Neil Breytenbach and son Jesse rock the world

FROM PRIME CIRCLE TO VIRAL STARDOM

- LUTHO PASIYA

THE rock scene has a fresh heartbeat - and it's coming from a father and son duo in South Africa that's turning heads far beyond their hometown.

Meet Cantrel, the explosive new band making waves on the global stage with their debut EP, Jump.

Made up of Pietermaritzburg-born Neil Breytenbach, the legendary keyboardist and co-songwriter from one of SA’s most iconic rock bands, Prime Circle, and his equally talented son, Jesse Breytenbach, Cantrel is more than just a collaboration - it’s a generational bridge that fuses experience, passion and raw talent into a sound that’s both timeless and thrillingly new.

Independent Media Lifestyle caught up with the duo, who opened up about their sound, their relationship and the wild ride they have been on since Jump dropped.

A leap of sound: the story behind Jump

The EP’s title track sets the tone for what Cantrel is all about: energy, joy, and movement.

“Jump is a high-energy, feelgood song designed to make the audience move, feel happy and jump for joy,” said Neil.

“It’s our way of connecting instantly with listeners - whether they are in the front row at a gig or blasting it through headphones.”

It's that infectious spirit that makes Jump feel like a sonic celebration - something the world could use a little more of right now.

Viral success: “Walls” hits over a million views

Their track Walls is resonating worldwide, and the proof is in the numbers: the song recently blew up on TikTok, racking up over a million views.

“We are blown away,” Neil admitted. “We had no idea it would go viral like this. But we have been putting out good energy, manifesting positivity and success. I guess the universe was listening. And honestly, this feels like just the beginning.”