The explore desk
what's moving in african music
editorial, producer tips, and partner coverage from across the continent — refreshed throughout the day.
InterviewsNew Balance 9060: The Sneaker That Blends Comfort and Style
The New Balance 9060 has quickly become one of the brand’s most popular sneakers. Combining retro running-shoe inspiration with a futuristic design, the 9060 stands out as a bold lifestyle sneaker that appeals to both sneaker enthusiasts…
Industry NewsKindlyNxsh Strengthens Young Soldier Movement With New Single ‘HERO’
The post KindlyNxsh Strengthens Young Soldier Movement With New Single ‘HERO’ appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. KindlyNxsh Strengthens Young Soldier Movement With New Single ‘HERO.’ South African rap sensation KindlyNxsh has officially…
Industry NewsKane Keid Returns With New Single ‘Lelo’ As Anticipation Builds For Debut Album
The post Kane Keid Returns With New Single ‘Lelo’ As Anticipation Builds For Debut Album appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Kane Keid Returns With New Single ‘Lelo’ As Anticipation Builds For Debut Album.
Industry NewsK.O Toasts To Success With New Single ‘Hotela’ Featuring Danya Devs & Scotts Maphuma
The post K.O Toasts To Success With New Single ‘Hotela’ Featuring Danya Devs & Scotts Maphuma appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. K.O Toasts To Success With New Single ‘Hotela’ Featuring Danya Devs & Scotts Maphuma.
Industry NewsThe White Whisper Turns Melancholy Into Movement on “African Lullaby”
The White Whisper approaches dance music from a different emotional angle on “African Lullaby,” a hypnotic single from the album Lunar Dances.
Industry NewsEmtee Granted Bail After Spending Night In Police Custody
The post Emtee Granted Bail After Spending Night In Police Custody appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Emtee Granted Bail After Spending Night In Police Custody.
Industry NewsBlue Pappi Announces New Mixtape And Nationwide Tour For 2026
The post Blue Pappi Announces New Mixtape And Nationwide Tour For 2026 appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Blue Pappi Announces New Mixtape And Nationwide Tour for 2026.
InterviewsK.O Continues His Legendary Run with “Hotela” Featuring Danya Devs & Scotts Maphuma
South African music is about to witness one of the most unexpected yet exciting collaborations of the year as K.O, Danya Devs, and Scotts Maphuma officially join forces for their brand-new single, “Hotela,” dropping this Friday.
Industry NewsSjava Celebrates 10 Years Of Music With Upcoming Intimate Spotify Fan Experience In Pretoria
The post Sjava Celebrates 10 Years Of Music With Upcoming Intimate Spotify Fan Experience In Pretoria appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Sjava Celebrates 10 Years Of Music With Upcoming Intimate Spotify Fan Experience In Pretoria.
Industry NewsK.O Shares Studio Session For Upcoming Single “Hotela” Featuring Danya Devs & Scotts Maphuma
The post K.O Shares Studio Session For Upcoming Single “Hotela” Featuring Danya Devs & Scotts Maphuma appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. K.O Shares Studio Session For Upcoming Single “Hotela” Featuring Danya Devs & Scotts Maphuma.
Industry NewsTony Dayimane Brings Debut Headline Show To Life In “The Big Boy Live Show” Concert Film
The post Tony Dayimane Brings Debut Headline Show To Life In “The Big Boy Live Show” Concert Film appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Tony Dayimane Brings Debut Headline Show To Life In “The Big Boy Live Show” Concert Film.
InterviewsNE-YO Announces South Africa as Part of International Tour
Three-time Grammy award-winning hitmaker, NE-YO, makes his much-anticipated return to South Africa in October. NE-YO will perform live at Grand Arena, Grand West in Cape Town on Saturday, October 17th, and at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on…
Industry NewsKindlyNxsh Set To Drop New Single “HERO”
The post KindlyNxsh Set To Drop New Single “HERO” appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. KindlyNxsh Set To Drop New Single “HERO.” Johannesburg’s rap landscape is about to feel the impact of another major moment as rising star KindlyNxsh gears…
Industry NewsSKIIPS Marks “Secret Is Out (Remix)” Streaming Milestone As He Gears Up For “Show Up” with Lowfeye
The post SKIIPS Marks “Secret Is Out (Remix)” Streaming Milestone As He Gears Up For “Show Up” with Lowfeye appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
Industry News‘Worst Thing for SA Hip-Hop’ Cassper & Nasty C’s Friendship Draws Mixed Reactions From Hip-Hop Fans
The post ‘Worst Thing for SA Hip-Hop’ Cassper & Nasty C’s Friendship Draws Mixed Reactions From Hip-Hop Fans appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
Industry NewsThe Big Hash Reminds Fans Of His Lyrical Prowess With ‘Family Tree Freestyle’ Preview
The post The Big Hash Reminds Fans Of His Lyrical Prowess With ‘Family Tree Freestyle’ Preview appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. The Big Hash Reminds Fans Of His Lyrical Prowess With ‘Family Tree Freestyle’ Preview.
Interviews12 Indie Rock Songs You Should Hear Right Now
Today’s rock music comes in different styles, each with its own scene and set of fans. Yet, despite these genre boundaries, rhythm and melody have a way of bringing listeners together.
Industry NewsSamro Retirement Annuity Fund calls on members to update their details
The Samro Retirement Annuity Fund (SRAF) has launched a member data update drive following the successful implementation of South Africa's Two-Pot Retirement System and growing engagement from members seeking access to their retirement…
Industry NewsToya Delazy Marks New Milestone As “Zulu Jungle” EP Gains Momentum
The post Toya Delazy Marks New Milestone As “Zulu Jungle” EP Gains Momentum appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Toya Delazy Marks New Milestone As “Zulu Jungle” EP Gains Momentum.
Industry NewsEx Global Explains Why This Is Not The Right Time For SA Artists To Release Music
The post Ex Global Explains Why This Is Not The Right Time For SA Artists To Release Music appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Ex Global Explains Why This Is Not The Right Time For SA Artists To Release Music.
InterviewsThe Business of Hip-Hop: How Papama Is Using Fashion to Tell Stories
Hip-hop has always been bigger than music. Beyond the bars, mixtapes, and cyphers, the culture has continuously created space for creatives in fashion, branding, media, marketing, and business.
InterviewsKINTO South Africa Announces Winner of ‘Legacy Meets Future’ Graffiti Competition
KINTO South Africa has officially announced the winner of its inaugural ‘Legacy Meets Future’ graffiti competition, crowning Mpho Madi as the visionary artist selected to bring their winning mural to life at KINTO South Africa’s…
InterviewsRed Bull Box Cart Race Returns to Sandton in 2026
The Red Bull Box Cart Race is officially returning to Sandton Drive on Sunday, 20 September 2026, bringing back one of South Africa’s most entertaining and creative events.
Industry NewsFred Durst-led Limp Bizkit announces Johannesburg FNB Stadium concert
Known for their explosive live performances and era-defining hits, multi-platinum music icons, Limp Bizkit will bring their high-energy show to local fans for what promises to be one of the biggest events of 2026.
InterviewsStrange Plants release new single, “Ground Falls Away”
“Ground Falls Away” is one of the two new singles from Canadian band Strange Plants. Built around soft electric piano melodies, pulsating percussion and warm, atmospheric synths, the indie rock song is quite poppy.
InterviewsIntroducing Kairoboy: listen to “Rangi” and “Prada”
Up-and-coming Kenyan singer Kairoboy is going the extra mile this year. He’s released three singles already in 2026. The last two, “Prada” and “Rangi”, point to an artist ready for that breakout moment.
Industry NewsTwinsize Bend to the Breaking Point with “Contortionist”
There is a peculiar kind of exhaustion in loving someone to your own detriment, a feeling that Leeds-based six-piece Twinsize capture with frightening accuracy on their new single “Contortionist.” Released on Monomyth Records, the track is…
Industry NewsThe Visceral Agony of blue pablo’s “baby, mess me entirely”
When Albuquerque solo artist blue pablo dropped “baby, mess me entirely,” a deeply unsettling question crawled into the room: why do we so eagerly swallow the very things that tear us apart? Working alongside producer Mateo Gutierrez, blue…
Industry NewsLevel Up Your Faith with Dianne Forte’s “Hallelujah Just Keep Your Heads Up Now”
Dianne Forte has somehow built a bizarre, joyous bridge between Sunday morning devotion and a vintage arcade console with the instrumental version of her latest single, “Hallelujah Just Keep Your Heads Up Now”.
InterviewsFKJ Begins New Album Rollout with “Soulmates” Single
The announcement of FKJ’s upcoming third album made me look back at how I first discovered his music. I was initially introduced to the French singer and multi-instrumentalist and producer through his collaboration with US artist Masego…
InterviewsEichem Teams up with HÄCHE and Flowasis for New Banger, “Dame De Eso”
“Dame De Eso” by emerging Colombian artist Eichem sits at the intersection of dancehall and reggaeton. Featuring Venezuelan-born artist HÄCHE and talented producer Flowasis, this urban Latin track was really brilliantly crafted.
InterviewsWhy “Sese” by Sa-Young Will Energize Your Playlist
“Sese” by Sa-Young is the song that introduces me to the Nigerian Canadian artist. The song leans into Fela Kuti’s classic afrobeat sound. I bet you will love the smooth percussion and sax solo.
InterviewsNew Song: “irresistable” by Tarang Joseph
Tarang Joseph‘s first single of the year is here. Called “irresistable”, it’s much groovier than the Indian musician’s previous release, “one track mind“. If you love funk music with hints of ’80s disco, then this new song is for you.
InterviewsBillet Doux share euphoric anthem, “Maybe Tokyo”: Watch Visuals
Billet Doux‘s “Maybe Tokyo” arrived last Friday paired with a music video which is as riveting as the track itself. The French duo of Pierre and Kaycie has been receiving increasing attention thanks to their ability to craft anthems.
InterviewsListen: Henry Aberson – “Don’t Wait Too Long” feat. Derran Day & Cortez Johnson
Whenever producer Henry Aberson and singer Derran Day link up, amazing music gets made. This time round, they were joined by Cortez Johnson to create “Don’t Wait Too Long”, a buttery neo-soul jam worth a dozen listens.
InterviewsBrittany Campbell Releases New Single: Watch Her Perform “Grudges”
If you thought Brittany Campbell’s “Creep With Me” was a fluke, her latest single proves she is here to stay. The Los Angeles-based R&B artist named the new song “Grudges”.
InterviewsReggae singer Owen Casey covers John Hurley’s “Love of the Common People”
Irish reggae singer Owen Casey recently released “Love of the Common People”, his reimagination of John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins’ classic song of the same title.
InterviewsTEHYA May Just Make 2026 Her Own — Hear Her New Songs “It’s You” and “Burn For Me”
2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for TEHYA, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter and martial artist from Canada. In February, she released what has turned to be her breakout song: “It’s You”.
InterviewsWatch Kosha Dillz’s music video for “Hannah Senesh”
“Hannah Senesh” by hip hop artist Kosha Dillz is a song I find quite interesting and worth sharing. Kosha has been featured on Aipate a couple of times already, and each time, a banger is involved.
InterviewsSinger Kevon Edmond Returns with “No Ordinary Love”
As a member of the R&B group After 7, singer Kevon Edmond made a tonne of beautiful music, receiving multiple Grammys in the process. And after all these years, the artist still shows extraordinary passion whenever he sings.
InterviewsSayò Delivers a Powerful Message of Hope and Resilience on “Smile – Live”: Listen
British-Nigerian singer Sayo Popoola a.k.a. Sayò, may not have released a new single since her 2023 EP, Heartstrings, but the recent arrival of the unplugged version of that project generated so much excitement.
InterviewsListen to “Thanks For Asking”, the Latest Single from Estella Dawn
When it comes to creating moving ballads, Estella Dawn never misses. The San Diego based artist’s latest, “Thanks For Asking”, delves into those post-breakup blues.
Industry NewsRamaphosa honours film composer Dr Trevor Jones with Order of Ikhamanga in Silver
South African-born film composer Dr Trevor Jones received the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from President Cyril Ramaphosa at the recent National Orders ceremony in Pretoria.
InterviewsKeeme Embraces Authenticity in Her New Single, “TONY”
This beautiful new song “TONY” marks the return for South African R&B singer Keeme. It’s her first solo release since her 2022 debut album, Losing My Mind.
InterviewsColombian artist Jhosy Drops New EP, Dime Que Tal Te Suena
Last year, Colombian artist Jhosy crossed into my radar when he dropped his “OBVIO” single. That song did set the tone for the EP that he was working on. Well, Dime Que Tal Te Suena EP is now here with us.
InterviewsBoy In Space Announces Debut Album, Releases “Sex Drugs & Money” Single
In case you missed it, Boy In Space announced his debut album this month. The Swedish pop singer-songwriter also released a new single, “Sex, Drugs & Money”. By the way, the upcoming album is simply called The Man Who Lost It All.
InterviewsRABO presents “Wide Eyed Wonder” – listen
The follow-up to Norwegian artist RABO’s Half Decade Addiction EP is an anthemic single called “Wide Eyed Wonder”. With RABO getting ready to begin her summer festival tour, this song sets the tone perfectly.
Industry NewsSteve Louw’s Traces of the Flood features Bob Dylan’s touring musicians
South African rock icon Steve Louw has released his latest album, Traces of the Flood, a Nashville-recorded project produced by acclaimed international producer Kevin Shirley and featuring members of Bob Dylan’s touring band.
InterviewsListen: Lucciana Costa – “Bell Jar”
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Lucciana Costa is an undeniable talent. Since her debut in 2024, the West Virginia-born artist has delivered a handful of lovely songs. I’ve just listened to her latest offering, “Bell Jar”.
InterviewsHear Mathias Julin’s “Could You Lie” Song
A new name is rising in pop music. 20-year-old Mathias Julin has been making waves these past couple of years, thanks to his soulful voice and ability to turn raw emotion into melody.