South African music duo Liquideep, composed of Jonathan Hamilton, known as Ziyon, and Thabo "Ryzor" Shokgolo, has made a comeback after an 11-year hiatus. Their music, which was once a staple of South African pop culture, continues to resonate with audiences today. The duo's soulful house sound, created by Ziyon and Ryzor, has grown with its audience over the years. Their songs, such as BBM, Settle for Less, and Fairytale, were part of the soundtrack of many South Africans' lives during their high school years.
The duo's lead singer, Ziyon, attributes the enduring appeal of their music to its ability to transcend generations. He notes that younger fans are now understanding the meaning behind their lyrics, which they previously sang along to without fully comprehending. This newfound appreciation for their music has been a rewarding experience for the duo. Liquideep's return was met with excitement, with many fans eager to know why they had left the music scene in the first place.
According to Ryzor, the decision to take a break was intentional, driven by a desire to recharge and refocus on their personal lives. He emphasizes the importance of faith and family during their years away from the spotlight. The duo's hiatus was not without challenges, particularly for Ryzor, who faced financial difficulties and had to downgrade his lifestyle. Ziyon, on the other hand, pursued a solo career before eventually stepping away from the music industry.
During their absence, Liquideep's music continued to accumulate meaning and memories, turning their catalogue into an unexpected bridge between generations. Their songs have become part of the background architecture of childhood for many young South Africans. The duo's music has also been revisited by new artists, including Tyla, who released a remake of Fairytale on her sophomore project, A* POP.
Liquideep's return to the music scene has been marked by a newfound appreciation for their craft and a deeper understanding of the value of their music. Ziyon notes that the death of his mother in 2025 brought a painful new understanding of time and the importance of making the most of the time they have. Their latest release, For the Night, features powerful vocal harmonies and warm house textures, showcasing the duo's signature sound.
The duo's comeback performance, Liquideep Live CPT, presented by Anything Goes in early September, was a testament to the enduring appeal of their music. A new generation of fans greeted them by singing their songs back to them, demonstrating the timelessness of their music. Ryzor notes that the experience of live music has changed over the years, with audiences now often looking at their phones during performances.
Liquideep's journey serves as a reminder of the importance of taking a step back and reevaluating one's priorities. The duo's music, which has grown with its audience over the years, continues to offer a pocket of peace amid the noise. Their story is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and generations.
Key points
- Liquideep's music has remained relevant across generations, with their catalogue continuing to accumulate meaning and memories.
- The duo's hiatus was driven by a desire to recharge and refocus on their personal lives.
- Liquideep's return to the music scene has been marked by a newfound appreciation for their craft and a deeper understanding of the value of their music.
