The VERVE RoundUp Vol.2
It’s been one hell of a busy couple of weeks when it comes to new music releases. With the Winter season finally arriving, artists from near and far wasted no time crafting the most enjoyable listening experiences, solidifying their presence as an established virtuoso within the local music scene.
I was introduced to a wide array of artists, using their unique and entertaining sounds to showcase why they’re to be taken seriously in the South African music world.
This list features what we at VERVE have been cranking over the past month and is our way of showing love and appreciation to what these geniuses were capable of creating.
Alexa Haasbroek - Through (16 May 2025)
Taking her first steps into the world of music, Alexa dropped her debut single, “Through”, capturing my ear with her engaging sound. I loved how soothing and calming her performance was over the thunderous Rock instrumentals, crafting a song of absolute joy.
Angelo Supastara - SEKUNJALO (24 May 2025)
Angelo continues to stun me with her continuous run of music releases. Her distinct sound is so enjoyable to listen to, and this track had her implement her striking rapping talents over a pleasant beat, using loud crunchy 808s guided by a melodic piano instrumental that had me constantly bopping my head. If you haven’t tapped into Supastara’s sound yet, I rate you get up to speed and check out her discography ASAP!
ANVR - Paperback Hero (9 May 2025)
What a track from the captivating Alternative Rock band. I loved how vibrant this song was, merging a beautiful vocal performance over a delightful Rock instrumental that had me singing along with the chorus. This one is definitely the one for Rock lovers.
Babble Hume - Mulberry Trees (2 May 2025)
I am so obsessed with this exciting collective from Jozi. The group of five combined all their gifts to birth this mesmerizing EP, stunning me with how brilliant they are as musicians. Tracks like “On my way (Bring me Back)” and “Foxglove” showcased how dynamic of a boy band they are, crafting some of the most beguiling sounds to come out of the country. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I look forward to seeing how far and great they become in the music scene.
Broken Telephone x M.Phasis x Masiv Wonderful Saan x Indibano - The Invoice (19 May 2025)
I’ve always had a soft spot for sounds with abstract elements. Although this track had eerie and dark elements towards its sound, I enjoyed how interesting and different it was to music we’re pretty much familiar with. It’s always fascinating to see how artists are able to take risks with their sounds, gifting listeners with a fresh take on sound, and this song did exactly that.
Carla Franco - HOT MESS (25 April 2025)
The SAMA nominated songbird dropped her newest fiery single, displaying the true power of her vocal talents over an exhilarating Alt-Pop while ranting about an experience in a toxic and messy love relationship. Carla’s rise in the game has happened in a rapid way and it’s songs like this that prove exactly why she’s such a crowd favourite.
Che Moses - Ultraviolet Flower (17 May 2025)
It’s honestly so amazing how entrancing of a musician Che Moses is. Although this song was six minutes long, I was left begging for more thanks to Che’s stunning vocal range and sombre storytelling on this jaw-dropping track had me feeling enamoured with Che’s sound.
Cece Vee - Fires (16 May 2025)
I loved everything about this single from the Capetonian songbird. From the psychedelic Pop instrumentals all the way to Cece’s angelic performance over this high voltage tune. I absolutely adored her earlier release, titled “Hurricane”, and it’s definitely a sound I’ve always enjoyed. Cece’s decision to make this futuristic sound of her own was the perfect choice for her and I look forward to what else she’s got cooked up.
Cloudy Muro x Emenii - Samba (4 April 2025)
The abundance of talented music performers coming through with their absorbing bodies of art in SA is incredible. These two geniuses cooked up an absolute gem of a single, blending Emenii’s seductive singing performance with Muro’s intoxicating wordplay over the heavenly instrumental. It was my first time encountering their work and I instantly became a fan of theirs.
Creed Oasis - LETTERS I NEVER WROTE pt. 2 (7 May 2025)
Not only is Creed a brilliant lyricist, the kid also has a voice of an angel, using this three-track EP to showcase what he’s able to manufacture over a splendid array of Trap/R&B instrumentals. The track, “NZOBUYA” displayed everything you need to understand of how gifted of an artist Creed really is.
DONTMAKESENZ - Who We Are (30 May 2025)
What a beautiful effort from the talented virtuoso. This track had Senz question himself, his lover, and his truest emotions of being in a confusing relationship. I adored how sterling of a performance Senz displayed over the enthralling R&B instrumental.
Drumfish - Mint (27 May 2025)
Hard Rock is still very much alive and kicking throughout the music world in SA. This new release from the Jozi-based Garage band had them display their talents over a spine-chilling performance, having loud drums booming, raging electric guitars roaring, and an exhilarating vocal performance.
Dwabzi - 2 WAY STREET (30 May 2025)
Ever since his debut release, titled “Die Tonight Freestyle”, it’s been such an honour to witness the start of Dwabzi’s ascension in the music world. This two-track release had the virtuoso flex his gift of blending his singing/rapping talents over stellar instrumentals. I especially favoured the track “HEADLINER” having Dwabzi do his thing over a trippy Hip Hop beat.
Enocs Mae x Keyywav - Isigaba (30 May 2025)
The Neo-Soul community has always been around, however recently I feel like the number of gifted singers pushing the genre further are doing a wonderful job at that. This album had the two combine their talents of soothing Jazz inspired instrumentals and I really enjoyed the cameo appearances from the talented likes of LIINDOR, Shugela, Umntungwambulazi, ZRi, Fiji Mageba, and Keamogetswe who all killed their performances.
Faker Streets x Anica Kiana - All I Wanted (9 May 2025)
This collaboration attempt from the three Capetonian gems was one I was heavily anticipating, and I was impressed with their efforts. This single had them all merge their unique sounds, crafting a song of bliss while flaunting their gifts over this delightful Pop-Rock joint.
Falco Holmz - 4 Peace Sake: II (1 May 2025)
Following the success of his first edition of “4 Peace Sake”, Falco blessed listeners with four singles on the new project, proving to the masses why he’s the truth. I loved how impactful his performances were on each and every joint, and I can’t lie, I’m still obsessed with the track, “Find My Way”. The whole sound of this EP was wholesome and vibey and Falco did a fantastic job of putting it all together.
FREDDY L - Modo (23 May 2025)
The captivating three-man band dropped one hell of a release. We at VERVE have always been aware of how dynamic and talented the group are, but “Modo” had them explore deeper into their distinct gloomy melodic sound while still impressing with their moments of upbeat and explosive array of sounds from Freddy and the instrumentals from the band.
Future Radio - I Love Your Ooh (2 May 2025)
If you’re trying to woo your loved one in any sort of way, just play them this song. This was such a seductive and riveting tune from the musician, praising everything he loves about a loved one. This was an exciting Rock tune, having an upbeat tempo and moments of excitement, especially with that catchy chorus.
Gaffi x B8SE - CHA$AURA (2 May 2025)
The Xhosa Rap scene will never let me down with the amounts of emerging music sensations coming out of the country. The two lyricists shook the room with their intoxicating rap performances over exhilirating Trap beats. You can easily hear through this project how much fun the two had crafting this project, and the track “ANELITHA” showcases exactly that.
Ghia Leigh - Awake (9 April 2025)
There’s something so special about how this tune by Ghia makes me feel every time I listen to it. It’s just one of those feel-good listening experiences that that takes you away to a different place, having a blend of smooth and lush Jazzy/Neo-Soul elements while Ghia took us away with her angelic vocal performance. This is definitely the track for those lonely forest adventures.
Guluveli - Playboy (9 May 2025)
I enjoyed how much fun of a listening experience this was. “Playboy” had Guluveli narrate his everyday lifestyle episodes as a stylish young man having a bit too much fun with the ladies in his life. Gulu’s performance on the amusing beat was one of top-notch quality.
Jade Garisch - Blood Moon (9 May 2025)
I always love when musicians switch up their sounds, tackling a brand-new world to explore for listeners to lose themselves in. Jade’s new approach to the dance genre has been exciting and I enjoyed how gripping this new single was, combining her voice with an upbeat Drum N Bass beat that had my heading rocking back and forth.
JOEY - synthetic speech (21 May 2025)
JOEY’s run of releases continues to blow me away with how satisfying every release is. This new single was such a joy to listen, having the poet flaunt his bars over a dreamy instrumental, provided by the one and only Viljar Jorgensen.
Joshua Futura - Glasshouse Theory (11 April 2025)
I was never familiar with Futura before, so I had no idea what to expect before clicking play on this project. My God, what an unbelievable listening experience this was from the Jozi novice. Everything about this EP was phenomenal, from the curation, to the beats, to the production quality, and of course Joshua’s mind-bending performance that made it clear how incredibly gifted the poet is. This will definitely go down as one of my personal favourite Hip Hop joints to come out this year.
Joshua Morris - Are You Happy Now (16 May 2025)
There’s something therepeutic about a Joshua Morris listening experience. His latest release had me vibing along with his soothing vocal performance over a vibey instrumental that always captivated me with the interesting background noises or synth sounds. I can’t lie; it’s a sound I haven’t heard from anyone else in the scene but I’m grateful that we have Joshua to take on this unique genre.
Keely Crocker - Drive myself insane (23 May 2025)
Officially jumping into the world of music, Keely Crocker released her debut single, displaying what she’s capable of creating as an artist. Her performance on this sweet track was sublime, blessing listeners with a heavenly Pop track that had her dominating the song with her galvanizing voice.
kyabo - X-15 (16 May 2025)
This was such a marvellous listening experience from the Alt-R&B musician, dropping a two-track release that had me falling in love with kyabo’s sound all over again. I especially couldn’t stop grooving to “Radar (I Still Feel A Way)”, which had the songbird ride a bouncy instrumental alongside the talented Shoka Sunflower.
Leo Brenin - eBhayi (25 April 2025)
Although short and sweet, this beautiful ballad from Leo had the singer display a stellar performance over a simple instrumental that brought about feelings of allure. Leo’s rise as a brilliantly minded singer continues to rise, and it’s moments like these that’ll continue to establish him as a talent within the SA music world.
Llello - IN TORO (5 May 2025)
I can’t even begin to describe how phenomenal this album was from the Jozi singer. Being her first official full-length project, Llello did everything necessary to prove how gifted of an artist she truly is on this blend of a Neo-Soul project. Tracks like “SADGAME (featuring Whitney) and “THINGS I THOUGHT YOU SAID” were stunning to vibe out to. I look forward to many more of these listening experiences with Llello’s future releases.
Lonnie Mak - F.F.Y (25 April 2025)
This young starlet dropped this soulful gem of a track, speaking on the hardships of falling in love in such a stunning manner. I loved how smooth and tranquil the instrumentals were, providing the perfect canvas for Lonnie to flaunt her singing gifts.
Lucas Chubbs x spacerover x Same - NO STEEZ (FOCUSED) (2 May 2025)
The vibe on this track, by the ASCENSION PLEA’S affiliates, captured my ear from the get-go, having bubbly background sounds floating above a lovely Hip Hop beat, produced by spacerover, and I enjoyed all the verses from the artists.
Luvleigh - Alright (9 May 2025)
Listening to this single by the talented songbird had me feeling glorious. The energy and her overall performance were a blessing to experience. The Country Pop genre is one I don’t usually find myself experiencing all too much, so I really appreciated how charming this tune was from the bright musician.
MC.CPT - RACK TALK (4 May 2025)
The WINNERBOYZ stay winning. After quite some time, MC finally returned to the Trap game, dropping this fire single, highlighting why he’s so entertaining as a Trapstar. The beat was phenomenal, and I still can’t get over how peculiar MC’s voice is, perfectly using his husky voice to match the energy of the beat.
Meccamind x Passionpanther - MOTHO O (30 April 2025)
The boys from Bloemfontein wasted no time adding fuel towards their wave of the swaggaboi MUZIK sound. You can tell they had fun crafting this banger of a Hip Hop single and hats off to boni xiii for the divine beat, blending elements from Hip Hop and the Brazilian Phonk genre.
Mtwana x DJ Funky x Badman Beats - African Queen (2 May 2025)
Mtwana’s display of affection and adoration on this AfroPop love ballad was simply outstanding to listen to. I loved how powerful and loud his vocal capabilities were over the groovy beat, produced by the gifted Badman Beats and DJ Funky.
MvRk - Lzy Tapes, Vol. 2 (17 May 2025)
Beats, beats, and only beats is one of the best ways to truly enjoy and comprehend the art of beatmaking. MvRk used this tape to show off an array of suave beats, blending elements from Hip Hop, R&B, and Jazz. It’s no wonder a pocket of artists are always keen to have him produce their instrumentals for their own music.
Mwai - New Rock (31 May 2025)
The young Trap sensation dropped this ten-track album, flexing how incredibly exciting and energetic his sound can truly be. I loved how loud and booming the instrumentals were on this project and Mwai was clearly comfortable and capable of dominating each and every track with his engaging performance.
ol.floww x Retha Bills x Emenii - Issues (30 May 2025)
I admired every one of the performances on this Soulful attempt. This was the first time I was introduced to each of these singers and I immediately fell in love with how sophisticated their approach was to the R&B/Soul genre and I look forward to many more of their next collaboration efforts.
Pixie Whip - MOOD BUTTERFLY (9 May 2025)
The Capetonian Popstar did a splendid job on crafting this precious four-track EP, presenting a body of magnificent Pop tunes that had her journey her everyday life and love experiences. An impressive effort from the brilliant songbird.
Precious - Rest (15 April 2025)
Precious did a fantastic job at swooning listeners with her wonderful vocal capabilities over this delectable Soul instrumental. Being her fifth official single release, it’s tunes like this that make me look forward to a hopeful project from the incredible singer.
PSILK x Thando Zide - With You In Mind (23 May 2025)
PSILK’s ascension as a standout musician in the music world is one I have loved witnessing. I feel like every song he puts out there leaves me with a powerful impression and this track alongside the outstanding Thando Zide was another song filled with excellence through their stunning performances.
Pumas+Roses - GRIME AND GRACE (2 May 2025)
A glorious effort from a glorious musician. Pumas used this twelve-tracked album to fully display his sound in the most illustrious way possible. I especially loved the heavy roster of talented cameo appearances from the likes of Shimii, LLELLO, ZRi, Vicequiat, Njebo Selah, and much more.
Reece Berkeley - Lost for Words (30 MAY 2025)
Dropping his first ever solo single, Reece proved to not only be an incredible drummer, but also a man who can make an impact with his heavenly singing performance that really surprised me. I loved how beautifully written this song was and the overall performance was an absolute delight to experience.
Rueth - Wun’t I (18 April 2025)
Rueth really did one heck of a job at stunning me with her flawless her sound is over this Trap/R&B song. The balance between her angelic voice and the heavy hi hats and 808’s was phenomenal to experience and I enjoyed every second of this tune.
Seventhirty - Lowlife (23 May 2025)
I warn you, this project is not for the feint hearted. Everything about this project is intense, from the heavy Trap elements, loud 808’s, booming bass, and Seventhirty’s provocative performance on this exciting Trap effort.
Skys A Blu - Closer (8 May 2025)
I can’t lie; this was surprisingly my kind of jam. I enjoyed how sweet and soothing this tune was from the wonderful singer, impressing me with how lovely her voice sounded on this classic sounding Pop instrumental that had me singing along to the chorus for a whole day.
Shoka Sunflower x Moo Latte - Cashrule$ (21 May 2025)
Shoka truly is next up with his consistent run of inspirational music. His latest release had him team up with the prestigious producer, Moo Latte, crafting an enjoyable tune that drew inspiration from the classic tune C.R.E.A.M by the legendary Wu Tang Clan.
Suarie - blurred (30 MAY 2025)
Switching his sound to a more intoxicating version of his previous releases, the young lyricist dominated this track, flaunting his wordplay over the highly stimulating Trap instrumental. It’s always cool to see young artists experiment more with their sound and Suarie did a dope job at switching it up.
Talicia - Sway (25 April 2025)
This was such a vibrant listening experience from the young songbird. Her energy and performance on this soulful single were gorgeous to listen to, even having me swaying my own head throughout the whole song. A lovely attempt from a young star on our hands.
Tash Ayy - 1v1 (30 May 2025)
Tash’s amazing talents to rock out on a blend of sounds is truly stunning. This three-track project had the sensational performer rock out to lovely Trap/Rock inspired instrumentals, proving to be the perfect environment for his unique sound.
uBeyond x Tojie Cai x Dan Gregory - Mamba Juice (22 May 2025)
Having these three talented virtuosos come together to release this touching album was everything I could have asked for. The trio blessed listeners with some Soulful Jazz music that had me feeling uplifted and better about myself. I guess that’s the power “Mamba Juice” and their music and I adored every bit of this project.
Zack Mansion x Jac Lou - Reset (21 May 2025)
This dynamic duo produced one hell of a Hip Hop experience. Jac did an impeccable job at consistently maintaining the flow and energy of this thrilling project while Zack provided some of the stunning beats out there for Jac to really dominate.
And that’s all for now. Of course, we had many more releases that we’ve been bumping, however if we missed any that you think we’re not aware of, let us know in the comments and it’ll probably end up on the playlist, available on Spotify for all to hear.
Thank you for reading. With the winter season having landed, we can’t wait to see what the music scene has in store for us to experience. It’s why I love what I do at VERVE.
