Liyana Opens a New Chapter with “All I Want Is You”

South African music is constantly evolving, and for rising artist Liyana, that evolution is deeply personal.

During her appearance on Morning Cruise, Liyana opened up about her journey as an artist, the cultural influences that shaped her identity, and the lessons she has learned while finding her voice and redefining success.

Liyana’s relationship with music began at a young age. She started singing when she was just six years old and participated in singing competitions, performing in three different languages. Years later, while in high school, she entered another competition and tied for first place with another male artist. That experience planted a seed: when she went to university, she decided she would pursue music seriously.

For Liyana, music has always been more than a career. It has become part of who she is.

“When you love music, it becomes like your oxygen.”

Born in Germany, with Filipino heritage and having grown up in South Africa, Liyana says her multicultural background has played an important role in understanding identity and her place in the music industry. She recalls being teased at school, but those experiences eventually helped her understand that everyone carries a unique story.

She believes that identity is not only shaped by where you are born. Moving between cities, meeting new people, changing careers and experiencing different environments can all become part of a person's story.

A New Name, A New Era

In 2023, Liyana made the significant decision to leave her previous artistic identity behind and begin again as Liyana.

She describes her earlier years as a period when she was focused on establishing herself and taking every opportunity available. At the time, she felt she had to say yes to almost everything simply to get her music heard.

With experience came a different perspective.

Liyana says she eventually learned that an artist does not always have to chase opportunities, beg for attention or constantly do what others expect. Her new era represents greater confidence, freedom and the ability to create music on her own terms.

That freedom has also influenced her sound.

Opening the Door to Amapiano

Liyana describes herself as an evolving artist, and her latest musical direction reflects that.

Her song “All I Want Is You” began as an R&B record, but she has now introduced an Amapiano interpretation, opening the song to a different audience and allowing it to live in spaces such as clubs and the broader South African Amapiano scene.

The remix was produced by Terry Dragon, who was given a selection of Liyana's songs and chose the one he felt would work best as an Amapiano remake.

Liyana remembers receiving the production late at night. After putting on her earphones, she was immediately impressed by what she heard.

The experience also introduced her to the world of Private School Amapiano, a sound she describes as being on another level.

Despite moving into a different genre, Liyana believes the most important thing remains unchanged: her voice.

She says her voice is one of the qualities that makes her unique, and regardless of the production style surrounding it, that identity continues to carry her music.

The Heart Behind “All I Want Is You”

At its core, “All I Want Is You” is about emotional availability.

Liyana explains that while the song repeatedly speaks about wanting someone's body, the deeper desire is actually for their heart.

The song explores the importance of emotional connection, vulnerability and wanting someone to give themselves fully rather than simply offering something temporary or physical.

For Liyana, that message is particularly important in today's society.

She wants listeners to focus less on material things and temporary attractions and more on the heart, spirit and soul of another person.

“Focus on the heart.”

The song also marks an important personal milestone. It was her first release after taking a two-year hiatus from music, meaning that returning to the studio was also about rediscovering herself as an artist.

More Than a Comeback

Liyana is clear that this is not simply a comeback.

She is here to stay.

After previously having a much larger catalogue of music, she now finds herself entering this new chapter with a smaller but more intentional profile. She sees that as an opportunity rather than a limitation.

There is room for more music, more performances, more collaborations and more growth.

For listeners discovering Leana for the first time, “All I Want Is You” serves as an introduction to an artist who is comfortable evolving while remaining grounded in her identity.

Her journey is also a reminder that success changes as we grow.

Earlier in her career, Liyana says success meant being famous, being recognised and walking into a room with everyone knowing who you are. Today, her definition is much simpler: financial stability, peace, a strong community, meaningful friendships, family, good connections and faith.

For her, success is no longer just an image.

It is a feeling.

What’s Next for Liyana?

There is clearly more to come.

Liyana has already released a music video for “All I Want Is You” and hinted at more visual content and live performances in the future.

Her music is available across major digital streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer and Tidal.

As she steps further into the Amapiano space while maintaining her R&B roots, Liyana is building a musical chapter that is distinctly her own.

From a six-year-old competing in singing competitions to an independent South African artist confidently entering a new era, her journey is one of reinvention, resilience and self-discovery.

And as Leana herself says: she's here to stay.

Catch Liyana's music and follow her journey across her social media platforms under @LiyanaKeck, and listen out for “All I Want Is You” on your favourite streaming platform.

Morning Cruise would like to thank Liyana for joining us and sharing her story, her music and the inspiration behind this exciting new chapter.

Written by Esethu Thetha