanding bodies of art? This new album had the Capetonian lyricist flex his enticing bars over some of the most menacing beats provided by LD Beats, and I loved how all the cameo appearances from the likes of Kane Keid, Simulationrxps, Dee Koala, Kane Keid, Young OG CPT, and Flow Jones Jr. all put in an exceptional shift in making sure this project was a success.
The Rocc Lobsters - Just Live It Up (14 February 2025)
Hear me out for a second now. Wouldn’t this track by this energetic Indie band fit perfectly in a FIFA video game soundtrack? This tune had everything vibey, from the funky guitar notes to the riveting slams of the drums. And let’s not forget that catchy hook that had me relishing this absolute banger of a song.
Tyler Page - Light (4 April 2025)
I really enjoyed Tyler’s 2024 release, “Dark”, so it was really cool to see her flip the script with her newest project. The Pop sensation crafted a six-track body of captivating sounds, blending them with her outstanding and powerful performances on each and every track.
Tymicah x J Clu - places we could go (14 March 2025)
You ever heard of the term ‘feel good music’? Yeah well, this fits that term perfectly. Tymicah and Clu did a fantastic job at combining their distinct voices on this Afrobeat track, creating a tune of bliss and vibes. Who would’ve thought the two would do so well on such a complex sound?
VAPI - Hiatus Was Never The Plan (25 April 2025)
This was a project I had been heavily anticipating for a while. When it was finally released for the public to experience, I was left speechless by how galvanizing this album was. VAPI’s lyrical abilities were filled with eloquence over the most astounding beats produced by Akhil Budhal, one of the sweetest beatmakers in the scene right now.
VICEQUIAT. - SAMO (10 April 2025)
I loved how honest this track by the Jozi-based lyricist was, speaking on his urges to switch up his life in a better way while also reflecting on his current situation and how he’s actually moving around. Although this joint had a tranquil environment (especially with that gentle beat), there was always a sense of gloom. I love songs that can pull off that feeling.
Viljar - Thought She Was (23 April 2025)
I was introduced to Viljar’s sound through his production efforts for many of JOEY’s discography. However, that was mainly his Hip Hop beats, and I was impressed to find out how expansive his sound really is. Viljar tapped himself into the Underground Techno sound, crafting an upbeat dance number that had me wanting to find any club closest to me. And me being a massive Masego fan, the sampling of “Navajo” was a cracking touch.
Wvvy Flv - WAVVY PACK (27 April 2025)
Wvvy’s done it again! This three-track project had the soulful musician flex his talents over an array of alluring instrumentals. From the serene sounds of “pleaser” to then picking up the environment with the Drill-inspired “rodeo” to then closing off the pack with his “2-seater freestyle” which was a vibe to experience. The sky is the limit for this brilliant musician.
And there you have it! Obviously, there was plenty more stunning music I would have loved to mention on this list. However, doing that would mean I would never leave my laptop screen.
On a serious note, though. As fun as this list was to compile, moving forward, this is how we’ll be handling our music reviews. When we started VERVE, things were simpler then when I was able to cover whoever I came across.
However, the more we’ve grown, the more artists have been seeing us as a platform to showcase their work. Our DM’s and emails have been crazy and it’s such a beautiful sight to see. It means we’re doing the right thing.
I decided instead of doing the individual reviews, this is how I’d be able to include as much of the outstanding music we’ve been plugged with. So continue spamming us with submissions. We at VERVE will do our utmost best to check out everything and I look forward to writing the next volume of this new series.
