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Son of Gqeberha Unveils New Single

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Gearing up for a massive 2022, South African singer and songwriter Lloyiso returns with his brand new single “Speak” today via Universal Music Group South Africa/Republic Records.

Singer and songwriter Lloyiso Gijana is the first South African artist to sign to Republic Records, who have Drake, The Weeknd and Ariana Grande, Pop Smoke, and Post Malone on their books.

He left Ambitiouz Entertainment and signed a deal with the New York-based label Republic Records and Universal Music Group South Africa. Simultaneously, he released his debut single titled Seasons.

He started making Tik Tok and YouTube videos singing covers until he was signed by Ambitiouz Entertainment, headed by CEO Kgosi Mahumapelo, who administered the agreement with Universal Music Group and Republic Records to enable Lloyiso to move teams.

On this ballad, bold piano introduces the track as his undeniable voice immediately captivates. The vocals stretch from vulnerable verses into a soulfully striking refrain as he pleads, “Speak, don’t let this love hold you down.” It exudes raw and real emotion in between each breath.

After years of singing at church and school concerts, in 2015 Lloyiso entered Idols SA and made it to the top five.

“I entered Idols because I wanted to be on a big stage and have more people hear me,” said Gijana who used to hold imaginary concerts in his Eastern Cape backyard.

“I used to imagine a crowd of people watching me, and I would shout out as though I’m performing for a crowd. I have always manifested this, and seen it even before it happened,” he says.

Regarding the single, he commented, “I co-wrote ‘Speak’ with Molly Irvine and Dennis Neuer. I loved working with them, and they brought all the amazing flavors and color that this song needed. ‘Speak’ is about that moment when you realize that you’re honestly not sure whether your presence is wanted or not. Personally, it took me a while to come to terms with the doubt that comes from that realization. ‘Speak’ is the song that made me realize that if I’m honest with myself and the way that I feel, I can get relief from the pain!”

Last year, he made his international debut for Republic Records with the single “Seasons.” Right out of the gate, it tallied 16 million streams and garnered a ton of buzz.

Right now, Lloyiso is working on more music for release very soon.

Hailing from just outside of Gqeberha, South Africa, singer, songwriter, and producer. Lloyiso wields the kind of voice that instantly tugs at heartstrings. It’s the kind of voice that shines in any arena—whether in front of a laptop camera or under the lights of a festival stage. It’s the kind of voice that makes you stop what you’re doing and sing along. At 16-years-old, he appeared on South African Idol and placed fifth in the competition. Following “three weeks at university,” he left school and focused on music inspired by the likes of Sam Smith and Kanye West. He performed anywhere possible, singing in exchange for dinner at local pubs. He even recorded in English and ten different African languages. Taking over social media, Lloyiso amplified his voice globally by posting covers on Facebook before embracing YouTube. He gained the endorsement of everyone from Kygo to Tyga and gradually amassed an enthusiastic audience. Nailing viral renditions of Rihanna, Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, and more, he launched his TikTok during 2020, generating tens of millions of views and attracting the attention of labels worldwide. Finding his home, he notably made history as “the first South African artist signed to Republic Records.” Following the 2021 fan favorite “Seasons,” he connects like never before with the powerful piano-driven ballad “Speak” in 2022 and much more to come.

Lloyiso Gijana. Photo: Canton Paker
Lloyiso Gijana. Photo: Canton Paker

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.