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Latest Single
Nykie
Released Jun 20, 2025
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Single
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Quick Facts
Born
1997
1997
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Refentse Morake was born in the Free State and raised in Vereeniging, Gauteng. Despite not speaking Afrikaans at home, he attended Afrikaans-medium schools from a young age and used music as a tool to master the language. In early 2015, his life changed when a neighbor, Cecilia Marchionna, recorded him singing outside his home. The video garnered hundreds of thousands of views within days, transforming the teenager from a local busker into a viral sensation.
His professional breakthrough was solidified at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK), where his idol Karen Zoid discovered him performing on the street. She mentored him through the production of his debut project, My Hart Bly in ’n Taal (2016). The album featured soulful reinterpretations of hits by Laurika Rauch and Johannes Kerkorrel, earning him multiple Ghoema Awards and a SAMA for Top Selling Digital Artist. He followed this success with Deur My Venster (2017) and Liefdegenerasie (2018), consistently topping the charts with hits like "Sonvanger" and "What a Boytjie."
In 2026, Refentse continues to be a pioneering figure in the South African arts. Beyond his studio success, he has collaborated with legends such as Elandré and Ricus Nel, and performed on international stages including the Monaco Grand Prix. His 2025 single "Nykie" further demonstrates his ability to blend traditional folk sensibilities with modern synth-pop. Recognized as a cultural ambassador, he uses his platform to promote social cohesion, proving that music is a universal language that transcends heritage and background.