RELEASE DATE: Friday, 3 July 2026
RECORD LABEL: THE BEAT CLUB
FOCUS TRACK: “Need To Know” w/ Luke M & Kali Mija
STREAM FULL EP: Jay Em – iSOTTA
South African producer duo Jay Em return with their most personal project to date as they release their EP, iSOTTA, on Friday, 3 July 2026 via The Beat Club. A seven-track project rooted in house music but inspired by something far deeper – the streets, sounds and culture of Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) – iSOTTA is a heartfelt tribute to the city that shaped the duo’s musical identity and stands as one of the city’s most meaningful musical releases in recent years.
ABOUT THE FOCUS TRACK
Leading the release is the emotionally rich focus track, “Need To Know”, a collaboration with fellow Port Elizabeth producer Luke M and Botswana vocalist Kali Mija. Rooted in the unmistakable sound of Port Elizabeth, the record blends soulful melodies, warm harmonies and nostalgic textures into a song that feels deeply personal while remaining universally relatable.
The track also carries profound emotional significance, serving as a tribute to the duo’s late friend and fellow producer, Neelan Munnick, affectionately known as Four7. His influence lives on through the song’s melodic textures and beautifully layered harmonies, honouring both his legacy and the lasting impact he had on Jay Em’s musical journey.
ABOUT THE EP
At the heart of iSOTTA lies a uniquely South African story. Long before streaming platforms and social media transformed music discovery, the legendary Toyota Siyaya minibus taxis played a pivotal role in introducing new music to communities across Port Elizabeth, and the broader South Africa. Producers would create music specifically with taxi drivers in mind, knowing that if a song became a favourite on those routes, it would quickly spread organically throughout the city. In many ways, the taxis were the radio stations, playlists and cultural meeting places – making it one of the most powerful distribution channels before the digital age.
The EP’s title pays homage to one of the city’s most iconic taxis: iSOTTA. For Jay Em, iSOTTA represents far more than a mode of transport – it symbolises childhood memories, community, movement and the soundtrack growing up. It recalls a time when local music travelled through taxi speakers before it ever reached commercial radio.
Alongside the focus single, standout tracks include “Borrels” and “Tick Tok”, which generated strong traction across social media ahead of the release, further showcasing the duo’s ability to balance nostalgia with forward-thinking production.
ABOUT JAY EM
Comprised of brothers Ruwayne and Waven Sebia, Jay Em have steadily established themselves as one of South Africa’s most exciting emerging production acts. The duo have collaborated with artists including Mi Casa, YoungstaCPT and Ziyon, co-produced Mi Casa’s SAMA-nominated album We Made It, earned an AFRIMA nomination for their work on “Toca”, released music through Stay True Sounds and built an impressive reputation both behind the scenes and on stage.
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Kaytranada, Disclosure, Chromeo and their late friend Four7 – who first introduced Waven to music production – Jay Em have cultivated a sound that is distinctly their own. Under the mentorship of Mi Casa frontman J’Something, the duo have continued to grow their profile nationally. In addition to the above, their achievements also include featuring in a Converse campaign, winning the Mi Casa “Nana” remix competition, securing a long-standing residency at the award-winning Artistry JHB, and performing to more than 6,000 people at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Reflecting on discovering the duo, J’Something says:
“I got introduced to them and was blown away by their unique sound. Something in me told me these guys deserved to be known. I was not only struck by their music but by their humility, love for their mother, and pride for their city, Port Elizabeth. I’m going to do whatever it takes to ensure South Africa hears about Jay Em.”
With iSOTTA, Jay Em have created more than a collection of songs – they have captured the spirit of a city and the culture that shaped it. The EP honours the producers who unknowingly built a movement, the taxi drivers who became tastemakers, and the communities that transformed local records into lasting anthems.
As Jay Em continue their journey towards international audiences, iSOTTA stands as both a tribute to where they come from and a confident statement of where they are headed next.
TRACKLIST
1. Need To Know (w/ Luke M & Kali Mija)
2. Chosen
3. Synco
4. Borrels
5. Back Seat
6. Tick Tok
7. Front Seat
UPCOMING SHOW
10/07 – YoungstaCPT’s WES KAAP 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY | Coco Johannesburg
Ticket link: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1596107753
Lani Magazine 