Meet PRETTY, the rising South African artist whose blend of hip-hop, R&B, and South African house music is setting the scene on fire. Hailing from Giyani and now based in Johannesburg, PRETTY has poured his heart and soul into his debut EP, CAMPUS DiARiES: COLLEGE DROPOUT, which was released on February 28, 2025. This introspective, soul-stirring project is not just an EP—it’s a deeply personal sonic diary, a reflection of PRETTY’s journey through the highs and lows of young adulthood.
PRETTY’s story isn’t just about music; it’s about resilience and vulnerability. Inspired by his own battles with social anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sobriety, his music creates a powerful space for mental health awareness. Each track on CAMPUS DiARiES offers a raw, honest look at his life—struggles with addiction, navigating relationships, and the quest for self-discovery. It’s the kind of music that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt lost, misunderstood, or overwhelmed by the complexities of life.
The EP captures the essence of being a young adult in today’s world. Campus life is often glamorized in pop culture, but PRETTY gives us a much-needed glimpse behind the curtain. This isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a narrative, with each track representing a different chapter in his personal story. From the pressures of academia to the weight of social expectations, PRETTY invites us into his world, making us feel seen, heard, and understood.
A Musician's Journey
PRETTY’s musical journey began at the age of 9 when he started playing the bass guitar at church, and from there, his passion for music only grew. His academic path led him to study jazz at the TUT Arts Campus, but after taking a gap year to focus fully on his music career, he found his true calling in blending hip-hop, R&B, and his South African roots into a sound that’s uniquely his own.
On CAMPUS DiARiES: COLLEGE DROPOUT, PRETTY showcases his growth as both a musician and a storyteller. With every track, he opens up about his personal struggles in a way that feels universal—because we’ve all faced the trials and tribulations of figuring out who we are, especially in the midst of young adulthood. His vulnerability is palpable, making this EP not just a musical journey but a deeply emotional one.
The Sound of “CAMPUS DiARiES: COLLEGE DROPOUT”
Musically, the EP is a beautiful collision of genres. PRETTY’s signature sound is a captivating blend of nostalgic R&B, smooth hip-hop, and the unmistakable groove of South African house music. It’s a sound that is both timeless and fresh, much like PRETTY himself. Each track tells a story, and the production pulls you into the emotions of his journey—whether it’s the haunting introspection of a late-night thought or the joyful release of personal growth.
PRETTY’s voice—smooth, soulful, and filled with emotion—acts as the perfect vessel for these stories. His ability to mix personal vulnerability with infectious melodies makes CAMPUS DiARiES an EP you’ll want to listen to on repeat. And while the project is undeniably personal, its themes are universally relatable, which is why it’s already striking a chord with listeners everywhere.
Why You Need to Listen
What makes CAMPUS DiARiES: COLLEGE DROPOUT stand out is its authenticity. PRETTY isn’t just making music for the sake of entertainment; he’s making music to share his truth and connect with others who may be walking similar paths. Whether you’re dealing with mental health struggles, fighting the pressures of school, or just trying to make sense of it all, PRETTY’s music is here to remind you that you’re not alone.
With his debut EP out now, PRETTY is poised to become a prominent voice in the South African music scene. His ability to blend genres, tell stories, and push the boundaries of what we expect from hip-hop and R&B artists is something we haven’t seen before. And given the personal depth and relatability of CAMPUS DiARiES, there’s no telling how far this rising star will go.
So, if you haven’t already, go ahead and stream CAMPUS DiARiES: COLLEGE DROPOUT. Let PRETTY take you on a journey of self-reflection, growth, and the power of embracing your struggles. It’s an EP that will make you feel seen, heard, and, most importantly, understood.
PRETTY is here, and he’s ready to make his mark.