ClubX gets a front-row seat to the inception of a star on the rise…  

On Instagram, Chaise Williams describes himself as “an artist first, human second”. However, when I met him for the first time on set, I noticed he had a liking for powerhouse voices like Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross. So, I’d describe him as ‘The Ear’ because he has a good ear for musicality.  

The 29-year-old singer and rapper is a dynamic South African entertainer whose multifaceted talent, electric stage presence and unstoppable creativity make him one to watch in the local music scene. But his journey to this moment is as intriguing as the man himself.  

The artist emerges  

Born with a dancer’s soul, Chaise grew up moving to both local and international beats, performing on stages that would become his playground. Yet, as he matured, so did his artistic expression.  

His deep love for creativity evolved into an unshakable connection with music, ultimately becoming the heartbeat of his career. While now settled in the vibrant city of Cape Town, his formative years were spent on the move, absorbing the richness of different cultures. This transient upbringing, marked by diversity and change, laid the foundation for his colourful, genre-blending approach to music.  

Rooted in hip-hop but with grooves that sway between funk, trap and pop, Chaise’s sound is the essence of creative fusion. His unpredictable lyrical flow is both exciting and fresh, pulling in listeners with its audacity. Take his single ‘Nah Nah Nah’ – a perfect example of his ability to effortlessly jump between cadences, reminiscent of icons like Busta Rhymes and Ludacris in their prime. The production evokes early 2000s hip-hop but is revitalised with a distinct Capetonian flavour, making it unmistakably local and undeniably modern. “I’d say my music is proudly ME… it’s a true showcase of all the influences I’ve experienced as a person of colour born and bred in South Africa,” Chaise explains.  

“My music offers a lot of versatility and flair; there’s something for everyone. That’s what South Africa is, right? A massive mixed bowl of flavours,” he says. “Music is a healing agent, a therapist and nurturer. The language of the soul that allows you to connect to anyone and anything that holds true impact and value.”

Making big moves  

This was Chaise’s breakout year. His collaboration with content creator and Love Island South Africa star Xavier Haupt resulted in two buzzing tracks: ‘Me & My Henny’ (which went to No.1 on GoodHope FM’s Hit 30 Chart) and ‘Again & Again’. Their joint performance on SABC3’s Expresso Show earned rave reviews, lighting a fire that saw Chaise take the stage at major venues, including the iconic Baxter Theatre in Cape Town.  

His momentum only grew from there, culminating in a crowning achievement: winning the 2023 Sportscene Put Me On competition, with global star Blxckie as his mentor. This wasn’t just another talent show victory. The competition, a collaboration between Sportscene, PUMA and Tunecore, is designed to mould the next generation of South African musical talent. From intense workshops to studio sessions with top-tier producers, Chaise battled through a series of challenges that ultimately prepared him for the unpredictable music industry, and creating an EP. His win was more than just a title – it was a statement: Chaise Williams has arrived.  

“INCEPTION, the EP, has been a crazy journey. At one point it felt like it was far out of reach, then I blinked twice and there was an entire body of work ready to be shown to the city. It’s my first body of work on a large scale like this. So, it’s a significant step in my career that I’m excited to share with the public. I truly am so grateful for the brands and companies involved in creating the opportunity and empowering local artists. The movement is so important to the local scene, and I can’t thank the teams enough for joining forces and working on this project with me,” he says.   

When INCEPTION dropped earlier this year, it featured production from standout heavy hitters like Big Les For Real (BLFR). But this EP is more than just a collection of songs. “It’s important to me to express that this is the inception of Chaise Williams as an artist – my career and entering the industry. I’m allowing listeners to experience all the different sides of my personality and the versatility of my craft,” he says.  

Finding his feet  

With his EP release and songs like ‘That One’, Chaise is setting the stage for the next phase of his creative evolution, offering listeners a glimpse into what has shaped him, where he stands today and the boundless potential of what’s to come.   

With all this excitement and grind, one has to wonder how he balances it all… “To be entirely honest, I haven’t yet mastered the art of completely protecting my mental health from the impacts of the industry I chose to be in,” he admits. “However, I’ve discovered the importance and power of balance; making sure to give your all to your career while still making space and time to cater to your human needs. I play tennis, go to gym and try to get outside in the sun just to calmly and intentionally separate myself from the chaos and pressure of the industry. It’s important to remind yourself of your humanity.”  

Behind the music, Chaise is a soft-hearted goofball who loves easily but doesn’t trust too quickly. His team describes him as the life of the party and a safe place for many to offload on as he is free of judgement. When asked about how he enjoys offloading, he answers: “I love series and movies. If it were up to me, I’d construct my life like it were a movie or series”, he jokes. “I enjoy spending my free time doing childlike activities to keep my inner child entertained and alive – things like bowling, visiting the games arcade and playing putt-putt with friends. Those moments have deep value to me, keeping me grounded as an adult and as an artist.”  

Fashionably on time  

Even though he remains focused on the music, becoming the best version of himself and completing his first full-length album, Chaise looks forward to the festive season. “This period usually comes with quite a lot of bookings, gigs and additional [social media] content work, but this year I’d like to be more intentional with the time I make for my close friends and family, as my career is growing and I’m understanding the importance of keeping my inner circle close,” he says.  

And when it comes to his threads? Well, he had this to say: “Hip-hop is a lifestyle and culture. However, I can’t say that I’m 100% impacted by one style or genre of music. My fashion sense stems from a feeling; I am expressive on the outside of whatever I am feeling inside, allowing me to adapt based on whatever best matches my mood. If I’m wearing a baggy white T-shirt, baggy jeans and white A1s, I’m able to tap into that feeling of hip-hop culture… ‘Look good, feel good’ is a phrase I’ve turned around. I first focus on feeling good, which then guides me towards looking good!” As the local music scene pulses with new energy and international eyes begin to take note, one thing is certain: the future of South African music is brighter with Chaise Williams leading the charge.  

Quick Q&A  

• Your Pet Peeve: Traffic. 
• Music Icons: Usher and Whitney Houston. 
• Go-To Fashion Staple: Unique pieces, jackets and headwear are a MUST. 
• A Song That Gets Your Creative Juices Going: ‘Love You Inside Out’ – Bee Gees. 
• Describe Yourself in One Word: Persistent. 
• Quote You Live By: “There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.” 
• Best Warm Up Hack: Vocally: lip rolls and humming. Body – close your eyes and slow down your breathing. 

Accolades & Recognition  

• #1 on GoodHope FM’s Hit 30 Chart with ‘Me & My Henny’, featuring Xavier Haupt. 
• #1 on Heart FM’s Hip-Hop Chart with ‘Nah Nah Nah’. • #1 on 5FM’s Top 40 Chart with ‘Nah Nah Nah’.
• #5 on Heart FM’s Chart Chaser with ‘Nah Nah Nah’.
• Winner of Sportscene’s 2023 Put Me On competition in collaboration with PUMA.
• Headliner at Red Bull BC One competition at GrandWest Casino in 2023.
• Headliner at ‘Cape Town’s Most Wanted’ at the Artscape Theatre in 2024.  

Words by Charndré Emma Kippie 

Photographs: Zhann Solomons 

Styled by Mia-tess Smith & Calista Da Luz