WESTHANDWA IS HERE! VENOM AND SHISHILIZA TALK NEW MUSIC AND MORE ON YANOS PLUG IG LIVE
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- February 28, 2025
In a great edition of #YanosPlugIGLive, the powerhouse duo Venom and Shishiliza sat down for their second-ever live session with Yanos Plug, offering fans an exclusive look into their creative process, recent collaborations, and plans for the future. The duo, known for their genre-defying sound and energy, previously graced Yanos Plug with an interview in 2022. This time, they returned with even more stories, insights, and, of course, great music.
Their latest single, WeSthandwa, featuring Yumbs, Blxckie, 031 Choppa, and Shannon, is already making waves. The track has gained significant traction on TikTok, amassing many creations under the song and proving once again that Venom and Shishiliza know how to capture an audience’s attention.
REFLECTING ON SONDELA AND ITS INFLUENCE
The duo’s journey took a pivotal turn with Sondela, a track that not only topped the charts but also solidified their musical identity. When asked how Sondela influenced their direction, Shishiliza shared, “We were trying to do something different, and this song helped us find our sound. At first, we didn’t have direction, but after Sondela, we knew this was a sound we could stick to.”
COLLABORATIVE MAGIC IN WESTHANDWA
Their new single, WeSthandwa, is a demonstration of their evolving sound and collaborative spirit. The track features a talented lineup, including Yumbs, Blxckie, 031 Choppa, and Shannon. The selection process was intentional, focusing on working with artists who share their vision and energy. Shishiliza humorously compared their approach to DJ Khaled’s strategy, emphasizing that they stick to collaborators they vibe with to maintain a winning formula.
THE EVOLUTION OF THEIR SOUND
Venom and Shishiliza are no longer confined to the fusion of Amapiano and Hip Hop. They are now exploring R&B, oldies, dancehall, and more. “We are tapping into everything. We used to call it the Sondela genre, but it felt too tied to us. We need a new name for it,” they shared, showcasing their dedication to involving fans, growth and innovation.
EMBRACING ARTISTIC IDENTITIES
For Shishiliza, the journey to becoming a recognized artist wasn’t initially part of the plan. “I’ve always created and written music but never considered myself an artist. It came out of frustration, I needed an artist to bring my vision to life, and I decided to be that artist,” he explained. This transition allowed him to express himself fully, despite being naturally reserved.
Venom, on the other hand, credits his DJing experience for influencing his production style. “The more you are in the industry, the more you learn what type of music people gravitate towards. Our music is a reflection of that experience,” he noted.
WHAT NEXT FOR VENOM AND SHISHILIZA?
The duo revealed that they are currently working on new music, with plans to release an EP. “We’re sitting on about six or seven songs right now. Our previous album was so good that we don’t want to half-step it. We haven’t dropped a project since 2022, so expect an EP and more collaborations,” they teased.
STAYING RELEVANT IN A FAST-PACED INDUSTRY
Adapting to the evolving music landscape is no small feat, but Venom and Shishiliza are up for the challenge. They believe in staying true to themselves while adapting to trends. “The internet has allowed our music to reach more ears, and we’re appreciative of that,” they said.
FUN GAMES AND FAN ENGAGEMENT
The live session wasn’t all about music and serious conversations. Venom and Shishiliza kept the vibes light and entertaining with fun games and interactive activities. A funny moment came about when they were asked to play a game of smash, kill or marry, and both men jokingly said kill, because all the names mentioned are close to home. The duo’s ability to balance depth and fun made the experience memorable for everyone tuning in.
PERSONAL CONNECTIONS AND MEMORABLE MOMENTS
One of their most touching experiences was seeing fans cry to Sondela during shows. “Seeing people make videos using our sound and enjoying the music is the biggest satisfaction,” they shared, highlighting the deep connection they’ve built with their audience.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ARTISTS
Their message to up-and-coming artists is simple yet profound: “Stay true to yourself, keep your real circle around you, and put in the work. The work must speak for itself.”
NEW SINGLE ALERT: WESTHANDWA OUT NOW!
Venom and Shishiliza’s latest single, WeSthandwa, is officially out and available on all streaming platforms. With its mature sound and star-studded features, this track is set to be another hit in their growing catalogue. Stream WeSthandwa now and join the wave that is taking the Amapiano scene by storm!
Stay tuned for more from Venom and Shishiliza as they continue redefining genres and elevate South African music globally.
