After a two-year hiatus from releasing music, South African singer-songwriter Matthew Charles is back with a fresh sound on his new single, “Te Amo.”
“I’ve always thought saying ‘I love you’ in Spanish sounds more meaningful and sexy,” says Matthew. “It also rolls off the tongue and makes for a really catchy chorus. I wanted to create something fun, but still emotionally charged — something people could feel and sing along to.”
“Te Amo” started as a simple chorus written in producer Helena Bowie’s bedroom and evolved into a full-scale pop anthem.
Created alongside Matthew May and Sophia Joelle, who co-wrote the lyrics, the track was recorded and produced from scratch.
“We wanted it to sound big—almost anthem-like but still intimate and personal,” Matthew explains. “The first version that came back from Matthew May was exactly what I’d imagined in my head.”
While “Te Amo” signals a new creative chapter, it builds on earlier success. Matthew’s debut single “Home” achieved nationwide radio airplay, even as he was completing his degree.
Now fully focused on music, he’s committed to releasing a new track every three weeks leading up to his debut EP, What’s on Your Mind. “Te Amo is just the start. I have a few collaborations in the works with local artist Naomi Grace and Colombian artist JHOAN.” Fans can expect two more EPs in 2026.
More info about Matthew Charles
Born and raised in Johannesburg, music has been a part of Matthew’s life from an early age. “My mom taught me to play ‘Chopsticks’ on a piano my grandmother gave us before I even started school,” he shares. “Since then, music has been my therapy. Whether I make a career out of it or not, it’s something I’ll always do.”
Matthew’s sound blends heartfelt pop with eclectic influences, drawing inspiration from artists like One Direction, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, and more recently, Noah Kahan and Gracie Abrams.
“I just want to make great music and play incredible shows,” says Matthew Charles. With “Te Amo,” he’s clearly laying the foundation for a promising next chapter.
You can stream “Te Amo” HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
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