SA: Liquideep signs with Africori/Warner Music ahead of global comeback

The partnership will see the duo's catalogue and forthcoming releases supported through Africori's distribution and marketing network, which is part of the Warner Music family. The deal comes as Liquideep, comprising Thabo “Ryzor” Shokgolo and Jonathan “Ziyon” Hamilton, prepare to release new material following a period away from the spotlight.

Liquideep rose to prominence with songs including ‘Fairytale’, ‘Alone’, ‘Still’, ‘BBM’ and ‘Rise Again’, building a catalogue that earned the duo platinum-selling success and a following beyond South Africa.

The duo said their return was motivated by a desire to create new music rather than simply revisit their past success.

“This feels like the beginning of something incredibly meaningful,” Liquideep said. “We've never been interested in simply returning for nostalgia. We wanted to come back because we still have something honest to say through our music. Partnering with Africori and Warner Music gives us the opportunity to honour where we've come from while building something that can reach audiences across the world.”

The partnership follows renewed interest in the duo’s music, with their return also introducing their back catalogue to younger listeners. Their forthcoming material is expected to draw on their experiences during their time away while retaining elements of the soulful and emotive sound associated with their earlier work.

An Africori/Warner Music representative said the agreement reflected the company's interest in artists whose influence extends beyond commercial performance.

“Liquideep are true pioneers whose music has become part of South Africa’s cultural identity,” the representative said. “Their songs continue to resonate years after their release because they are rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship and emotion. We are honoured to welcome them to the Africori/Warner Music family and look forward to helping amplify this exciting new chapter both across Africa and internationally.”

Liquideep’s business manager, Poobie Pillay, said the partnership would provide the infrastructure needed to expand the duo's reach internationally.

“Our core strategic goal for Liquideep's return has always been to take their sound to a truly global audience,” Pillay said. “Partnering with Africori and the Warner Music ecosystem gives us the exact infrastructure to make that a reality.”

The duo said they intended to build on their existing legacy while developing a new creative direction.

“We've always believed music should connect people,” they said. “That's what Liquideep has always stood for. This partnership allows us to dream bigger, create without limits and share our music with the world again. We're home – but we're also stepping into a completely new season.”

Contributor: Moletsane Rampai