As the year begins to slow down, Ard Matthews offers a Christmas song that feels like permission to do the same… and it couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
Johannesburg, South Africa (16 December 2025) – Christmas music has a funny way of sneaking past your defences. One moment you’re bracing yourself for another recycled chorus, and the next, a song lands softly, honestly, and reminds you why this season matters in the first place.
Ard Matthews has done exactly that with a brand-new festive release that feels personal, warm and unmistakably South African.
The Just Jinjer frontman has released his very first Christmas song, “Peas, cLOVEs more Cinnamon” and it’s already striking a chord. Alongside the track comes an equally heartfelt music video, making this a full festive first for Ard, who has never released a Christmas song or Christmas video before.
The video stars Tanya Van Graan as “Ard’s Fiancé” (she also shot and directed the piece) alongside Ard’s real-life mom, Arlene Matthews. Completing the cast are two scene-stealers: Humphrey Bogart, the cat as “Dandy Lion”, and Jeffrey Matthews, the dog, appearing proudly as himself.
From the first listen, it’s clear this isn’t Christmas music designed to shout for attention. It’s gentle, reflective and rooted in emotion. The chorus captures that feeling perfectly.
“It’s Christmas, all the feels about Christmas
May Peace on Earth be yours first wish
Let hope remain in our hearts”
And judging by the reaction online, the song has landed exactly where it was meant to. Social media comments have been rolling in since its release, with fans clearly relieved to add something new to their festive playlists.
“The Christmas playlist just got a whole lot better.”
“Thanks bru! Finally some good Christmas music that doesn’t make me feel like I’m trapped in a Pick n Pay during peak festive season with Mariah on repeat.”
“Still one of the best voices – love this song. Absolutely stunning.”
We sat down with Ard to chat about the song, the season, and why this release feels a little different.
Asked what inspired him to finally write a Christmas track, Ard didn’t overthink it.
“Well, I’ve never written a Christmas song before, so I thought, why the hell not right? This one came from a very simple place. Gratitude, slowing down and hopefully a chance to add an alternative to the usual Xmas songs that are out there. It’s about remembering what actually matters when the year finally exhales. I wrote it to accommodate both hemispheres and with the hope that the spirit will continue way in to the year.”
When it comes to the response so far, the positivity has not gone unnoticed.
“Yeah it’s actually been amazingly well received and i’m hoping it slowly becomes part of the fabric of each coming year.”
And when asked if he had a message for South Africans heading into the festive season, Ard’s words carried the same gentleness that runs through the song itself.
“Be kind to yourselves and to each other. This has been a big year for a lot of people. Many joys, many losses. Take a breath, hug the people you love, forgive where you can, and don’t forget how resilient we are as South Africans. You’re exactly where u need to be right, even when things feel heavy. Just trust the process…”
The release comes on the back of Ard’s first album in seven years, “As It Should Be” but he tells us the creative tap is far from running dry. The next album is already on the boil, and there’s plenty more music still to come.
For now, “Peas, cLOVEs more Cinnamon” feels like a gentle pause button… a reminder to slow down, breathe out and hold onto what matters.
“Sit back, relax, put your feet up
Wherever you are
Be thankful for this time you have right now”
Watch the music video below:
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