Jesse Clegg and Msaki Explore Friendship and Sound in New EP
South African singer-songwriter Jesse Clegg is venturing into bold, uncharted musical territory with Entropy, his upcoming collaborative EP with acclaimed artist Msaki. Slated for release in January 2026, the project promises a blend of intimate storytelling, global sounds, and heartfelt emotion.
The lead single, Wayside Lover, features multi-award-winning artist Sjava, offering a dynamic trio of voices navigating love, connection, and personal growth.
A Creative Friendship Blossoms
The collaboration between Clegg and Msaki began over three years ago during another music project. From the first session, the pair recognized a rare creative chemistry.
“I was such a fan of her writing, her voice, and her artistic presence in the industry,” Clegg said. “From day one, there was an immediate connection, both creatively and personally. We were both going through big transitions in our lives and related to each other in deep ways.”
What started as casual studio sessions eventually evolved into something bigger. After writing a few songs together, they noticed something unique: the music didn’t sound like either of them individually—it sounded new.
“That’s when we realised it could work as a project,” Clegg explained.
A Musical Journey Across Cities
Entropy was crafted across four cities—Cape Town, Johannesburg, Los Angeles, and New York—giving the EP a diary-like quality. Each track captures moments from their travels and personal lives, offering fans a glimpse into the intimate journey behind the music.
“‘Wayside Lover’ started in LA after Coachella, continued in Joburg, and was finished in Cape Town. It travelled with us,” Clegg shared.
The track explores emotional tension, love, and disconnection, reflecting the transitional period both artists were experiencing while writing it.
An Unexpected Collaboration with Sjava
Sjava’s contribution to Wayside Lover was a happy accident. The singer heard the track, immediately connected with it, and requested to join.
“His verse adds this beautiful observer’s perspective on the interaction between our two voices. We’re both huge fans of his, so it was a dream to include him,” Clegg said.
Produced by Greg Abrahams and Nicholas Petricca, and mixed and mastered by Grammy winner Damian Taylor, the EP blends African storytelling with global production influences, creating a sound that is both intimate and expansive.
Breaking Expectations
For Clegg, the project isn’t about meeting fans’ expectations but about exploring new creative landscapes:
“I think people will be surprised. They might not have expected Msaki and me to make an album together, but that’s what makes it interesting. It’s a pleasant surprise,” he said.
As anticipation builds for the January 2026 release, Entropy promises to be a testament to artistic growth, friendship, and the joy of collaboration, a musical diary spanning continents and emotional landscapes.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{}
