For the past five years, millions of South Africans have heard the same familiar melody moments before stepping off a LIFT flight. A soundtrack to arrivals, reunions, holidays, homecomings and new adventures, LIFT Me Higher has become woven into the passenger experience since the airline first took to the skies in 2020. Now, for the first time, the beloved in-flight anthem is available as a full-length track on streaming platforms, allowing listeners to experience the song beyond the cabin.
Written and performed by acclaimed South African artist Zolani Mahola, the song began as a bespoke brand collaboration but has since grown into something far more meaningful, becoming an integral part of the LIFT experience and a soundtrack to countless journeys.
“When I wrote LIFT Me Higher, I wanted to capture a sense of wonder and possibility through the eyes of a child looking up at an aeroplane and imagining where it might be going,” says Mahola.
“The song carries my greatest hopes for South Africa and its people, especially our children. It’s about optimism, community and believing that we can lift one another higher. Knowing that millions of people have heard the song as they arrived at their destinations over the past five years, fills me with pride, and I am incredibly excited that it can now have a life beyond the aircraft and connect with people in a new way. I have also enjoyed the feedback – how it makes people feel good!”
The full version expands on the familiar onboard snippet, introducing a new verse, bridge and richer production. It also features a children’s choir and incorporates elements of South Africa’s national anthem, further reinforcing the song’s themes of hope, pride and collective upliftment. “I have written this song with my full heart in it. I have infused it with my greatest hopes and prayers for this country and all of its people, particularly for the youngest among us,” explains Mahola.
For Mahola, the release marks an important new chapter in her own artistic journey, allowing the song to reach audiences in its complete form while continuing to celebrate the spirit that inspired it from the beginning. The song’s journey mirrors that of LIFT itself. Launched during one of the most challenging periods in aviation history, the airline has built a reputation for doing things differently, championing local talent and creating uniquely South African experiences in the skies.
“LIFT Me Higher has become much more than an anthem, it has become part of the emotional rhythm of the LIFT journey,” says Haydn Halim-Henning, Brand Manager at LIFT. “Releasing the full-length track is an incredibly exciting and proud moment for all of us. We’ve always believed in creating meaningful experiences that celebrate South African creativity, and we’re proud that a song which has quietly become part of so many people’s travel memories can now be enjoyed wherever they are.”
The release also celebrates a long-standing partnership between LIFT and Mahola, whose collaboration with the airline has included unforgettable moments such as live onboard performances and a silent disco at 36,000 feet.
“Working with Zolani has always felt like working with family. She’s been part of the LIFT story from the very beginning, and we’ve loved watching her continue to inspire South Africans through her music and purpose. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate this next chapter with her,” says Halim-Henning
For five years, LIFT Me Higher has been part of the soundtrack to millions of journeys. Now, listeners everywhere can take a little piece of that journey with them.
Stream LIFT Me Higher here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2teVVJN36NLmfE7UWfwIyg?si=6a6ee95262024e81
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/za/song/lift-me-higher/6778099538
YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=2jFHOiixzvs&si=LVKV9cukHJdiv_dW
SUPPLIED.
