Culture Craze
Liquideep Return: A Decade Later, South Africa’s Soulful Duo Reignite the Stage
The long-awaited reunion
After more than a decade away, soulful house duo Liquideep have stepped back onto the stage, sending waves of nostalgia across South Africa. On 24 September 2025, Thabo “Ryzor” Shokgolo and Jonathan “Ziyon” Hamilton officially confirmed their reunion, with their first performances quickly stirring joy, reflection, and a little debate.
For many, the announcement felt like a long-held wish finally granted. Liquideep’s music was the heartbeat of the late 2000s and early 2010s, threading together nights out, long drives, and quiet moments with its soulful blend of house and R&B. When they faded from the spotlight around 2014, fans were left with songs that aged into classics, but no new memories to add to the mix.
More than just a comeback
In truth, this return is years in the making. Ziyon revealed on Thando Thabethe’s 947 drive-time show that he and Ryzor had been discussing a reunion for three to four years before committing. What eventually happened wasn’t simply a comeback. For the duo, it felt like a homecoming.
When they finally stepped on stage again, they leaned straight into the hits. “BBM” was the obvious spark, lighting up the crowd and social media alike with memories of the BlackBerry era. “Rise Again” and “Fairytale” followed, reminding everyone of the emotional weight their music carried, grooves that weren’t just catchy but soul-deep.
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South Africans react
Mzansi’s response was instant and honest. Twitter and TikTok are filled with nostalgia, humour, and heartfelt comments. Some fans celebrated with lines like “my heart, for 11 years!” and others admitted to tears hearing those first few chords again. A few critics wondered aloud if the reunion was more about finances than music, reflecting the sceptical but always vibrant nature of South African commentary.
Either way, the conversation proved one thing: Liquideep had never really left people’s hearts. The absence only made their music feel bigger.
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Why it matters now
Liquideep’s return goes beyond reliving old favourites. For fans who lived through their rise, it’s a chance to reconnect with the soundtrack of their youth. For newer listeners who discovered them on streaming platforms long after the duo stepped away, it’s a live introduction to a piece of modern South African house history.
The group’s sound helped shape the soulful textures that many younger artists now draw from. Their comeback isn’t just about the past; it’s about reclaiming their place in the present and showing that their music still resonates in a country whose house scene continues to evolve globally.
Liquideep live performance at Radio 📻 947 after 11 years 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/7QHZkwYTRP
— THE AUDIO LAB (@TheAudioLabSA) September 27, 2025
What’s next for Liquideep?
The question on everyone’s mind is: will new music follow? Early shows have sparked speculation about tours, festivals, and possibly fresh releases. Whether or not that happens, their return is already historic. It marks a bridge between eras, where yesterday’s soundtrack meets today’s energy.
For Ryzor and Ziyon, stepping back into the lights feels like closing a loop: remembering where it all began, acknowledging how much was missed, and showing South Africa why their sound still belongs at the centre of the dance floor.
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Source: Bona Magazine
Featured Image: YFM
