Venom, Shishiliza & Yumbs Drops Their New Love Anthem "WeStandwa"

South Africa’s powerhouse collaborators, Venom & Shishiliza, have teamed up once again with Yumbs to deliver a heartfelt love anthem, weSthandwa. The track, featuring Blxckie, 031CHOPPA, and Shannon, is now available across all digital platforms, adding another timeless hit to their growing catalog of love-inspired releases.

A Creative Bond That Transcends Time

Venom & Shishiliza’s journey began in 2013 when they first crossed paths through Family Tree. Over the years, their connection deepened, and just before the global lockdown, their collaborative synergy was solidified when Shishiliza took on the A&R role for Venom’s single U featuring Le Paris, Daecolm & Tyler ICU. That moment sparked the realization that their combined creative vision could shape something special.

Their official industry debut as a duo came with Sho Boy, an all-star track featuring Riky Rick, Blxckie, Focalistic, Yanga Chief, 25K, and Beast. However, it was Sondela, their platinum-selling hit featuring Yumbs, Raspy, Blxckie, Riky Rick, and Tshego, that truly defined their musical identity. The song became a viral sensation, particularly on TikTok, cementing their influence within the industry.

Shaping a Distinctive Sound

Venom & Shishiliza describe their music as an organic evolution rather than a calculated formula. Their sound found them, heavily inspired by their late friend and mentor, Riky Rick. Honoring his legacy remains at the heart of their mission, alongside their drive to uplift emerging artists and elevate South African music on a global scale.

This vision was further refined during an intensive writing camp for their album. Entering with 13 songs, they left with 21, a testament to their boundless creativity. “When we played the 21 tracks for Sony Music, we realized the first 13 were love songs, while the remaining tracks had a harder edge. We decided to keep the first 13 as the album and release the rest later” Shishiliza explains.

weSthandwa: A Celebration of Love in All Forms

Following the success of Flight Ya Hoseng, their 2023 love anthem, weSthandwa continues their tradition of delivering emotionally charged, genre-defying music. The track seamlessly blends Amapiano, Afro-pop, and hip-hop elements, offering a refreshing soundscape that resonates deeply with listeners.

“Love inspired this song,” Venom & Shishiliza share. “Every year, around Valentine’s Day, we release a track for those in love, those healing from heartbreak, and those searching for love.”

With Blxckie bringing his signature hip-hop flair, 031CHOPPA delivering raw and emotive verses, and Shannon’s soulful vocals adding depth, weSthandwa is a musical love letter dedicated to passion and connection. Discovered through producer Herc Cut The Lights, Shannon proved to be the perfect addition to the track’s heartfelt narrative.

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Breaking Boundaries Through Collaboration

Unconstrained by genre, Venom & Shishiliza pride themselves on pushing sonic boundaries. “We don’t limit ourselves to one sound. Experimentation is what fuels our creativity,” they emphasise. “Collaboration plays a huge role in our process, and blending different styles allows us to craft something truly unique.”

Their continued work with Yumbs, Blxckie, and 031CHOPPA proves their ability to maintain strong creative chemistry, while the introduction of Shannon brings a fresh dynamic to their evolving sound.

Taking Center Stage

The buzz around weSthandwa is already growing, with the track set to feature on Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida this Friday, February 21st. The broadcast will air across multiple time zones on Apple Music 1, further amplifying the song’s reach and impact.

With an unwavering dedication to storytelling, genre-blending production, and a deep love for the culture, Venom & Shishiliza continue to shape South Africa’s musical landscape. As weSthandwa captures the hearts of listeners worldwide, one thing is clear, their influence is only just beginning.

Stream/Download “weSthandwa” here