Liquideep’s Timeless Hit “Fairytale” Begins a New Chapter with Tyla!
South African music continues to shape the global entertainment industry, and Tyla’s latest project is another example of how local classics can find new audiences around the world. The Grammy-winning singer has reimagined Liquideep’s beloved hit “Fairytale” for her highly anticipated sophomore album, “A*POP”. The collaboration brings together one of South Africa’s biggest international stars and one of the country’s most influential music duos. By blending modern pop influences with the original house anthem, Tyla has created a version that celebrates the song’s legacy while introducing it to a new generation of listeners. The result is a heartfelt tribute that highlights the lasting impact of South African music across generations.
Originally released in 2009, “Fairytale” quickly established itself as one of South Africa’s most iconic house songs. The track became a favourite on radio stations, dance floors and music festivals, earning a permanent place in the country’s musical history. Even years after its release, fans continue to sing every lyric and embrace the song with the same passion that made it an instant success. Liquideep, made up of producer and DJ Thabo “Ryzor” Shokgolo and vocalist-producer Jonathan “Ziyon” Hamilton, built a reputation for creating music that combined soulful vocals, uplifting melodies and meaningful lyrics. Their unique sound helped define an era of South African house music and inspired countless artists who followed.
After recording the collaboration earlier in the year, Liquideep had to wait six months before finally hearing the finished version during Tyla’s exclusive listening session in Portugal. The anticipation made the experience even more emotional for the award-winning duo. As the opening notes of the reimagined “Fairytale” filled the room, guests immediately recognised the familiar melody that has remained part of South Africa’s soundtrack for nearly two decades. Instead of dramatically changing the song, Tyla carefully respected the original arrangement while adding her own signature vocal style. This thoughtful approach allowed the classic to retain its emotional power while giving it a fresh identity for today’s audience.
For those who attended the listening session, the atmosphere quickly became one of nostalgia and celebration. Many listeners had grown up with the original version, making the performance feel deeply personal. Watching Tyla and Ziyon sing together added another emotional layer to an already memorable moment. Their voices blended naturally, creating a performance that honoured the song’s history without overshadowing the contributions of its original creators. The audience’s response reflected just how successfully Tyla had balanced innovation with respect for the original recording.
The excitement inside the room was impossible to ignore as the reimagined version ended. Audience members responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, and the song was replayed during the listening session because of the positive reaction it received. Many believed it could easily have been played several more times if there had been enough time. The repeated applause demonstrated that the updated version had connected with both longtime Liquideep fans and those discovering the song for the first time. It also reinforced the idea that great music can continue to evolve while remaining true to its roots.
Jonathan “Ziyon” Hamilton described the experience as one of the most meaningful moments of Liquideep’s career. He explained that musicians simply hope their work reaches people, but rarely expect it to resonate across multiple generations. Seeing one of South Africa’s biggest global stars embrace “Fairytale” and introduce it to an international audience exceeded anything the duo had imagined. Ziyon expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and emphasised that the group never takes such opportunities for granted. He also said the collaboration represented another chapter in an incredible journey that has continued to surprise them since discussions about the project first began.
Ziyon also reflected on the values that have guided Liquideep throughout its career. He explained that the group’s mission has always been to bring people together through music, positive energy and love. Those principles have remained at the centre of everything the duo creates, regardless of changing musical trends. For him, collaborating with Tyla reinforces the belief that music has the power to unite people across cultures, generations and borders. The opportunity to see their work embraced by a younger audience has only strengthened their commitment to creating meaningful music.
Producer Thabo “Ryzor” Shokgolo shared similar emotions after finally hearing the completed production. Having recorded his contribution months earlier, he was eager to discover how Tyla and her production team had approached the classic. As he listened carefully to every detail, he was pleasantly surprised that the original structure remained largely intact. Rather than completely reinventing the song, Tyla chose to preserve the qualities that made “Fairytale” such an enduring favourite. For Ryzor, that decision demonstrated genuine respect for the song and the memories it continues to hold for millions of fans.
Ryzor believes Tyla’s version has given “Fairytale” a second life at exactly the right time. Although the original has remained one of Liquideep’s most popular songs during live performances, this collaboration is expected to introduce it to listeners around the world who may never have heard the 2009 release. He noted that audiences already responded enthusiastically whenever the duo performed the song, but expects its popularity to grow even further following the release of “A*POP”. The renewed international exposure could also encourage younger listeners to explore Liquideep’s wider catalogue and discover more of South Africa’s rich house music history. This collaboration demonstrates how classic songs can continue to evolve without losing the qualities that made them timeless.
When “A*POP” arrives on July 24, 2026, fans across South Africa and around the world will finally hear Tyla’s full interpretation of “Fairytale”. The collaboration represents far more than a simple remake of a classic song. It celebrates South Africa’s musical heritage while creating a bridge between two generations of influential artists. By choosing to honour the original rather than replace it, Tyla has shown deep appreciation for the artists who helped shape the country’s music industry. The project stands as a powerful reminder that timeless songs never lose their value, especially when they are reintroduced with care, respect and genuine admiration for their lasting legacy.
