Author: Nonjabulo Malinga

Eswatini-based hip-hop artist Grixxly (pronounced Griz-lee) has teamed up with South African lyricist Pdot O for his first single of the year, ‘Where I’m From.’ This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Grixxly’s career ahead of the release of his highly anticipated sophomore project. Evidently, the track reflects on their roots and formative experiences, capturing the essence of life in both Eswatini and South Africa. Unquestionably, ‘Where I’m From’ takes listeners on an evocative journey through their neighborhoods. Somber jazz piano keys and occasional saxophone melodies create a soulful, haunting backdrop. In addition, Grixxly and Pdot O’s verses tell stories…

Warner Music Africa Francophone (WM AFR) celebrates the first songwriting camp of its kind. Warner Music Camp Babi brought over 20 artists, producers and songwriters from all around the continent to launch of the new venture. The three-day event saw Black K, Herc Cut The Lights, Hyce, Kold AF, Kouz1, Paulo Chakal, and Yumbs come together to create new tracks and beats at Abidjan’s Villa Tahiba. Importantly, the camp also saw invited talents such as Akim, Ayanne, Beeztrap, Dorty, G6$, and Baggins to help connect artists from Côte d’Ivoire and the Francophone region with the rest of Africa. The songwriting…

Musician and producer Fiji Mageba looks back and laments in his latest release, Take Caution. It is the fifth release after his album ‘My View’ in 2023. Despite the lo-fi, chill pop signature he adds to the music he produces, Fiji’s jazz influences are indisputable. “Jazz opens up our minds,” he said on Instagram, the social media platform where he’s most active. Fiji Mageba’s melodies are meditative, minimalistic yet monumentally emotional. His music is ambient and adult, compatible with people who actively fill their space with music. If you are unfamiliar with Fiji Mageba, Take Caution is a strong introduction…

In 2014, South African producer Gaba Cannal started his journey of being a keystone of soul-infused amapiano and house music. Known for his majestic blend of emotive melodies with deep grooves, Gaba Cannal is carving the sound that’s strengthening amapiano globally. Additionally, his journey is one of artistry, dedication, and an undying commitment to evolution. With a catalog boasting 15 projects since 2020 alone, his productive output is a testament to his creative passion. Now, with the release of his album Baw’Yena in November 2024, Gaba Cannal solidifies his legacy as a visionary with plans to redefine the possibilities of…

Dynamic recording artist Money Badoo speaks her mind and sets boundaries in her brand new single, “Don’t Call Me.” The track, featuring The Woodz & gTbeats, marks a significant moment in Badoo’s career as she ventures into Afropop. Additionally, Badoo’s head-turning creative direction has mainstream potential, and the blending of her vibrant style merges well with the genre’s infectiousness. Also, the single was released under Paradise Sound System, a record label with South African roots and global reach. Importantly, their rich catalog of hit songs from hitmakers places Badoo in a position to go to the next level. An Afropop…

In partnership with Universal Music Group – Strictly Soul, Africa’s premier R&B event, it is set to give soulful music enthusiasts an unforgettable experience with an exclusive album launch party for Muni Long’s highly anticipated new release. This much-awaited event will take place on September 5th, 2024, at La Parada, Rosebank. On August 30th, 2024, Muni Long dropped her latest album, Revenge. Known for her distinctive fusion of Old School R&B, Neo Soul, Trap Soul, and contemporary influences, Muni Long’s new album is expected to be a powerful addition to her already acclaimed career. The launch party promises to be…

SA-based Zimbabwean alt-RnB artist Tom Saison pours out his heart in his latest EP, “For Those That Failed At Love.” In this vulnerable release, Saison delves deep into themes of heartbreak, longing, and personal growth across the EP’s four tracks. Tom Saison epitomizes an eclectic fusion of genres such as Hip Hop, R&B, Jazz, Alternative, and Soul. In truth, his exploratory spirit is one of the EP’s main takeaways. His admission of failure is also an admission of the courage to try. ‘For Those That Failed At Love’ is Saison’s challenge to us to try and test, to listen and…

Africa’s biggest R&B link-up, Strictly Soul, is taking a break after an incredible season. With fans and residencies across the continent, this event has the potential for global impact. Strictly Soul, led by deejay and founder Akio, packs its events with R&B favourites for R&B lovers. After a special winter edition called Chinchilla Social, Strictly Soul returns in September for another season of rhythmic and bluesy nights. Strictly Soul founder Akio Kawahito is embarking on a summer tour that will see him circling many corners of the world. As a lover and martyr of R&B, his vision for the genre…

In May, Durban-born hip-hop artist ByLwansta launched his highly anticipated album, ‘The Chip Is StALE,’ at Opel Sandton. He played a live set of his album in front of friends, collaborators, and media on the showroom floor. After consistently romanticizing the relationship with his 2005 Opel Corsa Lite, Opel formed a special partnership with him. ‘The Chip Is StALE’ is euphonic and charismatic, a nature that ByLwansta personifies without effort. Furthermore, the album sounds like ByLwansta is settling into his season of genuineness as an artist. Above all, the album feels like the key to the heart of hip-hop and…

Music and lifestyle event series In The City introduced international headliners Mereba and Jordan Ward to their South African audience this May. During the Cape Town leg, the crowd brought a welcoming energy that set the tone for the weekend’s passionate performances. The Interscope label mates performed in front of a sold-out Johannesburg crowd, packing Constitutional Hill from wall to wall. Curated by Steyn Entertainment, In The City is the perfect intersection of self-expression and inclusivity for acts that feel “slept on.” Therefore, lovers of contemporary sounds find their place in the space that In The City creates annually. In…