Finishing off a milestone year, South African singer-songwriter and producer Lee Cole today releases his brand-new single, “Palace of Dreams.” “The track’s energetic, free-flowing pop sound builds on the momentum of his enduring radio hit “Mine,” a Top 100 most-played song on South African radio this year.

The track began with a distinctive synth line that inspired its direction. As Cole added guitar, drums, and layered production, it evolved into a sound he describes as “free, explorative, and resilient.” “Palace of Dreams” explores the internal conflict between fear and personal development. “Sometimes you find yourself in situations where you’re scared and you wanna run,” Cole says. “But on the other hand, you don’t want to run because going through this situation will help you grow as a person. That’s the contrast I wanted to describe: sometimes something bad can make us want to run, but if we look at it in a different way, we can grow and learn so much more.”

Musically, ‘Palace of Dreams’ finds Cole evolving his sound, experimenting heavily with synth textures and layered vocal harmonies. The track also features a saxophone outro—a first for Cole, highlighting his willingness to explore new sonic territory.

This theme of personal resolve is captured in the song’s bridge. “It’s an ode to not doing what everyone else is telling you to do,” Lee notes. “When I say, ‘don’t go, everybody’s waiting,’ it’s like a trap. Don’t go outside where they’re waiting to tell you what to do. Just stay present in your mind, and you’ll figure something out for yourself.”

This year alone, Cole performed before tens of thousands, opening for pop legend Robbie Williams at the Calabash festival in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. His critical acclaim matched his live success, as he won Best Male Singer (English) at the Afri-Indie Awards. His singles have dominated the nation’s airwaves, achieving multiple #1 positions and amassing over 40,000 plays on radio. This staggering rotation reached over 190 million listeners (Radiomonitor), making his sound one of the most pervasive of the year. Cole also performed on main stages at South Africa’s premier live events, including Rocking the Daisies, The Durban July, and the Sunset Music Series.

For Cole, the new single’s theme of resilience is the perfect soundtrack to the biggest lesson of his milestone year.

“This year taught me to relax and not force things,” Cole shares. “When you stop resisting and detach yourself from a certain expectation, things just start to happen. That’s essentially what ‘Palace of Dreams’ is about. It’s that reminder that even when situations feel confusing or insurmountable, sometimes you just have to look up, carry on dancing, and trust that the dancing will take you through it.”

Lee Cole joins Prime Circle’s 25 Year Anniversary Tour as a featured artist on select dates from December 2025 through May 2026. He will perform alongside other special guests, including Tree63, The Blackcat Bones, and Cantrel. For details, visit: https://leecolemusic.com/shows.html

“Palace of Dreams” is available now on all streaming platforms.

Listen Here: https://vmgafrica.lnk.to/PalaceofDreamsAr

LEE COLE TOUR DATES:

Dec 4, 2025: SPAR Carols by Candlelight presented by Jacaranda FM: SunBet Arena, Time Square Menlyn

Dec 18, 2025: Cafè Roux (Noordhoek, Cape Town)  

Dec 19, 2025: Club Mykonos (Langebaan) | With artists: Tree63, Prime Circle

Dec 22, 2025: Fancourt (George) | With artists: Tree63, Prime Circle

Dec 26, 2025: Kenton-On-Sea Three Tree @The Backyard (Kenton-on-sea) | With artists: Prime Circle, Tree63

Dec 28, 2025: The Cove Nahoon Dam (East London) | With artists: Prime Circle, Tree63

Dec 29, 2025: Tapas Gqeberha (Gqeberha) | With artists: (Solo show)

Dec 30, 2025: Blend Country Restaurant (Knysna) | With artists: Keanan Eksteen

Dec 30, 2025: Reed Valley (Mossel Bay) | With artists: Prime Circle, Tree63

Dec 31, 2025: NYE @ Triggerfish Brewing (Somerset West, Cape Town) | With artists: Tree63, Prime Circle, The Black Cat Bones.

May 30, 2026: Sunset Music Series (Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden) With artists: Prime Circle and Tree63.