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My Top Five Tracks - iSandi

  • Flex Admin
  • 9 hours ago
  • 3 min read

iSandi: The Sounds That Shaped Her


By the time you have spent a few minutes with ‘Joina’, the new single from South African artist iSandi, certain things become clear. This is not someone who arrived at music casually. The track - a warm, purposeful address to the realities of substance addiction, built on Afro-experimental foundations and produced with real care by Mark Beling - carries the fingerprints of an artist who has been listening deeply for a very long time.



iSandi grew up in the rural Eastern Cape, raised on storytelling and folklore, and went on to study music formally, learning multiple instruments and performing before eventually carving out a sound entirely her own. Since her debut EP Intyatyambo in 2022, she has shared stages with Vusi Mahlasela and Bongeziwe Mabandla, composed for film and ambient environments, and built a growing reputation as one of South Africa’s most thoughtful emerging voices.


All of which raises an obvious question: what has she been listening to? What are the songs that got her here… the ones that cracked something open, that showed her what music could do, that she still returns to when she needs to remember why any of this matters?

We asked her. Here are the five songs iSandi says have shaped her most.



  1. Conquest Of Paradise by Vangelis

    I’ve loved this piece for many years. Every time I hear it, it takes me through different phases of my life. It has a powerful, almost spiritual energy that makes me reflect deeply. As someone who listens to music for appreciation, not just entertainment, this piece has always stood out to me. It feels like a journey—growing, overcoming, and moving toward something greater. It’s one of those timeless compositions that always speaks to me, no matter where I am in life. It also  reminds me of the idea of moving forward with purpose, which connects to the message behind my own music. Finally I love its music video. 

 

  1. Holdin Back the Years by Simply Red

    This is a timeless classic that reminds me of my childhood. I’ve always felt a deep emotional connection to it, and now understanding its background, it makes even more sense why it resonates with me. The song brings back memories of a time when life felt more whole—when the people I love were still around, including my cousins, uncles, and recently, my mom. It’s a song that carries both nostalgia and healing for me, and it shows how music can hold memories and emotions across different stages of life. 

 

  1. As It Was by Harry Styles  

    I love this song for its contrasting qualities—This is one of the more recent songs I’ve connected with. I’m drawn to its reflective tone—it feels nostalgic yet modern at the same time. The fact that its  an upbeat, almost rock-like tempo, yet carries a deeply emotional and somewhat sad melody, it feels like two clashing worlds coming together, which resonates with me because it reflects life’s complexities. I enjoy how it combines energy and sadness in a way that makes it compelling and reflective at the same time

 

  1. Vibin' Out by FKJ

    I really enjoy FKJ’s music for its musicality and atmosphere. His sound is smooth, expressive, and very intentional, which resonates with me as someone who appreciates music beyond just listening. It inspires me creatively. It’s also a great example of how less can be more in music, and it inspires me as a musician to focus on clarity, space, and intentionality in sound.

 

  1. Zange by Bongeziwe Mabandla

    I love ‘Zange’ because it reminds me of home and my roots. The soulful voice and rich instrumentation connect me to my culture and upbringing. His style resonates with me, as it blends a folk Xhosa edge with Western influences—very much like my own musical style. As a local artist, Bongeziwe inspires my creativity and how I express my music. OR Another recent song with a different vibe is ;I love ‘Feels Like Summer’ for its smooth and relaxed vibe. The track feels like a warm, reflective moment, yet it makes you think about life, change, and the world around us. I’m drawn to music that combines a chill, enjoyable sound with meaningful layers, and this song does that beautifully. It inspires me to explore subtlety and depth in my own music



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