Jesse Clegg reflects on artistic growth and friendship with Msaki in 'Entropy' EP

Musician Jesse Clegg is stepping into new creative territory with “Entropy”, his upcoming collaborative EP with Msaki. 

The project, set for release in January 2026, introduces their lead single “Wayside Lover”, featuring Sjava. The EP reflects a journey of friendship, travel and artistic growth.

In an interview with “Independent Media Lifestyle”, Clegg shared that the collaboration began more than three years ago when he and Msaki met while working on another project. 

“I was such a fan of her writing, her voice, and her artistic presence in the industry,” he said. “From the first day we worked together, there was an immediate connection both creatively and personally.

"We were both going through big transitions in our lives and related to each other in deep ways.”

He added that what started as casual studio sessions soon grew into something bigger. “After we’d written two or three songs together, it felt really exciting because the songs didn’t sound like me or Msaki.

"They sounded like something new. That’s when we realised it could work as a project,” Clegg explained.

With the EP written across four cities, including Cape Town, Los Angeles, Johannesburg and New York, Clegg shared that it is a reflection of their friendship and their travels. He further said the songs became a lot like diary entries from different moments in our lives. 

“‘Wayside Lover’, for example, started in LA after we’d gone to Coachella, continued in Joburg and was finished in Cape Town. It travelled with us,” he said.

“Wayside Lover” is a standout track that captures the heart of “Entropy” and gives fans a glimpse of what they can expect the project to sound like. The song explores themes of love, disconnection and emotional tension. 

According to Clegg, the lead single is one of the first songs he and Msaki wrote together. During the time it was created, both artists were experiencing personal changes in their lives and writing the song helped them navigate those emotions together.

The single also features Sjava, who brings a distinct third voice to the story. When asked about the unexpected collaboration, Clegg shared that it was not planned; however, he was thrilled to have the award-winning singer on board.

“It wasn’t planned. I played him some of the songs Msaki and I were working on, and he immediately connected with ‘Wayside Lover’. He asked to be part of it, which was amazing because we’re both big fans of his. His verse adds this beautiful observer’s perspective on the interaction between our two voices.”

Produced by Greg Abrahams and Nicholas Petricca, and mixed and mastered by Grammy Award-winner Damian Taylor, Entropy blends African storytelling with global production influences. 

As far as what fans can expect, Clegg admitted the focus was never on meeting expectations but creating something artistically engaging. 

“I think people will be surprised. They might not have expected Msaki and me to make an album together, but that’s what makes it interesting. It’s a pleasant surprise,” he concluded.