Halo Yagami, the Durban-born, Joburg-based singer, songwriter, and producer, is turning up the heat with his bold new single “Phresha” — the second release from his highly anticipated EP, Umsoco.
Self-produced and composed entirely by Halo himself, the track blends Maskandi soul with contemporary afrosoul grooves, offering a fresh, genre-defying sound that’s both original and unforgettable.
“I won’t lie, right now I feel like I’m at the top of my game — and that’s exactly what ‘Phresha’ is about,” says Halo. “For the fact that I made my own beat, composed my own melody, and mastered the song myself — the pressure to create and deliver your own sound? It’s only getting worse.”
Known offstage as Monde Thuthukani Ngcobo, Halo hails from the culturally rich township of KwaMashu, Durban. His music reflects this background, blending street-smart lyricism, fashion-forward expression, and clever wordplay.
This is evident in his punchy verse: “ng’basheba noShatini, got ‘em under phresha, ngoshuni nemfeshini, bazam’ukungmesha” — a bar that speaks to being miles ahead musically and stylistically, with others trying to catch up.
Halo’s creative journey stretches from KwaMashu’s vibrant streets to the neon glow of Jozi studios — a path built on raw self-expression and continuous evolution.
“Growing up in KwaMashu influenced me heavily. From Maskandi blasting at home to hip hop shaping my teenage years — I blend those worlds and show people exactly where I’m from, through my music.”
“Phresha” is already gaining serious traction on streaming platforms, landing on top Apple Music playlists such as New Music Daily, New In R&B, and Alt R&B, among others.
Check out the social teaser for “Presha” HERE.
You can stream/download “Phresha” HERE,
More Info About Halo Yagami
At 28 years old, Halo Yagami has already made waves with his genre-fluid sound, combining elements of R&B, Maskandi, and Kwaito into a soulful, emotive style that’s all his own.
Since his 2022 breakout EP Usiba, he has racked up over 1 million streams on Apple Music and appeared on major playlists like Africa Rising, Breaking R&B, and Hip Hop Circle.
His stage name represents his artistic ethos — “Halo” for the angelic quality of his vocals, and “Yagami”, inspired by anime, symbolizing a pursuit of legacy and longevity in music.
With collaborations under his belt with industry heavyweights like Shekhinah, Sjava, and Kly, Halo Yagami isn’t just on the rise — he’s already arrived, and the industry is taking notice.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
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