Melo B Jones Is Preaching the Gospel of Boom Bap Soul—and We’re Listening

If you’re not already riding the Melo B Jones wave, now is the time to get on board. The Johannesburg-based singer, songwriter, boombaptist (yes, that’s a thing—and she’s the queen of it), and all-around sonic powerhouse has been blessing us with her signature blend of soul and old-school hip-hop for years. And just when we thought she couldn’t top the buttery brilliance of The Start and the genre-elevating vibe of The One, Melo came through in mid-2024 with a new track that’s got us all looking inward.

Her latest release, “Self Love,” is exactly what the world needs right now: a warm, soul-soaked reminder that the way we talk to ourselves matters. Over a smooth Boom Bap beat, Melo sings directly to her inner voice, calling it out for being too harsh and gently encouraging it to be kinder, softer, more patient. It’s vulnerable. It’s real. And it hits deep—because who among us hasn’t battled with the weight of self-doubt and negative self-talk?

In true Melo fashion, the message is delivered with style and substance. Her vocals glide effortlessly, wrapping around the beat like a long hug from someone who gets it. There’s no preaching here—just honesty, self-reflection, and the kind of lyrical intimacy that makes you feel seen. It’s Boom Bap Soul at its most potent: thoughtful, vibey, and rooted in truth.

But let’s zoom out for a second. Melo B Jones isn’t just another artist in the soul scene—she’s built her own lane entirely. Armed with her loop station (named Dimakatso, meaning “astonishing thing”—which is so fitting), Melo’s live sets are part beatbox clinic, part masterclass in groove. Whether she’s lighting up festival stages like HomeComing Africa and OppiKoppi, or bringing the magic overseas to Festival au bord de l'eau, she leaves crowds dazed, amazed, and completely in love.

She’s worked with some of South Africa’s finest—Khuli Chana, Reason, and Tresor among them—and shown up on national TV with the kind of confidence and grace that lets you know: this is someone who knows who she is. And even while she’s been slaying on stage and in studio, Melo’s been putting her pen to work behind the scenes too—writing for other artists, cooking up jingles that slap for major brands, and steadily spreading the gospel of Boom Bap Soul like a true musical missionary.

With “Self Love,” Melo reminds us that her artistry isn’t just about sounding good—it’s about feeling real. She’s using her voice not just to entertain, but to heal, to challenge, and to uplift. And after two classic EPs and a track that feels like a self-care anthem in audio form, we can’t help but wonder what 2025 has in store for her.

One thing’s for sure: if Melo B Jones is leading the charge, Boom Bap Soul is in very good hands. Keep your eyes (and ears) locked—because this astonishing thing is just getting started.

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