Msaki and Jesse Clegg Release ‘Entropy’: A Genre-Less Exploration of Loss, Love and Friendship
After three years of careful creation, Msaki and Jesse Clegg have unveiled an album that departs from everything they have done before, delivering their most authentic work to date. The Johannesburg launch of their visual album, ‘Entropy,’ stunned audiences with its cinematic storytelling and raw emotional depth. Directed by Marty Bleazard, the short film accompanying the album captures the seasons of grief, love, and personal transformation that shaped the musicians’ lives over the past few years. Although the duo has been friends for four years, a collaborative album was never planned; it evolved naturally from a deep connection rooted in music and shared life experiences. From the outset, honesty became the album’s backbone, with Msaki and Jesse embracing openness about personal struggles and creative uncertainty.
The genesis of ‘Entropy’ was grounded in radical transparency. Jesse recalls that their first conversation skipped all superficialities, diving straight into life’s complexities. Msaki shared her own vulnerabilities, including her divorce, parental concerns, and questions about her artistic direction. This level of candor laid the foundation for a creative partnership that prioritizes emotional truth above genre or commercial expectation. Over the past year, the duo teased the project with three singles, gradually expanding it into a six-track album that now integrates three additional songs to complete the narrative. Each lyric and musical choice reflects their lived experiences, making the album not just a collection of songs but a cohesive story of growth, loss, and reconnection.
The visual album elevates ‘Entropy’ beyond conventional music releases. Actors Ditebogo Mandita and Ally Damon embody metaphorical journeys that mirror the musicians’ emotional landscapes, exploring grief, change, and renewal. Filmed over two days in Johannesburg, the cinematic work treats the city itself as a character, while Msaki and Jesse appear sparingly as cameos, observing their story from the margins. This deliberate choice reinforces the album’s introspective tone, allowing the narrative to unfold organically without overshadowing the musical and emotional arcs. Pearl Thusi, who hosted the launch, emphasized the global dimension of the project, noting that parts of the album were developed in Los Angeles and other international locations, reflecting the duo’s dedication to crafting a nuanced and globally resonant work.
The launch offered moments of profound intimacy, highlighting the strength of the duo’s friendship. Jesse publicly acknowledged Msaki’s support during his darkest periods, eliciting visible emotion from the audience. Msaki reciprocated with heartfelt reflections on their contrasting energies, describing how their collaboration created a sense of family amid personal losses. This balance of vulnerability and mutual support is embedded in the album, making each performance feel deeply personal and connective. The live performance following the screening allowed attendees to experience the album’s lyrical and musical intricacies firsthand, demonstrating how the work resonates both visually and sonically.
‘Entropy’ is a genre-less project, defying conventional classification while drawing on alternative pop, introspection, and poetic lyricism. It emphasizes narrative and emotion over stylistic labels, presenting a body of work that is entirely honest and unfiltered. The six tracks, infused with personal storytelling and musical experimentation, will be available on streaming platforms from February 27, inviting listeners to engage with the duo’s journey. Msaki and Jesse have created a work that not only reflects their personal evolution but also exemplifies the transformative power of music and friendship. With ‘Entropy,’ audiences are offered a rare opportunity to witness the union of emotional truth, creative exploration, and enduring connection.
