IN CONVERSATION WITH Halo Yagami

Monde Ngcobo, better known as Halo Yagami, is a 28-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer redefining the South African music landscape. Born and raised in KwaMashu, Durban, and now based in Johannesburg, he burst onto the scene in 2022 with his game-changing debut EP, Usiba. Since then, he has become one of the most exciting independent artists in the industry, known for his soulful sound, genre-blending style, and deep storytelling. As an artist, Halo Yagami believes in timelessness, a sentiment reflected in his stage name. "Halo" was given to him by a friend who believed his voice was angelic and everlasting, while "Yagami" was inspired by an anime character, reinforcing the idea that true artistry never fades. With over 700,000 streams on Apple Music, Halo Yagami’s music has resonated globally, earning him spots on high-profile Apple Music and Spotify playlists, including New Music Daily, Breaking R&B, Africa Rising, and Hip-Hop Circle. His unique blend of R&B, Maskandi, and Kwaito creates a distinctive, immersive experience—one that he describes as a stew of different influences, carefully crafted for emotional depth and relatability. His talent has led to collaborations with some of South Africa’s biggest names, including Shekhinah, Kly, Sjava, Maglera Doe Boy, Phila Dozi, MashBeatz, and Marcus Harvey. Among these, he holds his work with Shekhinah and Sjava closest to his heart, as both were artists he admired long before getting the chance to work alongside them. Halo’s creative process is deeply personal. He draws inspiration from movies with compelling dialogue, thought-provoking conversations, and real-life experiences, allowing his storytelling to feel authentic and universally relatable. His musical influences range from Drake and The Manhattans to Erykah Badu, Jabu Khanyile, and Thokozani Langa, all of whom have taught him the power of emotion in music. His latest single, Phresha, is an up-beat urban track with influences of Kwaito and Maskandi music. Speaking about the release, Halo shares: “I am beyond excited to share this single with the world. It stems from a very personal journey, and I’ve poured my heart into it. I hope it resonates with listeners everywhere.”