By Mediamec 
From school talent shows to the national spotlight, rising South African artist Ms Esau has steadily carved out a place for herself in the local music scene. Known for her soulful voice and heartfelt storytelling, her journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and purpose.
After first appearing on Idols South Africa in 2016, she returned the following year to earn a spot in the Top 10, capturing the hearts of fans nationwide with her authentic performances and resilient spirit.
Fast forward to 2024, Esau reached a career milestone by signing her first record deal with David Gresham Music, leading to the release of her debut single “Vuma”—a love anthem that resonated deeply with her audience.
Now, she has taken a bold step forward with the release of her debut EP, Ms Esau. Unveiled this past Friday, the project is a deeply personal offering, filled with messages of love, hope, and self-empowerment.
“Honestly, the biggest thing for me is for my music to heal,” she told Independent Media Lifestyle. “It just makes you feel heard, seen, good. That’s all I want.”
Each track on Ms Esau invites listeners into the artist’s emotional landscape, painting a vivid picture of vulnerability and joy. Among the standout songs is “Nhliziyo”, a soul-soothing anthem for the weary, offering a comforting embrace and message of resilience after life’s storms.
The lead single, “Vuma” featuring Loki, celebrates love’s enduring strength, highlighting how commitment can flourish even in the face of adversity. Another fan favorite, “Thando”, opens with a tender trumpet melody and speaks to the heartfelt pursuit of true connection, while the closing track “Ngiyakufuna”, featuring Kings of Kontent, affirms that love sees no boundaries.
Born and raised in Bozi, East Rand, Esau credits her musical foundation to her family and the rich sonic environment of her upbringing.
“My love for music started right at home,” she shared. “Sundays were filled with romantic ballads on Metro FM. It sparked something in me.”
Influenced by R\&B but unafraid to experiment, Esau describes her sound as rooted in soul but branching into multiple genres.
“I’m a big R\&B lover. But I’ve decided to play around with different sounds and genres, which has been a lot of fun.”
Her debut project showcases a collaborative spirit, shaped by the talents of producers John Lundun, Ziggy, Raven Cable, Oriah Reloaded, and Zephbeats, as well as guest features from Loki and Kings of Kontent.
The EP’s title, Ms Esau, holds personal value. Esau, whose surname has always drawn attention, wanted to reclaim and feminize it for her artistic identity.
“I’ve always been told I have a pretty cool surname. So we thought—why not name the EP Esau and make it a bit more feminine?”
With this release, Ms Esau signals her arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the music scene, blending sincerity, healing, and musical excellence.
Her eyes are now set on even greater horizons.
“I want to reach more people, touch lives through my music—and who knows, maybe even go global. That’s the goal!”
Music lovers can explore other recent standout songs delving into love and vulnerability:
- “Russian Roulette” by Lady Zamar – A reflective take on blurred lines between friendship and romance, built around a clever metaphor and sultry rhythm.
- “Mnakwethu” by Lwah Ndlunkulu – Produced by Xowla, this emotional ballad explores the pain of suspected infidelity with raw vocal delivery and relatable themes.