Locnville and Sketchy Bongo Reunite for New Single ‘Déjà Vu’
South African electro-hop duo Locnville have returned with longtime collaborator Sketchy Bongo for their latest single, ‘Déjà Vu’, officially released across all major streaming platforms. This marks the first official release from the trio since their acclaimed collaborations ‘Cold Shoulder’ and ’95 Skyline’, signaling a fresh chapter in their musical journey. The track also serves as the lead single from an upcoming EP of the same name, setting the tone for a project that promises to expand on their signature sound. Fans can expect the familiar chemistry that has defined their past hits, blended with new creative energy that reflects both growth and nostalgia. ‘Déjà Vu’ revisits themes of lost love, past moments, and what could have been, combining heartfelt songwriting with the distinctive production that Locnville and Sketchy Bongo have long been known for.
The creation of ‘Déjà Vu’ was spontaneous and organic, according to the artists. Sketchy Bongo expressed that working with Locnville has always been effortless, noting that their sessions often yield multiple hits. Andrew Chaplin of Locnville described how the track came together in Abu Dhabi, where the duo and Bongo recorded in a makeshift hotel studio, freestyling through five songs in one night. ‘Déjà Vu’ emerged as the natural choice for the lead single, capturing the essence of their collaborative energy and the magic that occurs when the trio is in the same creative space. The recording process reflects the ease and intuitive connection between these artists, a factor that has helped them consistently produce memorable music over the years.
Locnville, composed of identical twins Andrew and Brian Chaplin, have a storied career that has shaped contemporary South African pop and electronic music. Born in New York City and raised in Cape Town, the duo made an early impact with their debut album Sun in My Pocket, which topped local charts and earned them an MK Award for Best Newcomer. Their success has continued with multiple albums, including Running To Midnight, Faster, Longer Mixtape, The Odyssey, Taste The Weekend, and The Burn Box, each contributing to their reputation as innovative forces in the South African music scene. International recognition came with their MTV EMA Award for Best African Act, cementing their status as one of Africa’s most influential music exports. Their ability to evolve while retaining their core sound has kept them relevant across both local and global audiences.
Recent singles like ‘Show Me Love’ illustrate Locnville’s ongoing presence in the music landscape, achieving strong performance on radio and streaming platforms worldwide. With ‘Déjà Vu’, they revisit the sonic textures of their earlier work while exploring fresh themes, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a compelling introduction to their music. The track embodies a sense of reflection and momentum, bridging the past and future in a way that highlights their growth as artists. This release not only reinforces their signature style but also previews the broader vision of the upcoming EP, hinting at more innovative collaborations with Sketchy Bongo.
Locnville and Sketchy Bongo are set to bring ‘Déjà Vu’ to live audiences with a series of tour dates across Cape Town and KZN. The initial performances include a private launch at Radisson Red Rooftop in Cape Town on 20 March 2026, followed by shows at Hotshots Nightclub and CRCL in Durban, Madison Avenue in Pietermaritzburg, and the Grand Africa Beach & Cafe in Cape Town. Additional dates are expected to be announced, providing fans with more opportunities to experience the energy of this collaboration in person. ‘Déjà Vu’ is now available on all major digital streaming platforms, allowing listeners worldwide to engage with the new chapter of Locnville and Sketchy Bongo’s creative partnership.
