The explore desk
what's moving in african music
editorial, producer tips, and partner coverage from across the continent — refreshed throughout the day.
InterviewsOriiginelle Embraces Love, Identity & Healing On Loving This Black Woman
Makhosazana Thwala, known as Oriiginelle, returns with Loving This Black Woman, her most intimate and expansive project yet.
Industry News‘Nota Does Not Own Any of My Musical Rights’: DJ Sliqe Responds To Claims
The post ‘Nota Does Not Own Any of My Musical Rights’: DJ Sliqe Responds To Claims appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. ‘Nota Does Not Own Any of My Musical Rights’: DJ Sliqe Responds to Claims.
Industry NewsMashBeatz Hits The Road With Wordz As ‘Taxi Sessions’ Debuts In Style
The post MashBeatz Hits The Road With Wordz As ‘Taxi Sessions’ Debuts In Style appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. MashBeatz Hits The Road With Wordz As ‘Taxi Sessions’ Debuts In Style.
Industry NewsOkmalumkoolkat Celebrates 10 Years Of “Mlazi Milano” With Iconic Merch Revival
The post Okmalumkoolkat Celebrates 10 Years Of “Mlazi Milano” With Iconic Merch Revival appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Okmalumkoolkat Celebrates 10 Years Of “Mlazi Milano” With Iconic Merch Revival.
Industry NewsZulu Mecca Announces Return With New Single ‘CAP’
The post Zulu Mecca Announces Return With New Single ‘CAP’ appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Zulu Mecca Announces Return With New Single ‘CAP’ South African hip-hop heavyweight ZuluMecca is officially back in music mode.
Industry NewsK1llbrady Announces ‘FYBR P1: Familia Pack’ Ahead Of Release
The post K1llbrady Announces ‘FYBR P1: Familia Pack’ Ahead Of Release appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. K1llbrady Announces ‘FYBR P1: Familia Pack’ Ahead Of Release.
Industry NewsEx Global Challenges Emtee To Settle Their Differences In The Boxing Ring
The post Ex Global Challenges Emtee To Settle Their Differences In The Boxing Ring appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Ex Global Challenges Emtee to Settle Their Differences in the Boxing Ring.
InterviewsBafana Bafana Make History: South Africa Advances To FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage
Against all odds, Bafana Bafana have written a new chapter in South African football history by progressing to the next round of the FIFA World Cup for the very first time.
InterviewsYusuf Özer Samba Project presents “Birlik Sesi (Voz de Unidad)”
Yusuf Özer Samba Project is a new music collective based in Turkey. Formed by Yusuf Özer, who has recently been part of Istanbul-based football club Galatasaray’s celebrations, the outfit has released its first song, “Birlik Sesi (Voz de…
InterviewsStream On The Marsh EP by singer-songwriter Ryann Ross
A week or so ago, I stumbled on this lovely indie-folk/pop song called “Iris Exit”. The acoustic-driven track is by Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Ryann Ross. Excitingly, “Irish Exit” is part of her debut EP titled On The Marsh.
InterviewsCamilla North Dazzles with New Single, “Som Du e”
Norway’s Camilla North always impresses whenever she delivers new music. This time round, the singer presented us with a dazzling tune called “Som Du e”.
Industry NewsNadia Nakai Extends Her Streaming Success With ‘Naaa Meaan’ Milestone
The post Nadia Nakai Extends Her Streaming Success With ‘Naaa Meaan’ Milestone appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Nadia Nakai Extends Her Streaming Success With ‘Naaa Meaan’ Milestone.
Industry NewsBig Zulu & Nkabikazi Mark 1 Million YouTube Views Milestone With “S’yaz Siyizoni”
The post Big Zulu & Nkabikazi Mark 1 Million YouTube Views Milestone With “S’yaz Siyizoni” appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
Industry NewsNASTY C INVITES FANS TO RECREATE THE ICONIC BAD HAIR COVER 10 YEARS LATER
The post NASTY C INVITES FANS TO RECREATE THE ICONIC BAD HAIR COVER 10 YEARS LATER appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. NASTY C INVITES FANS TO RECREATE THE ICONIC BAD HAIR COVER 10 YEARS LATER.
InterviewsTownship Talent Goes Global Through AURI Foundation’s Norway Exchange
This Youth Month, South Africa’s AURI Foundation and Norway’s Kulturkontoret proudly announce the launch of NORSAK — the first-ever SA-NOR festival exchange programme focused on music festivals, sound engineering, and youth development.
InterviewsChicken Licken’s SoulSister is a High-octane Celebration of Sisterhood
Chicken Licken has once again raised the bar for local advertising with its latest campaign, SoulSisters — a cinematic, action-packed production that feels more like a blockbuster movie than a fast-food commercial.
InterviewsEP Review: Kojo Kay – THIS DOESN’T FEEL GOOD BEING STUCK HERE IN THE SAME SPOT :(
Melodic rap thrives on artists’ readiness to bare their soul in their music. For Vancouver’s Kojo Kay, that emotional core must also be augmented by a production process where the artist is heavily involved.
Industry News1 ticket, 3 events: Music Week aims to accelerate Africa’s music business
Fame Week Africa is introducing Music Week, a new industry platform bringing together three of Africa's leading music gatherings under one umbrella from 28-31 October 2026 in Cape Town.
InterviewsSouth Africa To Experience Kenny Lattimore for One Night in Cape Town
American Grammy-nominated R&B Singer, Kenny Lattimore, makes his way back to South Africa for a magical one-night only show in September.
Interviewsadidas and Retail Partners Call on South Africans to Paint the Town Yellow Ahead of Bafana Bafana’s Must-Win Clash
As Bafana Bafana prepare for their crucial must-win FIFA World Cup match next week Thursday, 25 June, against South Korea, adidas together with participating retail partners are calling on South Africans to rally behind the team and turn…
InterviewsListen to “Natural Disaster” by Vancouver’s Emmet Jerome
Emmet Jerome’s music sits at the intersection of country, rock, and Americana, a blend so balanced and infectious that every song becomes addictive. “Natural Disaster”, his newest single, is upbeat and effortlessly catchy.
InterviewsNew Single Finds Noble “Chasing Space” — Listen
Finding one’s sound is a process that often takes time, but the result can be highly fulfilling. That’s the case with Dutch singer-songwriter Noble, who went from making a well-received pop/rock album to finding a new direction in…
InterviewsHot Tub joined by Théatrophone for Euphoric Nu-Disco Tune, “Set Me Free”
Need a mood boost? Check out this new collaboration between Canadian nu-disco musician Hot Tub and Germany’s Théatrophone. The song is called “Set me Free”.
InterviewsEmerging Artist PETROS Releases Catchy New single, “Electro-Petro”
Emerging electronic artist PETROS recently delivered a blistering new single called “Electro-Petro”. For those discovering the Finish newcomer for the first time, this song serves as a compelling introduction to his music.
InterviewsWatch Visuals for Rukmani’s “Serial Kisser” (Feat. BOJ)
“Serial Kisser” by Nigerian-born singer Rukmani is one song that is just as vibey as it’s flirtatious. The music involves an intoxicating blend of afrobeats and alt-R&B.
InterviewsStream ‘Chaos Reflections’, the introspective second album by The Vultures
If you only have time for one album this weekend, make it Chaos Reflections by Australian alt-rock band The Vultures. It’s the second full-length project from the Gold Coast outfit formed in 2013 by longtime pals Liam Bowditch and Joe Bon…
InterviewsHear “I Know” by burgeoning singer-songwriter Lexi Faye
It’s hard to pin Lexi Faye‘s music down to a specific genre: the burgeoning American singer-songwriter combines various influences ranging from indie folk to pop and rock to create music that can be recognized by its emotional depth.
Industry NewsFashion retailer Side Step partners with Blxckie to launch youth-focused New Era campaign
South African fashion retailer Side Step has unveiled a new brand platform designed to deepen its connection with youth culture, announcing a partnership with hip-hop star Blxckie as the face of its New Era campaign.
Industry NewsDebonairs taps singer Chomee for soccer-inspired Cram Crown Crust launch
South African singer Chomee has teamed up with Debonairs Pizza for a new soccer-season campaign centred around the launch of the brand's latest menu innovation, the Cram Crown Crust Pizza.
InterviewsZoe Konez Looks Inward on New Album, Everything’s Fine
Everything’s Fine, the new album by Zoe Konez, comes from a place of deep introspection. It is a collection of songs steeped in honesty and tranquillity.
InterviewsJosh Harris teams up with Lutan Fyah for Tenement Yard EP
Out now is this collaborative EP between US-based reggae musician Josh Harris a.k.a. DJ Big Feet and Jamaican reggae singer Lutan Fyah. The EP is titled Tenement Yard.
InterviewsSparkee Presents “Nobody Else” Single: Listen
Sparkee is all about the groove. The Canadian dance music producer is also an adept guitar player–his music has quite a distinct flavour. Sparkee’s latest single, “Nobody Else” is a funky “indie dance” tune with elements of nu-disco.
Industry NewsFatboy Slim to bring "Big Beat" EDM anthems to SA
Global dance music icon Fatboy Slim will return to South Africa this December for two massive headline shows, bringing his legendary energy, timeless anthems and world-famous party atmosphere to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Industry NewsConcerts SA wins International Music Cities Award for Placemaking in Hull, UK
The global accolade celebrates over a decade of building live music ecosystems and driving artistic mobility across Southern Africa.
Industry NewsAbdullah Ibrahim, South African pianist and anti-apartheid champion, dies at 91
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, whose music buzzed with the bustle of South Africa's townships, resounded to the vastness of its savannah landscapes and was adopted as a rallying cry for the anti-apartheid movement, has died aged 91, the office…
InterviewsRivermind release their self-titled debut EP: listen
When I heard “Sunfire” by new Swiss band Rivermind, I was immediately hooked. So, this past weekend was an exciting one for me, considering Rivermind got to unveil their debut EP.
InterviewsDaijo Presents “Back to Life” Single — Listen
Canadian electronic producer Daijo’s style is a smooth fusion of house and techno. To have a taste, you need to hear his latest single “Back to Life”.
InterviewsListen to “Fu Manchu” by Vanderwolf
When blend you blend rock, soul and blues, you get a tune as captivating as Vandewolf’s “Fu Manchu”. “Fu Manchu” is one of the songs on the latest album from the New York-born musician. That album is tiled Songs You’ll Never Hear.
Industry NewsR&B star Kehlani announces South African tour dates
South African music fans are set to welcome one of contemporary R&B's biggest stars, as two-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Kehlani has announced South African dates for The Kehlani World Tour, with special guest Destin Conrad.
EventsThe Rhythm of The New School
As we celebrate Youth Day, we are turning the volume all the way up for the young musical innovators, the artists who are dictating the rhythm of the new school.
InterviewsListen: “Feels Right” by Alvin Frazier and Marlon McClain
“Feels Right” by Alvin Frazier and Marlon McClain has been with us for over a month now. And, honestly, this soulful R&B single isn’t the kind of song you forget easily.
Industry NewsAudren Finds Hope and Humanity on “Think Freedom”
After years of artistic reinvention, Audren returns with Think Freedom, an album that reflects on the challenges of modern life while holding firmly onto optimism, compassion, and the possibility of change.
Industry NewsNasty C Unveils FREED Merch Collection Inspired By FREE Deluxe
The post Nasty C Unveils FREED Merch Collection Inspired By FREE Deluxe appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Nasty C Unveils FREED Merch Collection Inspired By FREE Deluxe.
InterviewsLevi’s® and COLORSxSTUDIOS Celebrate lordkez and South Africa’s next wave of music
Born in Kimberley, Lordkez has built a reputation as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary local music. Her blend of soul, R&B, and introspective songwriting, alongside collaborations with artists like Bas, Shekhinah, Jelani…
Industry NewsTrial Dates Set For Seven Men Accused In AKA And Tibz Murders
The post Trial Dates Set For Seven Men Accused In AKA And Tibz Murders appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Trial Dates Set For Seven Men Accused In AKA And Tibz Murders.
Industry NewsDJ Speedsta Calls Out Mochen Over Ignored Radio Interview Invitation
The post DJ Speedsta Calls Out Mochen Over Ignored Radio Interview Invitation appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. DJ Speedsta Calls Out Mochen Over Ignored Radio Interview Invitation.
Industry NewsMochen Names His Top 5 SA Hip Hop Albums Of All Time
The post Mochen Names His Top 5 SA Hip Hop Albums Of All Time appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Mochen Names His Top 5 SA Hip Hop Albums Of All Time.
Industry NewsBig Xhosa Advocates Peaceful Solutions To South Africa’s Immigration Tensions
The post Big Xhosa Advocates Peaceful Solutions To South Africa’s Immigration Tensions appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Big Xhosa Advocates Peaceful Solutions To South Africa’s Immigration Tensions.
InterviewsLizzo’s Bitch Era Is Here — And She’s Fully In Her Power
Lizzo, the same powerhouse who gave the world the unforgettable “I’m 100% that bitch” anthem on her Diamond-selling smash “Truth Hurts,” is once again proving why she remains one of pop culture’s most unapologetic voices.
Industry NewsSastii Drops New Single ‘MIA’ Featuring Nasty C
The post Sastii Drops New Single ‘MIA’ Featuring Nasty C appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Sastii Drops New Single ‘MIA’ Featuring Nasty C.