MASEGO IS “UNHINGED” ON NEWEST SINGLE

Words by Marios Stamos

GRAMMY®-nominated artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Masego shares his new single, “Unhinged,” out now. The track marks his first musical release in nearly two years and arrives alongside a cinematic visualizer also available now.

“Unhinged” captures Masego’s signature fusion of jazz-inflected soul, R&B, and clever lyricism while reminding listeners of his rare ability to transform everyday emotions into something immersive and unforgettable. With nearly two billion global streams, Platinum and Gold certifications worldwide, and a GRAMMY® nomination under his belt, Masego continues to redefine modern R&B. Free-spirited, confident, and impossible to pin down.

“The heart of ‘Unhinged’ comes from a place that feels like home to me — the jam session. It’s the environment where I feel the most free, the most honest. The kind of freedom that feels like play.

What I love about jam sessions is how much they reflect life. They’re imperfect, full of inside jokes and accidents that turn into art. You can’t always explain why something works – it just feels right. 

I had just gone through a breakup and didn’t quite feel like myself, so I surrounded myself with sound and people who reminded me of who I was. After a breakup, people reinvent themselves. Some change their hair; I grew my beard. Tried new oils, new routines – maybe trying to become someone the old me couldn’t be hurt again — Masego

His self-titled album Masego drew widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Vogue profiled him extensively, calling Masego “his most introspective album yet” and praising his “balancing act between vulnerability and dogged confidence.” Pitchfork featured the record among “33 Great Records You May Have Missed,” noting that “Masego sticks to his whimsical trap-jazz sound on his self-titled album, but adds a little more verve to his step.” HYPEBEAST declared it “well worth the wait,” highlighting Masego’s “meticulously layered instrumentation, interspersed with the occasional burst of beatboxing.”

The jazz/hip-hop/R&B multi-instrumentalist has amassed nearly two billion combined global streams throughout his career. His full-length debut, Lady Lady, featured the breakout hit “Tadow,” which earned Platinum certification in the U.S., Diamond certification in Brazil, and Gold certification in Mexico. The deluxe EP “Studying Abroad: Extended Stay”, which included the RIAA Gold-certified “Mystery Lady” featuring Don Toliver, earned Masego his first GRAMMY® nomination.

Photo by Aren Johnson