Latest news with #DancinWitU
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Meet Jaydn Elle: the quadruple threat shaking up South Africa's music scene with fearless flair
Jaydn Elle aims to leave a legacy that uplifts and empowers. Image: Supplied At just 18 years old, Jaydn Elle is carving her own path in the entertainment world with an energy that's both bold and independent. Known as a quadruple threat, this dynamic young talent from Johannesburg is not merely accumulating accolades - she is redefining the landscape of singing, acting, dancing and modelling. Elle's lifelong passion for music began at the tender age of five or six, ignited by a childhood viewing of Beauty and the Beast that sparked her profound love for the performing arts. 'Theatre is my first love,' she reflected. Her impressive music career began in 2018 when she secured the lead role in 'Annie JR" at Johannesburg's People's Theatre. This pivotal moment sparked a passion for singing that has only intensified over the years. The year 2020 saw her rise to prominence in modelling when she was awarded the Public Choice Award and made it to the finals of the International Junior Miss South Africa pageant. However, her artistic pursuits didn't stop there. In 2021, she released her debut single 'Nasty', a touching reflection on bullying during the pandemic. Following that, her collaboration on 'Superwoman' with songwriter Warrick Wallace and MPJ became a viral sensation, amassing over 4.7 million streams. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Jaydn Elle's 'Dancin Wit U' demonstrates her evolution as an artist. Image: Supplied Her latest single, 'Dancin Wit U', further demonstrates her evolution as an artist. This upbeat track is a vibrant fusion of '70s disco and contemporary pop, designed to get listeners on their feet and hearts racing. Inspired by her daydreams of an idyllic first date, Elle described it as a song rooted in nostalgia and joy. 'At the time, I hadn't been on a real first date,' she recalled. 'But I would watch enough rom-coms, like 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' and 'The Kissing Booth', to know the kind of butterflies I wanted to feel.' Her infectious energy and style shine through as she expressed the warmth of human connection. Originally recorded in 2021, the song found new life through her partnership with Virgin Music, allowing Elle to refine and elevate it for her ever-evolving artistry. 'Songs don't have expiration dates,' she asserted. 'This one needed to come out now - and I'm so glad I waited.' 'I've never been a one-genre artist,' she explained. 'This song sets the tone for where I'm headed - playful, emotional and full of surprises.' Jaydn Elle aims to leave a legacy that uplifts and empowers. Image: Supplied The artist credits Rihanna's 'Only Girl (In The World)' as the catalyst for her musical aspirations. 'The song made me feel special, and I was obsessed with the music video,' Elle reminisced, pointing to the powerful imagery and emotion that inspired her young heart. Despite growing up in a family entrenched in sports, where music was often relegated to background noise on car rides, Elle forged her own path, allowing her creativity to flourish within a rich tapestry of South African musical influences. 'In South Africa, you can't avoid rhythm,' she said, referencing the diverse sounds that have shaped her music - from vibrant street beats to church choirs and festive family gatherings. Elle described her sound as a mix of disco-pop infused with soul: 'Think sparkly synths, funky bass and vocals that tell stories about love, freedom and self-expression. It's the kind of music you can dance to in your bedroom mirror.' Creating her music is an organic process for Elle, often sparked by melodies that materialise when she least expects them, like during study sessions. 'I'll sit down with my phone's voice notes to start building chords,' she revealed. While she sometimes collaborates with local producers, much of her work is a solo journey of experimentation and self-discovery. Drawing heavily from personal experience, Elle's songwriting encapsulates the essence of her feelings and dreams. One of the most transformative moments in her burgeoning career was filming the first season of 'Reyka', a landmark opportunity that propelled her further into the spotlight. However, the journey hasn't been without its hurdles. Elle acknowledged that self-doubt sometimes creeps in, wondering if anyone will connect with her music. Yet, she finds reassurance in conversations with friends and the knowledge that her story matters. If she could rewind time and offer herself advice at the start of her journey, it would be simple: 'Stop overthinking. Trust your instincts more.' For Elle, the key to success lies in the act of creation without waiting for the perfect moment to unveil oneself to the world. With aspirations of working alongside like-minded artists, Elle lists British singer Jorja Smith as her dream collaborator. 'Her music is so good, and I love her unique sound,' she said. As she looks to the future, Elle is brimming with ideas for her next major project - a secret concept album rooted in a coming-of-age story meant to resonate with queer youth growing up in Johannesburg. 'I want to create a musical movie soundtrack that tells their stories,' she divulges, hinting at her desire to impact lives through her art. Ultimately, Elle aims to leave a legacy that uplifts and empowers. 'I want people to feel seen and celebrated, especially girls of colour and anyone who feels like they don't fit into society's boxes,' she stated. Her music is designed to remind listeners that their joy, love and dreams are all worthy of pursuit - a message that echoes through each note she sings. 'Even if it's just a fantasy, even if it's just for a moment - that spark of joy is worth holding onto,' she concluded.
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Discover the hottest new music gems for your weekend playlist
'Partii' is an invitation to let loose, encouraging listeners to escape the ordinary and surrender to the beat. Image: Supplied With the weekend here, music enthusiasts find themselves on the lookout for fresh tracks to enliven their playlists and energise the vibe. This week, an exciting array of emerging artists and seasoned musicians alike have released tunes that are bound to inspire dance moves and introspection alike. Here's a curated selection of the hottest new music gems you should consider adding to your weekend rotation. 'Partii' is an invitation to let loose, encouraging listeners to escape the ordinary and surrender to the beat. Image: Supplied 'Partii' by Kamo Mphela Kamo Mphela is back with a high-octane anthem titled 'Partii'. This electrifying track, boasting contributions from Aymos, Jay Music, Que DJ, and SpacePose, is a celebration of youth and rhythm. 'Partii' is an invitation to let loose, encouraging listeners to escape the ordinary and surrender to the beat. Mphela aims for the song to instill a sense of freedom, making it perfect for the dancefloor and TikTok challenges alike. Initially penned at just 15-years-old, "Dancin Wit U" encapsulates the dreamy essence of a perfect first date. Image: Supplied 'Dancin Wit U' by Jaydᴎ Elle Rising pop star Jaydᴎ Elle delivers a disco-pop delight with her new single 'Dancin Wit U'. Initially penned at just 15-years-old, the song encapsulates the dreamy essence of a perfect first date. It layers nostalgic grooves with a modern flair, reminding listeners of the joyful anticipation of new connections. 'It's got soul, it's got sparkle, and it makes you want to move,' Elle shared, highlighting its feel-good nature. "Get Up" encourages listeners to embrace courage and self-confidence. Image: Supplied 'Get Up' by Charley Dixon featuring Yedda Afro-tech DJ Charley Dixon's latest release, 'Get Up', features the soulful voice of Yedda. This pulsating anthem encourages listeners to embrace courage and self-confidence. Dixon described the song as a personal message about stepping into one's power, and it's a call for everyone to rise and pursue their dreams fearlessly. 'Bengicela' serves as both a dancefloor hit and a heartfelt prayer for hope and guidance. Image: Supplied 'Bengicela' by MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay, Thukuthela, and Jazzworx Following her hit 'Uzizwa Kanjan', MaWhoo returns on a spiritual note with 'Bengicela'. This collaboration serves as both a dancefloor hit and a heartfelt prayer for hope and guidance. MaWhoo's powerful vocals resonate through Jazzworx's emotive production, creating a track that offers solace amid life's uncertainties. In a touching tribute to resilience, Major Bless honours Youth Month with his debut single 'Can't Go Back'. Image: Supplied 'Can't Go Back' by Major Bless In a touching tribute to resilience, Major Bless honours Youth Month with his debut single 'Can't Go Back'. Drawing from personal and societal struggles, the Afro-soul track is a rallying cry for the youth to rise above their past and embrace a hopeful future. 'We move forward, we grow, and we become what we were born to be,' Bless asserted. "Che Che" exudes confidence, self-expression and the joy of living your best life. Image: Supplied 'Che Che' by Young Jonn featuring Asake Young Jonn brings the groove with 'Che Che', an infectious Afro-pop anthem featuring the dynamic Asake. This vibrant track exudes confidence, self-expression and the joy of living your best life. Anticipated as a part of Jonn's upcoming 'Blue Disco' project, it's primed to be a staple of summer playlists. "Unguye uThixo" reflects a young generation's embrace of faith through music. Image: Supplied 'Unguye uThixo' by Zikhona Maxine Zonke Emerging gospel artist Zikhona Maxine Zonke offers a heartfelt anthem with 'Unguye uThixo' (You're God). Rooted in gratitude and purpose, her song reflects a young generation's embrace of faith through music. 'It's about how He rescued me from hopelessness,' Zonke shared, echoing a theme of love and direction.
