The explore desk
what's moving in african music
editorial, producer tips, and partner coverage from across the continent — refreshed throughout the day.
Industry NewsFLVME Announces The Return Of His Emotional Side With Forthcoming R&B Jams
The post FLVME Announces The Return Of His Emotional Side With Forthcoming R&B Jams appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. FLVME Announces The Return Of His Emotional Side With Forthcoming R&B Jams.
New ReleasesJay Jody and Blaklez Announce New Single “Naledi” Ahead Of “Cool&Blak” Album
The post Jay Jody and Blaklez Announce New Single “Naledi” Ahead Of “Cool&Blak” Album appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Jay Jody and Blaklez Announce New Single “Naledi” Ahead Of “Cool&Blak” Album.
New ReleasesKane Keid Set To Release 4-Track Bundle ‘NOTE2SELF’
The post Kane Keid Set To Release 4-Track Bundle ‘NOTE2SELF’ appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Kane Keid Set To Release 4-Track Bundle ‘NOTE2SELF.’ Kane Keid is marking his 23rd birthday with a short but deeply personal musical offering,…
Industry NewsEmpowaWomen Celebrates 10 Years with the Launch of City of Her™
For a decade, EmpowaWomen has been creating spaces for women to connect, grow, lead and challenge the status quo. Now, as the platform celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is stepping into a bold new chapter with the launch of City of Her —…
EventsBlxckie Announces The Somnyama Show With A Full-Circle Return To Cape Town
The post Blxckie Announces The Somnyama Show With A Full-Circle Return To Cape Town appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Blxckie Announces The Somnyama Show With A Full-Circle Return To Cape Town.
Industry NewsSastii Kicks Off #Spiderpani Challenge Ahead Of New Music Release
The post Sastii Kicks Off #Spiderpani Challenge Ahead Of New Music Release appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Sastii Kicks Off #Spiderpani Challenge Ahead Of New Music Release.
New ReleasesIssi Sets The Stage For New Album With Cryptic Teaser
The post Issi Sets The Stage For New Album With Cryptic Teaser appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Issi Sets The Stage For New Album With Cryptic Teaser.
EventsGLOW Johannesburg Adds a Second Session Following Huge Demand
Following overwhelming demand for tickets, Wholesome Women (WW)has announced that its highly anticipated GLOW Johannesburg experience will now take place across two sessions on Saturday, 3 October 2026, giving even more women the…
New ReleasesThe Kimberly Diamond Shines Back Home
SAMA nominee Lucille Slade, affectionately known as The Kimberley Diamond, is taking it back home with the visuals for “Die Y” — a love letter to Kimberley, its culture, and the people who continue to make the city shine.
EventsBasketball Africa League to Host First-ever BAL in Dakar Festival Aug. 22-23
Image credit: Basketball Africa League The Basketball Africa League (BAL) today announced that the league will host the first-ever BAL IN Dakar Festival, a free celebration of basketball, music and culture, on Saturday, Aug.
New ReleasesMnqobi Yazo Embraces the Journey on New Album “Indlela”
South African artist, producer, songwriter and composer Mnqobi Yazo enters a new chapter with INDLELA, his forthcoming album set for release on 28 August 2026 through gamma.
Industry NewsUsimamane Releases “Slime” Following The Passing Of His Friend
The post Usimamane Releases “Slime” Following The Passing Of His Friend appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Usimamane Releases “Slime” Following The Passing Of His Friend.
New ReleasesATM Release “Ibandla” Remix Featuring Nasty C
The post ATM Release “Ibandla” Remix Featuring Nasty C appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. ATM Release “Ibandla” Remix Featuring Nasty C.
New ReleasesBravo Le Roux’s Music Lives On As Debut Album ‘Igazi, Iinyembezi Nombilo’ Hits Spotify Milestone
The post Bravo Le Roux’s Music Lives On As Debut Album ‘Igazi, Iinyembezi Nombilo’ Hits Spotify Milestone appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Bravo Le Roux’s Music Lives On As Debut Album ‘Igazi, Iinyembezi Nombilo’ Hits Spotify Milestone.
EventsCassper, Nasty C & Blxckie Set To Share Stage With French Montana For AFROTRAX SA Shows
The post Cassper, Nasty C & Blxckie Set To Share Stage With French Montana For AFROTRAX SA Shows appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Cassper, Nasty C & Blxckie Set To Share Stage With French Montana For AFROTRAX SA Shows.
InterviewsKid X Unpacks Riky Rick “Beef”
The post Kid X Unpacks Riky Rick “Beef” appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Kid X Unpacks Riky Rick “Beef” South African hip-hop veteran Kid X has offered insight into one of the more intriguing moments surrounding Riky Rick’s celebrated…
Industry NewsGospel music and SA music trends: Nontokozo Mkhize wins Samro Award at SAMA32
“Esandleni” takes top airplay honours at the South African Music Awards (SAMA32)
EventsNasty C Fires Back At Nota After SAMA32 Win
The post Nasty C Fires Back At Nota After SAMA32 Win appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Nasty C Fires Back At Nota After SAMA32 Win.
InterviewsKid X Goes Full OG With His Favourite SA Rappers of All Time
The post Kid X Goes Full OG With His Favourite SA Rappers of All Time appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Kid X Goes Full OG With His Favourite SA Rappers of All Time.
Interviews“They Gave Me a Chance”: iFani Opens Up On The Support Behind “Msebenzi Wam” Mixtape
The post “They Gave Me a Chance”: iFani Opens Up On The Support Behind “Msebenzi Wam” Mixtape appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. “They Gave Me a Chance”: iFani Opens Up On The Support Behind “Msebenzi Wam” Mixtape.
New ReleasesNasty C Salutes The Fans And Team Behind His SAMA32 Victory
The post Nasty C Salutes The Fans And Team Behind His SAMA32 Victory appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Nasty C Salutes The Fans And Team Behind His SAMA32 Victory.
InterviewsZanele Potelwa Hosts The 2026 SAMAs Alongside Cassper Nyovest in Sun City
Fresh off her New York trip to chat to Thuso Mbedu, the much-loved media personality graciously hosted the 32nd South African Music Awards on Saturday night, which took place at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West province.
Industry NewsRoiii Sets Fans Up For New Music Release
The post Roiii Sets Fans Up For New Music Release appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Roiii Sets Fans Up For New Music Release.
Industry NewsTyson Sybateli Floats Unconventional Book Club
The post Tyson Sybateli Floats Unconventional Book Club appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Tyson Sybateli Floats Unconventional Book Club.
Industry NewsEmtee Back Behind Bars After Alleged Messages To Estranged Wife
The post Emtee Back Behind Bars After Alleged Messages To Estranged Wife appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Emtee Back Behind Bars After Alleged Messages To Estranged Wife.
New ReleasesRetro Cover Story: Leaders of The New School
No major record deals. No red tape. The age of independence is upon us in a digitally interactive world which erased all restrictions. Welcome to the new school era of hip hop.
Industry NewsScumie Explains Why She Went Heavy With 20-Track Double-Disc Album “AVANT: TIRAMISU”
The post Scumie Explains Why She Went Heavy With 20-Track Double-Disc Album “AVANT: TIRAMISU” appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
Artist SpotlightFLVME Thanks Fans As “BLVCK & WHiTE” Album Enjoys Lasting Momentum
The post FLVME Thanks Fans As “BLVCK & WHiTE” Album Enjoys Lasting Momentum appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. FLVME Thanks Fans As “BLVCK & WHiTE” Album Enjoys Lasting Momentum.
New ReleasesApple Music Announces K.Keed & Orish as August’s Featured Artists for Rap Life Africa
Apple Music’s Rap Life Radio, presented by Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B Ebro Darden, will feature South African artists K.Keed & Orish this month, as Ebro and Africa Now Radio host Nandi Madida discuss their latest single,…
Producer TipsBeatlab Partners With Soul Candi Institute of Music to Expand Africa’s Access to Music Education
Beatlab, the digital community platform connecting DJs, producers and music creators across Africa is building the largest multifaceted community platform, and now, through partnering with Soul Candi Institute of Music (SCIM), gives…
Industry NewsZanele Potelwa Praises Cassper Nyovest After SAMA32 Hosting Debut
The post Zanele Potelwa Praises Cassper Nyovest After SAMA32 Hosting Debut appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Zanele Potelwa Praises Cassper Nyovest After SAMA32 Hosting Debut.
EventsAfrica: It’s Time to Say Ngeke! To Corruption
Image credit: Minenhle Memela Musicians of South Africa! The fight against corruption needs your voice. Following the success of the first-ever Ngeke! Festival in 2025, Fair Play is once again calling on South Africa’s boldest young…
Industry NewsKLY Shares The Secret Formula To Make A Hit Song
The post KLY Shares The Secret Formula To Make A Hit Song appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. KLY Shares The Secret Formula To Make A Hit Song.
New ReleasesLordkez Celebrates Second SAMA Win: “This Is Only the Beginning”
The post Lordkez Celebrates Second SAMA Win: “This Is Only the Beginning” appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Lordkez Celebrates Second SAMA Win: “This Is Only the Beginning.” South African R&B and soul artist Lordkez has once again etched…
Producer TipsCassper Says SAMA32 Surpassed Last Year’s Views In Just 10 Hours
The post Cassper Says SAMA32 Surpassed Last Year’s Views In Just 10 Hours appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Cassper Says SAMA32 Surpassed Last Year’s Views In Just 10 Hours.
Industry NewsEx-Global Crowns A-Reece SA’s Best Rapper & Nasty C The Country’s Best Hip Hop Artist
The post Ex-Global Crowns A-Reece SA’s Best Rapper & Nasty C The Country’s Best Hip Hop Artist appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Ex-Global Crowns A-Reece SA’s Best Rapper & Nasty C The Country’s Best Hip Hop Artist.
InterviewsThe Road to Manila Runs Through Soweto
The road to Manila runs through Johannesburg as Red Bull Half Court South Africa gets ready to crown its national champions.
EventsThey Were on a “Holiday”, But They’re Back: popartlive Return After 10 Years
Ten years ago, popartlive was created in a small studio at the back of a house in the east of Joburg, in an area locals know as the ‘Vale’.
Industry NewsNasty C Links Up With Nigerian Star Tay Iwar Ahead Of Possible New Music
The post Nasty C Links Up With Nigerian Star Tay Iwar Ahead Of Possible New Music appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Nasty C Links Up With Nigerian Star Tay Iwar Ahead Of Possible New Music.
Industry NewsHLE, Kabza De Small lead SAMA32 with 3 wins each
South African artists HLE and Kabza De Small emerged as the biggest winners at the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32), each taking home three awards at Sun City Arena in the North West on 15 August.
Artist SpotlightKLY Shares Songwriting Insight After Studio Link-Up With Rising Star Carter Najar
The post KLY Shares Songwriting Insight After Studio Link-Up With Rising Star Carter Najar appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. KLY Shares Songwriting Insight After Studio Link-Up With Rising Star Carter Najar.
Industry NewsSizwe Dhlomo Sets The Record Straight After Rashid Kay’s SAMAs Scheduling Take
The post Sizwe Dhlomo Sets The Record Straight After Rashid Kay’s SAMAs Scheduling Take appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Sizwe Dhlomo Sets The Record Straight After Rashid Kay’s SAMAs Scheduling Take.
Industry NewsMainstream is Entering Her Soft-Luxury Era
As a creative in this industry, you’re always going to have to evolve, tap into new markets and find new ways to flex your creativity. Sometimes that means branching out, exploring new spaces and even reinventing how people see you.
New Releases25K’s “Hustlers Prayer” Goes Platinum Five Years On
The post 25K’s “Hustlers Prayer” Goes Platinum Five Years On appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. 25K’s “Hustlers Prayer” Goes Platinum Five Years On.
Artist SpotlightRouge Questions SAMA32’s Decision To Shift Best Hip Hop Album From Main Stage
The post Rouge Questions SAMA32’s Decision To Shift Best Hip Hop Album From Main Stage appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Rouge Questions SAMA32’s Decision To Shift Best Hip Hop Album From Main Stage.
EventsCassper Reflects On SAMA32 Hosting Debut: “It Wasn’t Perfect”
The post Cassper Reflects On SAMA32 Hosting Debut: “It Wasn’t Perfect” appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Cassper Reflects On SAMA32 Hosting Debut: “It Wasn’t Perfect.” Cassper Nyovest may have walked onto the SAMA32 stage with the pressure…
InterviewsA Roadside Story of Love, Risk and Temptation By Green Eyed Angel
“Green Eyed Angel” is a song built around attraction, temptation, and the hard choices people sometimes make when they know something might not last.
EventsSAMA32 Award Winners
What an absolutely breathtaking weekend it was! The 32nd South African Music Awards have officially concluded and our hearts are still pounding to the rhythm of the unforgettable moments we shared.
Industry NewsBoss TLee Celebrates Cassper Nyovest’s High-Stakes SAMA32 Hosting Debut
The post Boss TLee Celebrates Cassper Nyovest’s High-Stakes SAMA32 Hosting Debut appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Boss TLee Celebrates Cassper Nyovest’s High-Stakes SAMA32 Hosting Debut.
EventsCassper Claps Back At Criticism Following Debut SAMA32 Hosting Night
The post Cassper Claps Back At Criticism Following Debut SAMA32 Hosting Night appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Cassper Claps Back At Criticism Following Debut SAMA32 Hosting Night.