Msaki and Jesse Clegg – Entropy (2026)
Known for their commitment to cross-cultural, boundary-pushing, emotionally honest, and rather infectious approach to music, South African artists Msaki and Jesse Clegg are not only rocking the room individually, but have a collaborative room-rocker on their hands. In six songs, Msaki and Clegg take you through a journey of discovery in the well-received EP, Entropy. First, though, who are these artists and why should we pay attention to them?
Keeping it quick, because there is so much to say about each musician, Msaki and Jesse Clegg are two of the most respected, valued and innovative artists in the South African music scene (and reaching far beyond with their cross-cultural projects). Dipping her toes in various cultural projects, Msaki is known for her work on Black Coffee’s Grammy award-winning album, collaborations with artists like RY X and Louie Vega, and work as a visual artist and curator.
Clegg – son of the late, great, world musician Jonny Clegg – also brings award-winning songwriting skills to the board, as well as performing on international stages and touring with artists like Imagine Dragons. Today, the pair are merging their diverse talents, sounds and experiences in Entropy.
History aside, what is Entropy all about? It’s an EP that explores connection, diversity, contrast, vulnerability and “captures the creative tension and harmony between two singular voices”. Opening with track ‘Untimely Disclosure’, we are introduced to Clegg and Msaki’s rich vocals in a smooth match of bold beats and shimmering synths. Yet, while this song could be placed on a pop playlist, it clinks with world music and indie breaths, introducing you to the pair. I find the ending of ‘Untimely Disclosure’ and the opening of ‘Wayside Lover’ with a piano intriguing, as one song closes and the other opens in a sophisticated flow.
One aspect I find intriguing about Entropy is how the odd blend of simplicity and intricacy exists in the melodies. It’s as if the rich vocals and bold instrumentation hold their own, but also slide with a whispering sentiment holding your hand with a sincere smile. Moreover, the shifts from organic to electronic sounds take you on a journey from synths to acoustic without any jolts, distortion or jarring feeling. ‘Wayside Lover’s piano-heavy style fell into the synth of ‘How Dare You’, before heading to a percussion-inclusive ‘See Me Through’ – each moment a delightful incorporation of Msaki and Clegg’s diverse styles.
Sauntering through a whirl of pop, indie-pop, pop-rock and world music, you find yourself dancing along to ‘Awake In The Nighttime’ after swooning to ‘See Me Through’ and before heartfelt ‘Cruel World For Meaning Junkies’ – each a beautiful, kaleidoscopic step through Entropy. It’s not easy to choose a favourite considering the similarity and simultaneous contrast of each track, but I have to stick to ‘Wayside Lover’. I believe the uniqueness of Zulu (I think) vocals gives the EP that something extra.
All in all, with a completely honest and objective opinion, Entropy is a shining collection of moving songs. I hope this is not the last collaboration by Clegg and Msaki.
Find out more about Msaki on her Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
Find out more about Jesse Clegg on his Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by SF Publicity.
