South African singer-songwriter JAID RIVER is set to captivate audiences once again with her latest single, ‘WAKKER’ which will be released on 11 April 2025. Known for her introspective lyrics and unique sound, JAID’s music continues to evolve, offering listeners a fresh sonic experience while staying true to
her storytelling roots.
Following the success of her 2023 debut album, ‘Verlanger’, and the 2024 single “Geskryf,” JAID RIVER
(born Jeanlie Minnie) has been crafting new material that reflects her artistic growth. Over the past year,
she has been deeply immersed in songwriting, performing, and refining her sound. She credits her experiences, including her collaboration-driven ‘Singkamer’ performances alongside Jaco Smit and Thys Nortje, with guest artists such as Joshua Na Die Reën and Leon Gropp, as key moments that have shaped her latest work.
A song born under the stars, ’WAKKER’ first took shape in 2022, during a quiet evening on a farm. As
JAID gazed at the vast night sky, lost in thought, the song’s chorus came to her – a reflection of the questions and uncertainties that often accompany life’s journey. That moment of introspection led to the creation of a song that explores themes of longing, doubt, and the delicate balance between dreaming and living in the present.
“I always try my best to be aware of the present moment. It is so easy to lose yourself in a dreamworld
which leads to you missing out on life. The balance between the two is something I often
wonder about.” says JAID.
As with much of her music, JAID entrusted the production of WAKKER to longtime collaborator Jaco
Smit, with whom she shares a deep musical synergy. Their experimental approach to production brought
unexpected elements into the song, including the recorded sounds of a clock and a coffee machine –
subtle yet intentional details that enhance the song’s atmosphere. JAID describes the recording process
as one of her favourite parts of music-making, as it allows her the freedom to explore and bring her vision
to life.
WAKKER marks an evolution in JAID’s sonic journey as a new sound and the start of a new chapter.
While staying true to her introspective lyricism, she embraces a fresh ‘retro pop’ sound, making this her
most commercial release yet. She remains open to exploring new genres and styles, ensuring that each
song is an authentic representation of its story and emotion.
At its core, WAKKER is a song for the dreamers and anyone who has ever questioned the future, felt lost
in their thoughts, or struggled to find the balance between hope and reality. JAID believes that students
and young adults, in particular, will resonate with its themes, as they navigate an uncertain yet transformative time in their lives.
“It’s amazing how a song I wrote years ago can take on new meaning over time. I think that’s the
beauty of music – it grows with you and as an artist, you always leave a bit of yourself behind in
every song that you create,” JAID reflects.
With WAKKER setting the tone for what’s to come, fans can expect more music in the near future, as
JAID continues working on her next project – a brand new EP set for release later this year. Live performances and exciting collaborations are also on the horizon, ensuring that this next chapter in her career will be one to watch.
WAKKER will be available on all major streaming platforms from 11 April 2025.
