Cape Town Artist YOSHE Redefines Alt-R&B with New Single ‘Lost My Way’
Cape Town’s own YOSHE isn’t just blending genres—he’s reshaping and folding them into one seamless, boundary-pushing sound. His latest single, “Lost My Way,” is a striking example of his artistry: a shapeshifting alternative Afro-R&B meditation layered with electronic textures and raw emotional grit. The track feels like two songs in one, defying conventions and inviting listeners into a world where musical rules don’t apply.
“Literally, it’s alternative Afro-R&B meets Daft Punk,” YOSHE explains. “Metaphorically, it’s that strange comfort you sometimes find in disorientation. Like, yeah, I’m lost, but maybe that’s exactly where I’m meant to be.” This duality perfectly captures the mood of “Lost My Way”, balancing introspection with infectious energy.
Originally written years ago during his peak with the band Grassy Spark, “Lost My Way” wasn’t meant for release at the time. “I recorded it with Yanick Bathfield during our debut album sessions, but it didn’t belong on that project,” YOSHE recalls. His life back then was a whirlwind—touring with UB40, opening for Mac Miller, and playing alongside The Kooks and Milky Chance. “Maybe I was starting to feel the weight of all of that. I didn’t know it then, but I think I was beginning to untangle my need for external validation.”
Now revisiting the song as a solo artist, YOSHE has transformed “Lost My Way” into a powerful reflection on growth and self-discovery. “Today the song is about maturing from my love for validation into validating my love for the people closest to me—family, friends, just people generally,” he shares. “Universally, the song is about the irony of getting lost in order to find yourself. You need to get lost. Whether it’s in the things you love or the things you think you love.”
The production, handled by longtime collaborator Greg Abrahams of Sound Foundry, perfectly complements YOSHE’s visionary style. With layered synths, stuttering percussion, and unexpected melodic shifts, the track creates a compelling soundscape where YOSHE’s voice floats effortlessly between urgency and introspection. “Greg can take the mess of my mind and turn it into gold,” YOSHE says. “We’re just two people trying to make something honest. That’s what this track is.”
Supported by Quiet Life Co, his independent label based in Woodstock, YOSHE embraces creative freedom and honesty. “It’s scary sometimes to know the vision rests on me, but they hold space for the process,” he notes. “They’ve helped me realise that this isn’t about instant results. It’s about quality. It’s about story.”
“Lost My Way” is the first glimpse into YOSHE’s upcoming debut EP, “Beautiful Disappointment,” set for release this August. The EP promises more genre-defying sounds and heartfelt storytelling, marking a new chapter in YOSHE’s career. “Finally sharing YOSHE with the world this year has been the highlight of my life. Now there’s space for more beautiful things to come in so I can make more beautiful things,” he reflects.
As YOSHE continues to bend musical boundaries and craft his unique sound, “Lost My Way” stands as a compelling testament to the power of vulnerability, growth, and artistic authenticity. Fans of alternative R&B and electronic music alike should keep a close eye on this rising Cape Town artist.
