The VERVE Roundup Vol. 3 - Winter Edition
The Winter season has officially arrived! With the spine-chilling breeze and heavy rain raging over the nation, we at least have our many musicians blessing us with their gifts to warm our ears during the upcoming freezing months.
And of course, we at VERVE, have done it once again. In our third installment of our roundup selections, we’ve gathered the many new bodies of art, crafted by the numerous emerging artists trying to make a mark in the music scene.
Cozy yourself up, grab that hot chocolate (I’m more of a Milo guy), and enjoy the list!
Akeeda - I Forget Myself (27 June 2025)
Bursting onto the scene with this affectionate four-track EP, Akeeda pulled off a splendid performance at conveying her eloquent message while displaying her bewildering vocal talents over heavenly alternative/indie instrumentals. What I loved the most about this project was how clearly her emotions were portrayed through her performance, bringing about a feeling of warmth while also narrating a sombre tale of her struggles and disputes of being in love.
Alex Biaya - Toxic Friend (6 June 2025)
Continuing his impressive form of single releases, Alex Biaya stunned his many listeners once again with this voluptuous release. Tackling the topic of dealing with a toxic mutual relationship with a potential love interest, Alex did a fantastic job at crafting an intriguing environment with his performance, aided by the upbeat instrumental that kicks in halfway through this gem of a single. It just makes me wonder when a full-length project from the gifted singer can be expected…
Alyssa Dione - Digital Criminal (19 June 2025)
After listening to this thrilling release by the rising Pop princess, I still struggle to distinguish what even is a ‘digital criminal’. I don’t even care though…All I know is this release slaps. I loved everything about this electrifying single, having raging guitars blare over an alluring Pop instrumental while having Alyssa dominate the sounds with her powerful vocal performance. This was my first time being introduced to Alyssa’s sound, and I’m happy to have experienced it. It just reassures me that the Pop sound is in safe hands.
Ama Gaisie - Be Sure (27 June 2025)
Tapping into the popular AfroBeat genre, Ama dropped this wonderful single, flaunting her tantalizing talents over an absorbing instrumental that had me swaying from side to side. I was already impressed by her 2024 Soul EP release, titled “Cocoon”, but this next step in her journey has me fully confident in how far she can expand her sound and growth as a songbird.
Ben Reid - CRITICAL (6 June 2025)
What an absolute funky tune from the Capetonian sensation. This new release had Ben pour his heart over an invigorating Pop instrumental, showcasing how brilliant of a singer he truly is while also narrating his opinions of a special someone in his life, presenting his perspective of how critical his lover can be and how that makes him really feel deep inside.
Benjamin Jephta x Kujenga x Sisonke Xonti x Bokani Dyer - Homecoming (Part 1) [Revisited] (30 May 2025)
Experiencing this release felt like watching a Marvel’s “Avengers” movie, seeing all the multiple Jazz fanatics merge into one to gift Jazz lovers a track of absolute bliss. Everyone involved in this single did a superb job at captivating listeners with this amazing release, impressing listeners with outstanding sounds from each and every band member.
Big Body Bones - Speaking of The Devil (Demos) (24 June 2025)
To think this release might just be a compilation of demos blows my mind. I honestly felt like each and every song on this ten-track project was an individual experience of its own. Bones has this incredible gift of drawing listeners in with his commanding presence on every tune, galvanizing listeners with his absorbing lyrical abilities and storytelling gifts. I especially adored the cameo appearances from Tarania, however, the track, titled “4 Wish Genie” alongside sandrahhh, was the one that truly stole my heart. I can’t lie, that may be my favourite song of the year…
Chvrlie Earthling - A Million Other Things (13 June 2025)
I honestly cannot fully describe how breathtaking Earthling’s vocal abilities are. This new release had the songbird lift me off my feet with how angelic his performance was, having the singer serenade a lover over a romantic soul instrumental. This track is definitely the one for all the hopeless romantics out there, trust me!
Cloudy Muro x Melanie N x Mr dope Boi - One of One (25 June 2025)
After falling in love with his earlier release, titled “Samba” (alongside Emenii), Muro dropped another gem, teaming up with Melanie N and Mr dope Boi, introducing VERVE to two new brilliant artists. This track had the trio flaunting their gifts, having Melanie snatch souls with her marvellous singing abilities while Muro and dope Boi stunned listeners with their lyrical gifts over a peachy R&B instrumental.
Crunchy Sweater - Lazy (25 June 2025)
I admired how groovy this listening experience was from the Jozi-based musician. This single had the polished virtuoso lay out all his talents over a smooth instrumental, aided by lovely guitar notes which really made me fall in love with the tracks a hundred times more. That electric guitar solo halfway through the track was a bliss to listen to and the whole track was brilliant from start to finish. Listening to this made sense as to why he’s already a SAMA-nominated artist.
DONTMAKESENZ - The Blueprint (27 June 2025)
If you’re not familiar with the talents of DONTMAKESENZ, now’s the time to tap the fuck in. Not only is he a suave vocalist, but the guy can also spit mad bars. This dual pack release had SENZ flex his lyrical abilities on the track, “Blueprint”, over a heavy Trap instrumental before flipping the script on the following track, “Back In Dubane”, swooning listeners with his smooth performance. However, that cameo appearance from Jay was out of this world. The guy has a voice on him and that’s another new artist added to the VERVE list.
Doog Reppar x Kvmplex x Slezzy K - Di Power (25 June 2025)
This track is tough! The boys from Jozi went all out for this Trap anthem, stunning me with their captivating rap performances over the spine-chilling Trap instrumental, crafted by the talented BiggaBeatz and Dominus Zackey. Trust me when I tell you, with their multiple incredible releases, this crew is who I predict to be next up in the Jozi Hip Hop scene. Just watch the space.
Ernimarr x Kenz3i - Love Me (18 June 2025)
If you’re not a fan of the art of the ‘baby voice’ sound, you’re missing out on a whole exciting sound. The Capetonian Trapstar teamed up with Kenz3i to manufacture this thrilling Opium inspired single, merging an invigorating instrumental with intense bass and 808s. This single was full of energy, gifting listeners with a vibrant tune to lose their minds in.
Faker Streets - Always Been About You (27 June 2025)
The momentum from the two lads from Cape Town continues to blossom with their many releases. Their newest single had Liam sway listeners with his beautiful performance over an alluring instrumental, narrating his story and experiences of being in a loving relationship. Their sound has continued to grow on me, and I look forward to seeing how far they continue to expand their sound.
Francis Blaz3 - Crim$$$on night$$$ (16 June 2025)
Being my first time experiencing Blaz3’s discography, I found myself quickly being immersed in his unique sound. This three-track release had Blaz3 flaunt his gifts while also exploring an array of strange and enigmatical instrumentals. I especially found myself loving the track "STILL S3ARCHING!+” alongside Tommygone and Bokbeats.
Frankness Everyday - Ape Kill Ape (2 June 2025)
To capture and understand the truest form of the art of Hip Hop, a simple listening experience to this project by the rising poet is all you need. Frankness dominated each and every track on this seven-piece project, flexing his lyrical gifts over an array of tantalizing Hip Hop instrumentals. I also loved the fact that this project introduced me to multiple new artists on the horizon, discovering artists like Slim Dumpie, Shenge Milano, Khaya DoomAKU, Spooko Mfana, Angmaz Uslim, and Sundaebeats, who all put in a brilliant shift on this release.
Gaffi x B8SE x Kylie - I$kipa (27 June 2025)
Gaffi and B8SE did it once again. I’m still currently bumping his “CHA$AURA” tape that dropped not too long ago, so I was shocked to find out another new single had dropped. This new single continued his successful formula of captivating listeners with the well-appreciated Xhosa Taal, rapping over a groovy Hip Hop instrumental. And that hook from Kylie was one I couldn’t get out of my head for a long time after my first listen.
In2une - EXPOSURE.THERAPY (25 June 2025)
For a beatmaker to finally step out of the shadows and to display themselves as a vocal artist to the world is something I love to admire. The masterful producer finally used this project to showcase his lyrical abilities over his charming beats, narrating his story in such a simplistic way, casually speaking to the listener while also inviting listeners into his world of thought.
Jemapelle James x Phiwo - Risk (13 June 2025)
A sweet ballad for the R&B junkies out there. The soul-stirring Jemapelle teamed up with Phiwo, birthing a lovely joint that had them display their sublime vocal talents, expanding on a tale of taking risks in their love lives over a luscious instrumental that had violins crafting a divine environment for the two to explore.
Joshua Futura - Outside (27 June 2025)
It is officially ‘FUTURA SZN’, so strap the fuck in! The “Glasshouse Therapy.” star recently dropped this new single, casually going off with his intense poetry over a booming Hip Hop instrumental that had my head constantly bumping back and forth. This track goes hard on speakers blaring at full volume. This is definitely the track for true ragers out there.
Joshua Morris - Meteorite (27 June 2025)
Yet another banger from the Capetonian virtuoso, Morris released this laid-back tune that charmed my ears with how melodic and bubbly the instrumentals were, provided by a sweet performance from the musician. I’ve been following Morris’s solo run since his first release, titled “Make You Mine”, and every release he’s made ever since then has continued to impress me.
kyabo - Feel*r (20 June 2025)
This seven-track EP from the radiant singer took me on one hell of a venturesome journey, narrating a tale of moments in his life over an array of eccentric instrumentals. While I loved the vocal performances from kyabo, the production on each and every track had me so much more invested in the project, with every individual track having weird and eerie background synth noises and instrumentals that crafted such an aberrant atmosphere for this lovely offering of a project.
KVL SUAV x Tshego Santana x 012ProdiiGy - Sin City (13 June 2025)
My surprise pick of the list. I wasn’t familiar with these guys game (besides Tshego Santana), but this track snatched my soul with how intense everything sounded. This track had the lads display their raw lyrical abilities over a sensational instrumental that had simple key notes bouncing over a thumping beat that had me invested from start to finish. I’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on these guys.
Lee3x3i x Hat3rick - Lily Phillips Freestyle (22 June 2025)
Lee continues to make his mark in the scene with his releases, using his newest release to dominate a thrilling Trap instrumental, flexing his wordplay over an aggressive instrumental. With more to come from the ascending lyricist, I look forward to how he’ll continue to shake rooms with his absorbing sound.
Leo Brenin - NOMVETHE (INTERLUDE) (20 June 2025)
An ode to the legendary South African football hero, Siyabonga Nomvethe, this short but sweet track by the graceful singer had Leo swoon listeners with this beautifully performed track over a tranquil instrumental. I absolutely hated that it only lasted just a minute long. It had me craving more, but it just proved how good of a song it truly is.
LOUNGE SINGER - CARTWHEELS ON STEROIDS (27 June 2025)
This project definitely lived up to its title. This listening experience from the expressive producer and beatmaker took me on one hell of a sonic journey, blessing enthusiasts of sounds with a bag full of mesmerizing beats, using sounds from Rock, Soul, and a bit of Jazz. This is one of those projects that you’ll have a lovely time listening to with an open mind and no expectations.
Lungelo Manzi - Flat 15 (2 June 2025)
I felt like Lungelo used this release to express his gifts in all kinds of ways, dazzling my ears with both his singing and melodic rapping abilities over this jazzy but sombre instrumental. The soulful musician really knows how to transport listeners away into a world of wonder just by using his alluring presence on his tunes.
LUUKHANYO - Open Casket (13 June 2025)
Probably the most anticipated release on this list, the soulful performer finally returned to the game after a long hiatus. However, the Capetonian gem hasn’t lost any of his touch, using this new release to showcase why he’s been so highly admired over the past couple of years. This track had the musician perform his heart out over a jazzy instrumental that reminded listeners why he’s considered the real deal.
Luvleigh - Mess Of It All (27 June 2025)
Pouring out her heart and soul on her newest release, Luvleigh used this tune to reflect and share her experiences of struggles in her love life while also displaying how exquisite of a singer she truly is over an enchanting Country Pop instrumental.
makwil. x LOUNGE SINGER - Dark Night (11 June 2025)
Following the release of their galvanizing Hip Hop project, titled “Drizzl3”, the dynamic duo from the Mother City followed up with this two-piece release, having makwil. strike listeners with his spellbinding bars over LOUNGE SINGER’s dark yet hypnotizing beats. I really appreciate seeing two musicians finding each blending their talents into one, manufacturing sounds of stellar quality.
Meloproducedit x SlayAllTheWay - Before The Fame (30 May 2025)
Another talented duo on the list, the two talented masterminds used this eight-track project to unveil their flawless gifts, treating listeners with a sound of nostalgia, crafting tracks that reminded me of why I fell in love with the Hip Hop genre in the first place. I especially enjoyed the tracks “Rent Is Due” and “We The Ones”.
Metro Villa - Candy (19 June 2025)
The Capetonian rock group really knows how to elevate their exciting sound. This new release had the band electrify listeners with their intoxicating performance, incorporating raging guitar notes blaring over the loud bangs of the drums with an incredible vocal performance from their lead singer, getting me especially hooked with the catchy chorus of this fiery tune.
Mikhaela Faye - Gaslighter (13 June 2025)
This two-track release from the Pop-Punk princess had her having a blast of a performance over lively Pop instrumentals. I especially loved the track “Gaslighter”, having her narrate her experiences of being involved in a toxic relationship, crafting a lovely heartbreak anthem for many to enjoy. “Smothered By U” was also a vibe to listen to, having the songbird express herself over an ecstatic high-tempo instrumental.
Mila Smith - The Adults Are Talking (20 June 2025)
Mila brought the energy with this new stimulating release, commanding an upbeat Pop and Rock instrumental that had me wanting to jump up and down alongside the electrifying sounds I was experiencing. I loved how she used this single to fiddle with different sounds altering her vocal performance, especially over the catchy, gifting listeners with a hair-raising track for her many listeners to relish.
Mondo Dusk - Baba Ka Bandile (Side B) (27 June 2025)
This talented virtuoso clearly had way too much locked in the vault. Not only did he release a ‘Side A’ a month ago, but he also followed that release with another eleven tracks for listeners to explore. I loved how smooth and pacifying this project was, especially after listening to tracks like “summerlight rains” (alongside KHAEDA and Desh1k), “remedy”, and “pay up” (featuring Yung $lime and KHAEDA).
Nino Fresko - go (6 June 2025)
The Fresko Sound is one I’ve been admiring for too long now. This guy’s consistency with dropping immaculate stunners on such a regular basis needs to be studied. This track had Fresko spit his intense bars over a galvanic Trap instrumental that had me finding myself blasting this tune at full blast. I wouldn’t recommend this one for the faint-hearted Hip Hop listeners out there.
NJEBO SELAH x Pumas+Roses - SCARS :: DEMO (22 June 2025)
The two poets from the Stayhomme collective have been dropping so much music at such a quick rate and I still struggle at comprehending how that’s even possible. This track had the two lyricists sweetly lay out their poetry over a luscious Jazzy instrumental that had my head swaying alongside the beat. Consistency is clearly an important ideology for this talented group of virtuosos and I don’t see them halting anytime soon.
Nlite. - Our People (13 June 2025)
This radiant effort from the soulful Jozi boyband brought up feelings of elegance, enchanting my ears with how magnificent everything was put together. I adored all the sounds brought into this single, having Crunchy Sweater sway the room with his guitar, Robin Fassie hypnotize listeners with his trumpeting gifts, and of course, the stellar vocal performance from Daev Martian.
ol.floww x Julian Vogue x Nxvy - Culture. (4 June 2025)
I really loved the message behind this Hip Hop anthem. The track had the three musicians speak on their admiration of Hip Hop legends leading them to pursue their dreams of making it in the music world. The whole environment of this tune was divine, having each of their performances being guided above a laid-back beat. These guys are on the way to becoming legends and I can see that happening if they continue to push out stunning bodies of art of this sort.
Oro WaAfrika x BABA KUSHI x Kijana Damu x DoxThe_Maverick - DIRTY NIKES (22 May 2025)
This whole listening experience felt like I was being hit with wave after wave of outstanding bars by every participant of this glorious Hip Hop joint. This was my first time listening to the works of these artists and they have successfully made a new fan with how distinguished their performances were over the jazzy beat.
phenyo WAZE - TO BE HONEST (29 June 2025)
Finally dropping music for the first time in 2025, WAZE had a lot to say on his opinions of the rap game over this blistering Trap instrumental. The kid clearly has a serious problem with his competitors surrounding him and he wasted no time on this single unveiling his truest thoughts while flexing his intoxicating lyrical abilities.
PSILK - All That I Am (20 June 2025)
The Oudtshoorn-based musician took listeners on a heavenly journey with his latest five-track EP, captivating many with his charming performances over the most divine Indie-Pop sounds. I especially enjoyed the opening tune, “All Your Might” having PSILK present a wonderful performance over a bubbly instrumental while the rest of the project had the singer explore his range over an array of melancholic sounds which I really enjoyed.
RICKY AKIMBO - Fallen Bridge (27 June 2025)
Taking his first steps into the music world, the Capetonian singer made a stellar debut with his new Alternative Rock release, blowing my mind with how powerful his vocal performance was over an energetic Rock instrumental, having piercing guitars ranging behind his vigorous voice, telling a tale of the struggles of being in love. A solid debut for an exciting new artist on the horizon.
Shoka Sunflower x Moo Latte - Two Step (18 June 2025)
Seeing Shoka team up with the accomplished producer from Poland, this groovy number from the duo had listeners explore the broken-hearted mind of Shoka through his innovative performance over a jovial upbeat jazz instrumental. Recently, Shoka’s been having an inspirational run of releases, already stunning fans with his earlier drops like “Soup” and my personal favourite, “Cashrule$”.
Slezzy K - 4 4or 4 (4 July 2025)
Promptly following the release of his “CRUX” album, the rapper from Jozi wasted no time dropping his newest EP, surprising his many listeners with a number of jaw-dropping Trap joints. My eardrums still hurt from how loud and explosive this four-track project sounded, incorporating loud 808s and bass that crafted a mind-bending Hip Hop listening experience.
Stanley Branson x Kila G x Oxii Moron - COMMAS (13 June 2025)
Having three of the most gifted R&B gems all on one track was bound to be a success. Stanley, Kila, and Oxii all triumphed through their verses, swaying listeners with their top-notch vocal performances while unveiling their struggles in their love lives over a seductive R&B instrumental.
S-Que x Earlridge x Jiggy Stapes - Nini Na Nini (13 June 2025)
Love must be in the air. The three members from the renowned Babble Hume band came together to bring fans of love music a ballad of excellence, serenading their lovers over a dandy instrumental that had a little bounce to the sound with wavering noises blending in with the singers’ vocal performances, adding that little extra touch of wonder to their sound.
Taykatrip - House Of Mirrors (12 June 2025)
Leading up to the release of his anticipated “Lost & Found” project expected to drop soon, Taykatrip dropped this gem of a single, enchanting listeners with his angelic singing performance over a euphoric instrumental. I honestly cannot wait for the eventual release if it’s any close to this quality.
theOTHERperson x Grixxly - RENT DUE! (23 June 2025)
This Hip Hop gem brought waves of nostalgia, having the two lyricists showcase their first-class bars over an instrumental that had me immersed with the alluring sample they used for the track. I genuinely am a sucker for this classic traditional Hip Hop sound and it’s why I adored this release that much more. It’s just a simple beat with complex bars from two polished rappers - what more do I need?
T!MBO - EVERYTHING IS DESTINED. (20 June 2025)
Personally, this was my most anticipated project of the past month. After a couple of single releases and an eventual announcement of a full-length project, I could not wait to get a fresh new listening experience from the unique talent. This project did not let me down, having T!MBO flash his absorbing talents over the most gorgeous instrumentals, especially on tracks like “FLOAT”, “OUTTA TOUCH”, and “KEEP ON SHOWIN’ UP”.
Verge - Lyrical Cardio (Vol. 1) (13 June 2025)
Exploding onto the scene with his intensive lyrical abilities, the Jozi-based rapper used this ten-track offering to unveil his truest thoughts and emotions on his everyday experiences, allowing listeners to easily step into his mind. I loved how focused this project was on lyricism, having Verge flex his spellbinding wordplay abilities over an array of charming Hip Hop beats.
Vriety x chaylon j. - D-Luxe (22 June 2025)
Producing a song of joy, the two talented musicians crafted a track filled with peculiar sounds that had me intrigued from start to finish. This release had me trying to keep up with everything that was happening, listening to the loud slaps of the drums ringing over the soft chords of the guitar while mumbling and soft chanting echoed over all the chaos. As chaotic as it sounded, I loved every bit and detail of this charming tune.
And there you have it. Of course, there were plenty more other releases we had the pleasure of experiencing and I have a good feeling you’ll find those releases on the VERVE Roundup playlist on Spotify. If not, let us know down in the comments.
And to the many artists who have yet to feature on this list and are hopeful of having us actually tap into your sound, please do submit yourself to our emails. We’d love to get to know you and your work. It’s why we do what we do and love what we do at VERVE.
Stay warm out there though. It’s gonna be a long winter…
