As the world turns its ears toward the next sonic moment from South Africa, sister duo SAI HLE are preparing to make waves with their highly anticipated new single, UBUMNND, set for release on October 17, 2025.
Comprised of sisters Amahle Koom and Siphosethu Koom, SAI HLE have carved a distinctive identity one that blends culture, futurism, and rhythm into a soundcape that feels both deeply rooted and forward-leaning. In the ever-evolving world of Amapiano and Dance music, their latest offering adds naunce to the genre and also marks the beginning of a new chapter under an exciting partnership with Platoon, the innovative artist services company known for cultivating global African talent.
UBUMNND, the Soundscape
The title “UBUMNND” is stylized from the word “Ebumnandi.” SAI HLE now canonically share the relative phrase with the late South African Kwaito artist Doc Shebeleza, famously known for saying “Ebumnandini kulapho uzongithola khona.” This nod further anchors the song in South Africa’s cultural spirit, a tribute to the vibe, unity, and the roots of local groove.
With its smooth blend of Xhosa, Zulu, and English, the track bridges cultures while showcasing the sisters’ vocal cadence, harmonies, and undeniable chemistry. It’s not just a song, it’s a moment; a shared experience.
“’UBUMNND’ is a piece of our heart,” say Amahle and Siphosethu Koom, the dynamic duo behind SAI HLE. “It’s about that incredible feeling of freedom and joy you get when you’re surrounded by people you love. We wanted to create a song that brings everyone together to celebrate the now.”
And celebrate, they have. The release marks a defining moment for SAI HLE as they become Platoon’s first Amapiano & Dance sister duo — a milestone that not only amplifies their sound but also signals the wave of curiosity in the South African music scene towards the global audience.
But this is only the beginning. The sisters are already lighting up timelines, collabs with Thebe Magugu and stages with a preview of their upcoming collaboration with Sun-El Musician, titled “Koyika.” Add to that a pop-up tour with hip-hop heavyweight Khuli Chana, plus a new joint single in the works, and it’s clear: SAI HLE are in full stride, ready to own every stage they touch.
Their musical blend is Amapiano meets Afro-house meets Soul — feels effortlessly fresh, yet deeply rooted in authenticity. It’s the kind of sound that doesn’t just entertain, it connects.
The Sound, The Season, The Spirit
The idea of a timeless classic is curated well past the experience of a summer hit. UBUMNND is more than a single; it’s a moment, a season for the duo with cultural significance.
Kasi Kantemporary sounds like the perfect dub for this style and its visual curation. Compliments from the eye & touch of earthsunmoon.club as it has a way of anchoring itself in leisure yet accenting itself in location.
The most recent collaboration with Dakota is an example of this hybrid nature. In one breath, it screams faithfulness and freedom; in the next, it displays creative comfortability and maturity. This contrast is an ongoing theme in their work and perhaps intentionally, the duplicitous expression that exists between the duo is a conversation we’ll have to revisit at a later stage.
Nevertheless, having only discovered their music content for just over a year, their engagement with audiences has been an interesting journey. From the vantage point of the digital consumer, it often feels like you’re merely watching two siblings make use of the family lounge for their Saturday morning routine rehearsal backtracked by Trace Urban, with a remote control mic in hand for that dramatic vocal run finish.
It’s nuanced. It’s nostalgic. It’s Mzansi.
Q&A with Khuli Chana — My Thrown on Momentum, Management and Music
With industry giant Khuli Chana in their corner, SAI HLE’s journey takes on an added layer of depth and direction. As a creative mentor, Khuli has played an instrumental role in shaping their artistic vision and guiding their brand build through My Throne; balancing authenticity, innovation, and longevity. In this conversation, he reflects on the duo’s aesthetic, sound, and the path ahead.
1. SAI HLE has an aesthetic that one can best describe as abstract elegance and future retro. How important is visual appeal to this single, and to the duo’s overall brand image?
Visual appeal is everything in this chapter of storytelling. For me, it’s not just about the sound — it’s about creating a whole world around the music. With SAI HLE, the visuals are an extension of their soul. The “abstract elegance” represents their softness, while “future retro” is INTENTIONAL. It captures how they honor the past but move the sound forward. The way they dress, move, and present themselves visually is all part of a bigger narrative — one that makes Amapiano not just a genre, but a lifestyle and global art form.
The goal is longevity. We’re designing visuals that can live on global stages, fashion campaigns, and art spaces — not just music videos. When people see SAI HLE, I want them to feel the evolution of African creativity. That’s the power of visual language: it breaks borders before the lyrics even translate.
2. “UBUMNND” marks SAI HLE’s first official release under Platoon. How does this partnership align with the long-term vision for their sound and their positioning within the global Amapiano and Dance scene?
This partnership with Platoon is a big statement. It says we’re not here by chance — we’re here with intention. Platoon understands artist development and storytelling, and that aligns perfectly with my vision for SAI HLE. The goal isn’t just to drop a hit — it’s to build legacy. We want to position them as a global and this partnership allows us to scale their story without losing the essence of who they are.
3. Motswako finds its nuance in the mixture and blend of sound. How both reminiscent and progressive is the soundscape of “UBUMNND” compared to its predecessors?
Motswako taught me that fusion is power — that identity lives in the blend. “UBUMNND” carries that same philosophy. It’s nostalgic in how it feels; warm, human, rooted in African rhythm, but it’s also very progressive in its production and vocal layering. That’s what excites me — seeing Saihle paying homage to Ubumnandini Doc shebeleza with tik tok dance videos , and evolves it into something fresh, soulful, and borderless.
4. We don’t see many duos and even fewer female ones in the current music scene. How important is SAI HLE’s emergence in shaping the growing landscape of South African music?
It’s powerful, man. Two sisters coming together in harmony; that’s more than just a duo; that’s legacy work. Their emergence challenges the norm and shows young women that collaboration, sisterhood, and artistry can coexist beautifully. SAI HLE represents the next chapter of South African music, one that’s feminine, soulful, and fearless.
5. “UBUMNND” drops at the height of summer and the incoming festive season. What can fans anticipate next from SAI HLE as the momentum builds?
Fans can expect expansion. We’re not slowing down. The goal is to build a movement around their sound — live shows, visuals, collaborations, and a full experience that goes beyond just streaming. “UBUMNND” is the spark. What’s coming next is the flame. Expect more stories, more visuals, and a deeper dive into their world. 2025 is the year the sisters take center stage, and we’re just getting started.
As SAI HLE’s journey unfolds, one thing is certain: they’re not just making music; they’re creating moments that move people together. Stream “UBUMNND” now on all platforms and let yourself feel the groove, live the joy, and celebrate the now.
About SAI HLE: Hailing from Johannesburg, SAI HLE is the powerhouse sister duo of Amahle and Siphosethu Koom. Their genre-bending sound blends Amapiano, Afro-house, and Soul, anchored by powerful harmonies and heartfelt songwriting that celebrates love, unity, and the vibrancy of South Africa.
About Platoon: Based in London, Platoon is a platform for fearless creatives, helping artists produce, distribute, and market their work — while maintaining their independence.
Related Posts
