Today we take a thorough look at the artists set to dominate the stage at tonight’s MoMo Xperience, brought to you by MTN MoMo and Melting C Events.
The three headlining South African acts, Sam Deep, The Soil and Lloyiso, are guaranteed to keep attendees grooving until the morning. Each bring a distinct genre to the stage and a unique way of connecting with the crowd.
Lloyiso: The voice of pure emotion
Born Loyiso Gijana on March 8, 1999 in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Lloyiso has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary South African music.
He began nurturing his musical interests at the age of 12, performing at community events and local competitions.
In 2015, he gained national recognition after participating in the 11th edition of Idols SA, where his impressive vocal range and powerful stage presence earned him the spotlight.
Lloyiso’s songwriting focuses on emotion, vulnerability and self-expression. His lyrics frequently explore love, heartbreak and personal growth, resonating deeply with audiences through their sincerity and clarity.
His artistry bridges South African musical heritage with a modern global sensibility, creating songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
With tracks like ‘Speak’, ‘What I Would Say’ and ‘Let Me Love You Now’, Lloyiso has steadily built a devoted fan base. He has amplified his voice internationally, generating tens of millions of views and catching the eye of record labels from all over the world.
Finding his musical home, he made history as the first South African artist signed to Republic Records. Now, he conveys feeling in its purest form through a series of new singles, setting the stage for much more to come.
The Soil: Masters of Kasi Soul
The Soil, originating from Soweto and founded in 2004, is a celebrated South African a cappella group renowned for their signature blend of contemporary township styles known as ‘Kasi Soul’.
Signed to Native Rhythms under an exclusive licence to Universal Music Group (SA), the trio continues to captivate audiences with their harmonious sound, spiritual depth and cultural authenticity.
The group comprises lead composer and founder Ntsika Fana Ngxanga, dynamic beat boxer and founder Luphindo Ngxanga and the newest member, singer-songwriter Theo ‘Songstress’ Matshoba.
Their music seamlessly merges a cappella with influences from jazz, hip hop and indigenous South African rhythms, creating a unique and soulful sound.
The Soil has consistently used its platform to promote South African culture and inspire audiences globally. Collaborations with iconic artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Khuli Chana further underscore their commitment to artistic excellence.
In 2011, the group released their self-titled debut album, ‘The Soil’, which achieved platinum status by selling over 50 000 copies. And in 2014, they released their second studio album, ‘Nostalgic Moments’.
The album earned accolades at the 14th Metro FM Awards for Best Produced Album and Best Duo/Group. It also won an international award in Russia at the White Nights of St. Petersburg.
Sam Deep: The pioneer of kwapi
Sam Deep, whose real name is Samukelo Rorisang Mavuso, is a South African producer and DJ. Born in April 2001, he hails from Orlando West in Soweto.
When he was younger, Mavuso had aspirations of becoming a professional footballer. He trained and played club football at youth level, where he was considered a genuine prospect. However, in 2016, at the age of 15, he decided to shift focus and dedicated himself to a career as a DJ and producer.
After years of developing his craft and building a solid reputation, his official breakthrough arrived in 2022 with the single ‘Kusezo Khanya’, featuring Babalwa M, Playgal and De Mthuda. The song became an instant hit, quickly amassing millions of streams across multiple digital platforms.
He has since gone on to release several projects, including his latest album at the time of writing, titled ‘Who Am I’. He has also worked alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry.
His collaborative album, ‘Kings of Kwapi Vol 1’, is a joint project between himself and prominent producers Stixx and Nycho. The trio is credited with being pioneers of the rising Kwapi genre.
Sam Deep has accomplished an immense amount in the music industry in a relatively short period. Given his trajectory, there is still much more to come from this talented young producer.
