On the eve of Heritage Day, Pop/R&B artist Lloyiso hosted an intimate listening session for his highly anticipated new EP, Never Thought I Could. Held at the elegant Shed at Kromdraai Impact Hub just outside Johannesburg, the evening brought together a guest list of South Africa’s leading voices in music, fashion, and film for a celebration of artistry, style, and meaningful connection.
The partnership with Stella Artois on the launch of Never Thought I Could follows a successful partnership with Lloyiso for his debut headline tour, Elephant In The Room, last year.
The EP, officially releasing on 24 October 2025, represents a deeply personal declaration from the Kariega, Eastern Cape-born artist. Never Thought I Could captures Lloyiso’s emotional, physical, and spiritual evolution over the past year – a period marked by triumph and challenge. From the success of his debut South African headline tour to the heartbreak of a dissolved long-term relationship, Lloyiso transformed adversity into growth, confronting personal doubts, and welcoming reinvention.
“This project is the most honest version of myself I’ve ever shared,” said Lloyiso. “Never Thought I Could is about embracing change, confronting doubts, and finding the strength to evolve. To celebrate its launch in such an intimate space, supported by Stella Artois, made it even more meaningful.”
As the first South African artist signed to Los Angeles-based Republic Records in 2021, and now signed to leading independent music company, EMPIRE, Lloyiso has established himself as one of the country’s brightest voices on the global stage. This EP follows his award-winning debut EP “Seasons” (Best Pop Album at the SAMAs 2023) and his 2025 joint singles “High/Higher”.
The evening embodied Stella Artois’ ethos of creating Moments Worth More, weaving together music, fashion, cuisine, and design into a single elevated experience. Guests arrived to a golden-hour welcome on the lawns of Kromdraai Impact Hub, where they were greeted with chilled Stella Artois. Inside the Shed, illuminated long tables dressed in neutral Belgian linens and wild floral arrangements created an atmosphere of understated luxury.
Celebrated chef Noni Masombuka curated a four-course menu inspired by the sensory notes of Stella Artois – beginning with delicate canapés, followed by seabass carpaccio and herbed beef fillet, and closing with the showstopping Golden Rainfall Candyfloss dessert paired with Belgian chocolate and salted caramel.
Fashion was equally at the fore, with the 50 invited guests arriving in stylish ensembles that reflected the evening’s elegant mood. The style brief was “Boho flair with an earth-tone palette,” and guests embraced it through muted tones, flowing silhouettes, and sculptural accessories.
As the stars emerged overhead, Lloyiso performed select tracks from the unreleased EP, his vocals filling the open-air space as guests listened on. Through songs like Higher, he shared a message of resilience and striving beyond limits, turning personal growth into an uplifting musical experience. The moment was both intimate and cinematic – a convergence of sound, style, and soul that left a lasting impression.
“Partnering with Lloyiso on this EP launch was about more than music,” said Blaire Jorgensen, Marketing Manager: Stella Artois. “It was about reflection, connection, and celebrating a South African talent who is inspiring audiences around the world – the kind of cultural moments Stella Artois believes are truly worth more.”
With the release of Never Thought I Could, Lloyiso once again demonstrates his ability to turn personal experiences into music that resonates universally – a reminder that moments of both transformation and celebration are moments worth more.