Craig Lucas

Craig Lucas is a South African singer-songwriter known for his distinctive alternative pop style. He aims to create music that resonates with everyone—especially those who, like him, identify as misfits, outsiders, dreamers, and non-conformists.

Over the past four years, Craig's name has become synonymous with #1 radio hits across South Africa. Hailing from Elsies River on the Cape Flats, he won The Voice South Africa Season 2 in 2017, captivating millions with his emotive soul and wide vocal range, despite having no prior musical experience. Following his debut single, “I Said This,” which soared to #1 on iTunes, he released his first album, RESTLESS, in October 2017. This album earned him a SAMA nomination for ‘Best Pop Album’ in 2018, with subsequent singles “Smother,” “Hearts Exposed,” “Antisociable,” and “Happy” all achieving gold certification. To date, Craig's music has amassed over 10 million streams, and he has graced some of the biggest stages in South Africa, including KDay, Heart Music Festival, Starlight Classics, and Cape Town Pride.

Currently, Craig is working on a new album set for release in 2024. This deeply personal project explores his journey coming out as queer, his struggles with mental health, and the impact of his father’s suicide. It aims to blend serious topics with a humorous, tongue-in-cheek tone, tackling themes like addiction, social media pressures, and the quest for acceptance. Musically, the album will feature a pop-rock sound characterized by electric guitars, dynamic drums, and emotive vocals, all wrapped in catchy, engaging melodies that make heavy subjects accessible to a broad audience.

Raised in one of the Cape Flats' most challenging areas, Craig has committed a significant part of his career to uplifting underprivileged youth from similar backgrounds. Since 2018, he has raised over R140,000 for various charitable causes through his platform.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Craig holds a degree in Economics and Politics from UCT and recently completed his Master’s degree in Development Studies at UWC. However, music has always been his first love; writing and singing served as an escape from his struggles with anxiety and depression. Craig has been open about his battle with mental illness, actively advocating for mental health awareness. Since coming out as queer in 2018, he has prioritized bringing queer representation to the mainstream, being one of the first openly queer artists to showcase same-sex relationships in his music videos. Queer activism is a vital aspect of Craig’s artistry.

Craig Lucas's journey from the Cape Flats to the national stage is a testament to his resilience and passion. His music continues to inspire and connect with a diverse audience, reflecting his commitment to making a meaningful impact through his art.