Remembering the Golden Era of Liquideep and Teargas: A Nostalgic Look Back at Mzansi’s Music Legends

Who could forget the time when Liquideep’s smooth house beats echoed from every corner of South Africa, from backyard braais to high school corridors and the buzzing taxis that served as moving jukeboxes? Their sound was the soul of the nation’s youth, the backdrop to countless memories, and for many, the very definition of “good music.”

Recently, award-winning producer and “Osama” hitmaker Zakes Bantwini took to Twitter to share a sentiment that instantly hit home for many fans:
“Man, I really miss Teargas and Liquideep’s music.”
Just like that, timelines lit up with shared memories, longing, and nostalgia for an era where music connected us all.

Liquideep: The Soulful Soundtrack of a Generation

Liquideep, the dynamic duo made up of vocalist Ziyon and producer Ryzor, burst onto the scene in the late 2000s with a sound that felt both familiar and fresh. Their deep house tunes were layered with emotion, introspection, and irresistible groove.

Their 2010 album Fabrics of the Heart was a national treasure, earning them several South African Music Awards, including the coveted Album of the Year. Tracks like “Fairytale,” “Alone,” and “Settle for Less” became instant classics. Whether at weddings, family gatherings, high school socials, or on those long taxi rides home, Liquideep’s music was always playing, always present.

And then came “BBM” – the song that perfectly captured a digital era where BlackBerry Messenger ruled. The lyrics echoed our teenage dramas, and the beat gave life to countless BBM statuses filled with cryptic messages and broken heart emojis.

Their reign, though impactful, was relatively short-lived. By 2014, Liquideep had quietly faded from the spotlight. While Ziyon continued with solo music ventures, Ryzor retreated from public view. Despite no official breakup announcement, their silence was noticed – and felt deeply.

Teargas: The Hip Hop Pioneers with a Message

Running parallel to Liquideep’s soulful house movement was the rise of Teargas, a hip hop trio composed of K.O, Ma-E, and Ntukza. The group arrived in 2006 with a bang through their debut album K’shubile K’bovu, and quickly followed up with Wafa Wafa and Dark or Blue – albums that combined streetwise lyricism with beats that resonated in both kasi corners and city clubs.

Tracks like “Chance,” “Party 101,” and “Champions” weren’t just hits; they were anthems for township youth, voicing both the struggles and celebrations of daily life. Teargas managed to strike a balance between socially conscious commentary and party-starting energy – a rare feat in South African hip hop at the time.

They were widely recognised, earning Sama nominations and an MTV Africa Music Award nod. But by 2014, just like Liquideep, the group began to drift apart. K.O’s breakout solo career – which included the smash hit Caracara – signaled a new chapter, but fans still yearned for the unity and fire of the trio.

A Tweet That Sparked a Wave of Nostalgia

Zakes Bantwini’s tweet was more than just a passing thought – it was a reminder of a golden age in South African music. A time when we swapped music via USBs, updated our BBM statuses with song lyrics, and waited eagerly for the latest track to drop on radio or on someone’s burnt CD compilation.

Both Liquideep and Teargas gave us more than just music. They gave us memories. Their songs were woven into the everyday fabric of life – from the emotional highs and lows of teenage years to the unity found in a packed dancefloor under Jozi lights.

Will They Ever Return?

While no official reunions have been announced, hope remains. Fans continue to stream their old favourites, share throwback playlists, and remember a time when music felt like magic.

Until then, we press replay – and let the memories play with it.