South African artists Jesse Clegg and Msaki have united to deliver a much-anticipated collaboration.
Emanating from an unexpected yet meaningful creative alliance, their debut single, Wayside Lover, interweaves their distinct storytelling talents into a poignant narrative exploring love and loss.
Jesse, who is the son of celebrated musician and anti-apartheid activist Johnny Clegg, shared insights on the collaboration:
“Wayside Lover embodies the emotional tension of facing tragedy and loss, but also finding connection in unexpected places. It also highlights the challenge of finding common ground as life pulls in different directions.”
Released on 19 September 2025, the song features an unexpected contribution by South African music star and actor Sjava, who enriches the song with his vocal performance.
This track is part of Jesse and Msaki’s upcoming EP, Entropy, which was composed across Cape Town, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, and New York.
Source: Instagram
Reflecting on their engagement with Sjava, the artists commended his talent for enhancing the song’s narrative:
“Both of us have long admired his music and the profoundly unique space he holds in South African culture. His involvement unfolded in the most organic way.
“After hearing the early versions of the song in Jesse’s studio, he was moved to write a verse that responds to the tension between the two protagonists, adding a powerful new dimension to the story.”
While there is no set release date for their project, Msaki and Clegg hinted at a performance scheduled for October, drawing excitement from their audience.
Check out Wayside Lover below:
Reactions to Msaki and Jesse Clegg’s new track
Listeners have been praising the collaboration, sharing their thoughts in the comments section. Here are some of the reactions:
BelovedQN commented:
“Lots of heritage on this track in the form of future legends.”
vuyonzungu3582 remarked:
“The collab we didn’t know we needed.”
iamthecandymanjay4638 stated:
“Sjava ain’t talked about enough.”
Source: Original
NalediYaMeso444 expressed:
“I feel so blessed by the universe. Thank you, Kings and Queen.”
NelisiweMchunu-x7p wrote:
“I am speechless. That is how this song makes me feel.”
Khanyisani-p4y noted:
“Aowa, Sjava’s part was way too short.”
nkululekohlongwane3413 commented:
“Jesse has that raspy voice that reminds me of his dad’s.”
nkululeko.hlabisa.7 added:
“The more I listen, the more I realize how these three are so talented! Didn’t know much about Jesse, and I probably would not have if it wasn’t for Sjava’s feature! Msaki is fire as always!”
