to all that music of that era. I really wanted to bring that nostalgic sound back, but with a more modern twist that still feels true to me.”
A STAR IN MOTION In 2026, Anica reached another major milestone when she opened for Calum Scott at the iconic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Performing before a packed audience at one of the country’ s most celebrated live music venues introduced her artistry to an even wider audience and strengthened her reputation as one of South Africa’ s rising pop talents.
“ That was definitely one of the biggest moments of my career so far,” she says.“ Performing at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in front of such an incredible crowd was surreal, and being able to share my music on a stage like that meant so much to me. It has also been a dream of mine for some time to perform at Kirstenbosch!”
CHASING BIGGER STAGES This year also saw Anica join Rachel Kolisi on the Falling Forward documentary roadshow, performing in multiple cities across the country and connecting with audiences through both music and storytelling.
Beyond performing, she also wrote the documentary’ s original soundtrack single, Falling Forward, a song centred on resilience, healing, and personal growth.
“ I’ m still growing and discovering myself as an artist,” Anica explains.“ This next chapter is about collaboration, pushing creative boundaries, and making music that genuinely connects with people.”
A NEW POP CHAPTER Her latest release, Light My Fire, sees her team up with DJ and producer Kurt April for an infectious dancepop collaboration inspired by the need to escape overwhelming thoughts and emotions through music.
The track explores the cathartic power of turning the volume up and losing yourself in the rhythm.
With several new collaborations on the horizon, Anica Kiana continues to build momentum as an artist driven by emotion, ambition, and creative honesty, establishing herself as one to watch in South Africa’ s contemporary pop scene. IB
MUSIC FEATURE
ON THE CHARTS
JUNE PLAYLIST
01
Zac Brown Band – My Old Man
02
Keith Urban – Song For Dad
03
JAX – Like My Father
04
Jennifer Hart – Half The Man
05
Spotify
Tyla, Zara Larsson – She Did It Again
06
Drake – Shabang
07
Calvin Fallo – Everybody Wanna Be In Love
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JUNE 2026 / INBOUND SA 89