Contributing Writer
South African duo FiNE have been making waves across the globe. Their deep, emotive soundscapes have garnered support from major industry players, including Black Coffee, who featured their hit ‘Nomathemba’ in the official marketing for his Hï Ibiza 2024 residency. Today, they join us to dive into their latest single, I Need You—out now on their Sippy Time imprint—and share the inspirations driving their work…
Hi both, thanks for joining us today at MI4L. How’s your week been so far?
It’s been an incredible week! After an epic opening weekend in South Africa spending time with all the friends, fans and fellow South African artists, we’re about to announce our second South African tour of the year, doing 20 shows around the country including 2 Sippy Time showcases. We are feeling blessed to be in South Africa.q
Your latest release, ‘I Need You’, featuring Nomvula has been described as a ‘deeply moving single’. What’s the story behind this record?
Working with Nomvula had always been a something we wanted to do, and once she laid down her vocals, the song truly came to life. We started with a blank canvas and ended up with an emotive tribute to Nomvula’s father, who tragically passed in a car accident. Her haunting portrayal of calling out to him in the mountains, only to be met with silence, captures a profound loneliness that resonates throughout the track.
What do you hope listeners take away from ‘I Need You’? How do you think it will resonate with those who have experienced similar emotions?
We hope listeners are drawn into the beauty of the song and that as they listen, it helps them navigate whatever they’re going through and leaves them with a smile.
Hailing from South Africa, a lot of your work is rooted in African culture, how would you describe the music scene where you’re from?
The music scene in South Africa is vibrant and diverse, blending traditional African sounds with modern genres like house, hip-hop, and jazz. There’s a deep respect for cultural heritage here, and you can feel it in the music – it’s rhythmic, soulful, and always evolving. Artists are pushing boundaries, fusing global influences with distinctly African elements, creating a sound that’s both unique and exciting. It’s an inspiring place to create, with a strong sense of community and pride in our roots.
The single is set to land via your label Sippy Time, which launched just seven months ago. How’s it going so far?
Sippy Time has been incredibly well-received by fans and artists around the world. We’re thrilled with the amazing support. We have releases scheduled all the way until the end of 2025, and we can’t wait to share what’s coming!
Thanks to your work, you’ve had the opportunity to travel the world. If you had to choose another place to live based on its music scene, where would that be?
If we had to choose another place to live purely for its music scene, it would probably be London. The energy there is unmatched – it’s a melting pot of genres and cultures, where you can find everything from Afrobeat to electronic, jazz to pop, all thriving side by side. It’s also in the centre of Europe which is important for touring.
What are your thoughts about phones on the dancefloor?
Phones on the dancefloor are a double-edged sword. We definitely love that with social media these days, we can now capture and share amazing moments which helps spread the music and energy far beyond the event. But on the other hand, phones can take people out of the experience. The best moments on the dancefloor happen when everyone’s fully present, feeding off each other’s energy without distractions. We think there’s a balance to be found – use your phone to share the vibe, but don’t let it take you away from the moment.
Is there a dream festival/stage/venue you’d like to play?
Printworks in London is a venue we have loved for years and now that its set to return in 2026, it’s on the top of the list. The vibes, production and whole experience is just like no other.
Are there any artists or songs currently inspiring you?
Honestly, we are running our own race at the moment. We feel so ‘locked in’ on our sound that we’re not looking for inspiration from anywhere external.
Follow FiNE: Instagram – Spotify – Soundcloud
