VANDERBIJLPARK – From the dusty streets of Sharpeville to some of the country’s biggest stages.
The Vaal-born duo ‘Acatears’ is steadily making waves in South Africa’s music scene. Made up of Sipho Hlanguza and Rebaballetswe Selematsela, the duo started their musical journey in 2011 through harmonising to the raw sounds of acapella.
Over the years, Acatear’s music has matured into a soul-stirring fusion of guitars, Reggae, AfroPop, Neo-Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop and Pop.
Their distinctive genre, laced with Sesotho and other South African languages, has seen the popular musicians being featured by big household music geniuses in Mzansi.
Speaking to Ster, Rebaballetswe Selematsela explained what their name means.
“The name Acatears carries a deep meaning for us. ‘Aca’ comes from acapella and ‘tears’ are both the tears of joy and the tears of our journey from nothing to something,” he said.
With their recent involvement with big stars and big stages, Selematsela said they’ve been to stages such as Oppikoppi, the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, Jazz by the River and the annual Human Rights Day commemorations in Sharpeville.
While the stages carry weight on the duo’s music career, the recent studio work has cemented their reputation.
Taking turns in taking Ster through their journey, Hlanguza explains their recent ventures.
“We’ve collaborated with some of Mzansi’s finest, including Ruff and Sjava on our Sony Music-released hit Kea Tsamaya, as well as Mas Musiq, Vigro Deep, DJ Maphorisa, Thuli P, De Mthuda and Mlindo the Vocalist on smash releases like Jwala, Uzobuya, Morena and Holy Father,” he said.
Reacting to their collaborations, Hlanguza said, “Features are always a thrill man, we are happy with the work released, and it brought more known artists who’ve invited us for studio camps and sessions.”
Further asked what the collaborations mean for their brand, Selematsela said, “It expanded our network, inspired us to grow as artists, and allowed us to tap into new creative energies and learn from the best to do it.”
While 2025 seems like a good year for the duo, Acatears claim they’re far from done. The duo teased an upcoming EP that promises to take fans even deeper into their story
