South African music has always had a way of turning everyday experiences into something worth celebrating. From township streets to coastal communities, local artists continue to find inspiration in the places, people and cultures that shape their identities. For Richards Bay-born rapper Sphakamiso, that inspiration comes straight from the coastline.
Making his official music debut with Summertime, featuring vocalist Khethiwe Zuma, the emerging artist introduces a sound that blends soulful jazz, live instrumentation and nostalgic 90s hip-hop. More than just another seasonal release, the single is a musical postcard celebrating the changing beach culture of Northern KwaZulu-Natal.
A Soundtrack Inspired by Richards Bay
For Sphakamiso, summer is about more than sunshine and holidays. It represents freedom, community and the experiences that bring people together.
Growing up in Richards Bay, Pelican Island became a significant part of his summer memories. However, he has watched the local beach lifestyle evolve, with younger generations embracing activities such as jet skiing, beach volleyball, water polo and soccer.
Rather than simply looking back at the past, he wanted to capture this changing energy through music.
“I wanted to redefine how people, especially the youth, enjoy their summer holidays,” .
says Sphakamiso
That perspective gives Summertime its identity. It celebrates a familiar South African coastal experience while recognising how young people continue to create new ways of enjoying their surroundings.
Bringing Back the Soul of 90s Hip-Hop
Musically, Summertime takes inspiration from an era when hip-hop storytelling and soulful vocal performances went hand in hand.
Influenced by artists such as Common , Yasiin Bey and Robert Glasper , Sphakamiso gravitates towards textured production, jazz arrangements and the warmth of analogue recording.
The single was produced alongside Option Issac, bringing together bassist Warras, keyboardist Mzie Maestro and vocalist Khethiwe Zuma.
The result is a meeting point between hip-hop, R&B and jazz, with Khethiwe’s melodic vocals providing the soulful foundation for Sphakamiso’s storytelling-driven verses.
His approach also reflects an appreciation for the golden era of New York hip-hop, where live instrumentation and carefully constructed lyrical narratives helped shape the genre.
“I love that smooth, textured analogue sound, especially when jazz is incorporated into R&B and hip-hop,” .
he explains
Turning a Setback Into a Creative Opportunity
Behind the music is a journey that took considerably longer than expected.
Sphakamiso’s passion for music began when he was just 10 years old. Growing up listening to radio, he discovered the classics of the 80s and 90s, gradually developing an interest in writing lyrics and performing.
One memorable milestone was his appearance on the Love Life Games stage, where he performed Mafikizolo’s Kwela-Kwela, including the verse by the late Hugh Masekela.
However, turning that passion into recorded music was not straightforward. Access to studio equipment and finding collaborators who shared his appreciation for live instrumentation presented challenges.
Instead of allowing those obstacles to end the dream, he found an unconventional solution.
After winning a sports car through a competition in May 2026, Sphakamiso traded it for cash and invested the money in studio equipment. He also assembled a live band, creating the foundation for the sound he had envisioned.
It is a reminder that creative independence sometimes begins with making difficult decisions and investing in the resources needed to bring an idea to life.
What’s Next for Sphakamiso?
With Summertime introducing his musical identity, Sphakamiso is already preparing for his next chapter.
A five-track EP is scheduled for February 2027, featuring the same production team alongside additional vocalists. His collaboration wishlist includes South African artists Kwesta, Zakwe, Lordkez and Skye Wanda.
Internationally, he hopes to connect with influences such as Q-Tip, Mary J. Blige, Common and Robert Glasper.
For now, Summertime offers an introduction to an artist who wants to build something beyond a collection of catchy releases.
His ambition is to create music rooted in authentic storytelling, musicianship and the experiences of the communities that inspire him.
And perhaps that is what makes this debut particularly interesting: while the sound looks towards the golden era of hip-hop, its heart belongs to Richards Bay.
