Lift marks five years with streaming release of Zolani Mahola’s 'Lift Me Higher' and new Karma Clothing–designed uniform collection

For millions of South Africans, 'Lift Me Higher' has become synonymous with the end of a journey. Played as passengers disembark, the song has accompanied countless reunions, holidays, business trips and homecomings, becoming an emotional part of the Lift experience.

Written and performed by acclaimed South African artist Zolani Mahola, the anthem was originally created as a bespoke collaboration for the airline. Over the past five years, however, it has grown into far more than a brand soundtrack, becoming part of the memories of millions of travellers.

"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 newly released full-length version expands on the familiar onboard excerpt with an additional verse, bridge and richer production. It also features a children's choir and incorporates elements of South Africa's national anthem, reinforcing 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," Mahola explains.

For the artist, the streaming release marks a new chapter for a song that has quietly accompanied millions of journeys, allowing audiences to experience it in its complete form while remaining true to the spirit that inspired it. "'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 the enduring relationship between Lift and Mahola, whose partnership with the airline has included memorable 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," adds Halim-Henning.

While the music celebrates the emotional connection Lift has built with travellers over the past five years, the airline's new uniform collection reflects how the brand itself has evolved. When Lift launched in 2020, its uniforms embodied a fresh, relaxed approach to aviation. Five years later, the airline has introduced a more refined and sophisticated collection that reflects its growth while remaining true to the warmth, flexibility and friendliness that define the brand. "Five years on, the timing felt right to evolve our look alongside the growth and achievements we've made," says Ryno Mocke, onboard product specialist at Lift.

The collection was created in partnership with Karma Clothing, a Johannesburg-based, women-led South African business with more than 20 years' experience in apparel design and manufacturing. The collaboration aligns with Lift's commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship and partnering with businesses that share its values of inclusivity, empowerment and authenticity. Working closely with the airline, Karma Clothing developed a modern aviation wardrobe for cabin crew, airport teams and support staff that balances professionalism, practicality and personal choice. Rather than prescribing a single look, the 18-piece collection allows employees to select combinations best suited to their role and individual preference.

The men's range offers versatile layering options, including tailored charcoal trousers, collared shirts or crew-neck T-shirts and a contemporary waistcoat with an asymmetrical fastening. A standout addition to the women's collection is a modern jumpsuit that combines the elegance of a dress with the practicality of trousers. "It was developed specifically with the realities of modern airline operations staff in mind and, consisting of 18 unique pieces, is one of the most flexible aviation wardrobes in South Africa," explains Mocke. "These options add a touch of individuality to the new uniform, giving our crew the freedom to flex their own style, embodying the brand's flexible spirit."

Despite the refresh, one of Lift's most recognisable features remains unchanged. The airline's signature white sneakers continue to form part of the collection, reinforcing the balance between comfort, approachability and service excellence that has become central to the brand's identity.

"We are honoured to partner with Lift on a project of this significance," says Karin Clark, founder of Karma Clothing. "By combining our expertise with Lift's vision, we created a contemporary uniform collection that reflects the airline's evolution while ensuring employees feel confident, comfortable and represented. The new charcoal colour palette offers a premium, versatile alternative to traditional black, complemented by durable performance fabrics and Lift's signature yellow accents." For Lift, both announcements are expressions of the same philosophy: celebrating South African creativity while continually evolving the customer experience.

"This uniform refresh represents an important milestone in Lift's journey. As we continue to strengthen our position in the market, the new collection captures Lift's ambition and momentum while remaining true to the values that have shaped the airline from day one. We are particularly proud to have partnered with fellow South African business, Karma Clothing, whose expertise, creativity and commitment to excellence helped bring this vision to life," says Cilliers Jordaan, chief commercial officer at Lift.

Five years after launching during one of the most challenging periods in aviation history, Lift continues to chart its own course by championing local talent, partnering with South African businesses and creating memorable experiences for travellers. Whether through a song that has become the soundtrack to millions of journeys or a refreshed uniform that represents the airline's continued evolution, Lift is celebrating its first five years by looking confidently towards the future.