Kfm Top 40 with Carl Wastie | #KfmTop40 Podcast

he idea for Golden Crown struck Shaza during a live performance at the Get Lucky Summer Concert in Plettenberg Bay, where she opened for Will Linley. “I noticed this girl trying to get a boy’s attention,” Shaza recalls. “But her more confident friend stole the spotlight. It reminded me how invisible we can feel sometimes, especially when we’re younger. Instead of a heartbreak song, I wanted to flip that moment into something empowering.”  Lyrically cheeky with lines like “Just because I don’t look like her doesn’t really mean that I can’t be me,” lands with refreshing honesty. “All I really hear is Will Linley’s song, All The Girls,” Shaza tips her hat at one of South Africa’s brightest pop inspirations. “Will is such an inspiration to upcoming artists, and I’m a big fan of his music.” Shaza teamed up with award-winning producer Daniel Baron again, and their working relationship continues to grow with each new single. “Every song is a snapshot of where I am creatively,” Shaza shares. “Golden Crown feels like stepping into a new chapter - fun, fearless, and self-assured. It’s about energy, connection, and reminding people that being yourself is magic.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keely Crocker, a dynamic singer-songwriter originally from Durban and now based in Cape Town, is making waves as she transitions from the theatre stage to the music scene. After studying musical theatre for four years, Keely made her professional debut as Zoe Murphy in the South African premiere of Dear Evan Hansen earlier this year. Now, she’s turning the spotlight toward her first love — music. Her upcoming single, “AWAY” (out November 7th), is a raw and relatable anthem for anyone caught in the tug-of-war of a toxic relationship and the emotional challenge of letting go. Keely Crocker is stepping into her power — and “AWAY” is just the beginning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South African favourites Freshlyground are back with a brand-new sound and an exciting new chapter. The beloved band joined Carl Wastie on the Kfm Top 40 to chat about their upcoming single “Jabula”, dropping 14 November. This single marks a milestone for the group - it’s the first Freshlyground track featuring their new lead vocalist, Mbali Makhoba. At just 22 years old, Mbali hails from Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay and brings a soulful, vibrant energy that’s breathing new life into the band’s signature sound. Joining Mbali in studio were longtime members Simon and Peter, who shared how the group’s chemistry feels revitalised and full of joy - perfectly captured in “Jabula”, which fittingly means “to be happy”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carl Wastie caught up with Liam Cova about his brand-new single “Worry Sea” - a deeply emotional yet uplifting indie-pop track that dives into the fears and uncertainties we all face. With its bold, faith-filled chorus, the song reminds us that life’s purpose isn’t fear - it’s hope. As Liam powerfully puts it, “Life’s no worry sea!”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carl Wastie caught up with Johan, the brand-new lead singer of Monark, as the band drops their comeback single “Panorama.” Written by Johan and Ewald in their first-ever collaboration, the track came together naturally - marking an exciting new era for the SAMA-nominated band that first stole SA’s heart in 2013 with chart-topping hits and unforgettable performances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.