(February 5, 2026) When certain artists pour their unpretentious emotions into their stories, growing audiences often follow. One singer/songwriter/musician, South African native Lloyiso (born Loyiso Gijana), has taken his country and millions of YouTube viewers on fascinating rides, producing several striking videos, such as “Speak,” “Seasons” and “You’re So You.” His rich, vulnerable voice conveys plenty of emotional kick with a soulful aftertaste while bridging sonic pop and engaging melodies from his home country.
A 2015 contestant on, S.A. Idol, Lloyiso has justifiably earned his solo career wings winning Best Pop Album at the South African Music Awards for his debut E.P., Seasons in 2023. Recently, he announced his first European tour, along with preparing for his sophomore upcoming E.P.
Our latest First Listen welcomes Lloyiso for the first time, performing “Scary” from the E.P. due in March, Never Thought I Could. “Scary” fulfills many of the storytelling and vocal traits from his much-watched videos. The theme runs on the premise of trying to save a potentially doomed romance:
But I don’t think I’m ready to love you now/
I’m tryna save your heart (tryna save, tryna save)/
I wish that you would let me (let me)/
I know that I’m not ready to love you now.
With a team of five songwriters (including Lloyiso) behind it, “Scary” glides into sonic glory, South African rhythms and deep beats that may penetrate club dance action. Listen up!
By Peggy Oliver
