Richards Bay-born rapper Sphakamiso makes his official music debut with “Summertime”, featuring vocalist Khethiwe Zuma. Inspired by the vibrant coastal lifestyle of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, the feel-good single blends soulful jazz, live instrumentation and nostalgic 90s hip-hop to capture the energy of summer.

Drawing inspiration from his hometown, “Summertime” celebrates the evolving beach culture of Richards Bay, where summer days are spent enjoying everything from jet skiing and beach volleyball to water polo and soccer around Pelican Island. The single pays homage to this lifestyle, offering a soundtrack to the season and the freedom that comes with it.

“I wanted to redefine how people, especially the youth, enjoy their summer holidays. Growing up in Richards Bay, summer was always about going to the beach and having fun around Pelican Island. Recently, that lifestyle has changed, with people incorporating different watersports and activities into their summer experience. I admired that energy and wanted to create a song that captures it,” says Sphakamiso.

Produced in collaboration with Option Issac, the single brings together bassist Warras, keyboardist Mzie Maestro and vocalist Khethiwe Zuma. Inspired by the golden era of 90s American hip-hop, particularly the sound of New York, the team embraced live instrumentation and an analogue recording approach to create a soulful, jazz-infused production.

The result is a smooth fusion of hip-hop, R&B and jazz, pairing Khethiwe Zuma’s melodic vocals with Sphakamiso’s storytelling-driven verses. Influenced by artists such as Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Common and Yasiin Bey, his sound draws on the soulful musicality of classic hip-hop while embracing a contemporary approach.

“My sound is heavily influenced by the American jazz scene. I love that smooth, textured analogue sound, especially when jazz is incorporated into R&B and hip-hop. I also love the 90s format where a soulful vocalist delivers the hook, and I build my verses around that subject to tell a story,” he explains.

Although “Summertime” marks his first official release, Sphakamiso’s passion for music began at the age of 10, growing up in Richards Bay. Radio introduced him to the golden classics of the 80s and 90s, inspiring him to write lyrics and eventually perform on the Love Life Games stage, where he delivered Mafikizolo’s “Kwela-Kwela”, including the verse by the late Hugh Masekela.

His journey into music was interrupted by challenges in accessing studio equipment and collaborating with artists who shared his preference for live instrumentation. However, in May 2026, after winning a sports car through a competition and trading it for cash, he invested in studio equipment and assembled a live band, setting the stage for his debut.

Sphakamiso is now preparing to release a five-track EP in February 2027, featuring production by the same musical team behind “Summertime”, alongside additional vocalists. His future collaboration wishlist includes South African artists Kwesta, Zakwe, Lordkez and Skye Wanda, as well as international influences Robert Glasper, Q-Tip, Mary J. Blige and Common.

With “Summertime”, Sphakamiso introduces a sound rooted in soulful storytelling, authentic musicianship and the nostalgia of classic hip-hop, delivering a feel-good anthem that celebrates the spirit of summer.