It’s been over a decade since the soulful house duo Liquideep shared a stage together, and now they’re back, reconnecting with fans and reigniting memories. On 24 September 2025, the group officially announced their reunion. Their first performances since the hiatus delivered fan favourites like “BBM” and “Rise Again,” stirring both delight and debate across South Africa.
The Long Wait Ends
Liquideep, made up of producer Thabo “Ryzor” Shokgolo and vocalist Jonathan “Ziyon” Hamilton, had stepped away from the spotlight around 2014. Their music, deeply woven into the late 2000s and early 2010s house and soul scene, left many longing for their return. Earlier this year, after years of conversations, the duo decided the time was right to come back together.
When Ziyon appeared on presenter Thando Thabethe’s 945 drive-time show, he shared that they had been discussing a return for three to four years before committing. The reunion felt less like a comeback and more like a homecoming.
Hits That Echo Through Time
At their first live appearances, Liquideep leaned into what made them beloved: songs that defined a generation. “BBM” unleashed waves of nostalgia online, as references to the BlackBerry era transported fans back in time. Other tracks like “Rise Again” and “Fairytale” reminded listeners how the duo blended emotion with groove.
Their return wasn’t just about revisiting the past. It was a reintroduction, a chance to show that those hits aren’t relics but enduring parts of South Africa’s musical DNA.
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Social Media Lights Up
As expected, the reaction was loud and fast. Mzansi’s timelines flooded with joy, surprise, and a few skeptical takes. Some commented about how the music “defined their teenage years.” Others suggested the reunion was financially motivated, a reflection of tough times.
Fans called it “my heart, for 11 years!” and promised they’d be first in line to attend shows. Others quipped that we’re “so robbed by their absence.” The blend of adoration and critique is part of the South African way: honest, sharp, and full of soul.
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More Than Nostalgia: Why the Return Matters
This isn’t just a reunion for those who lived it. New fans who grew up streaming and discovering South African house in the last decade get to see the origins. Liquideep’s brand of soulful house shaped the textures and feelings of many modern artists’ sounds today.
Their return also reminds us: music isn’t static. It ages, adapts, and finds new voices. By getting back to the stage now, they’re not just performing old hits; they’re reclaiming relevance, provoking conversation, and bridging generations.
Liquideep live performance at Radio 📻 947 after 11 years 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/7QHZkwYTRP
— THE AUDIO LAB (@TheAudioLabSA) September 27, 2025
What Lies Ahead
If the energy from the early performances is anything to go by, there’s more to come. Fans expect tours, festival slots, and maybe new music. But whatever direction they take, this return is already historic, a moment where yesterday’s soundtrack meets tomorrow’s possibility.
For Liquideep, stepping back into the lights feels like a full circle: remembering where they started, feeling how far they’ve come, and reminding all of us why their song still plays loud in South African hearts.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: News24
