Author: Nonjabulo Malinga

2022 was a divisive year for South African hip-hop. Faith in the culture dwindled despite the subtle rise of talented ensemble acts. Nevertheless, experienced hip-hop acts like K.O. drop high-quality music when morale is at its lowest, and ‘SETE’ is no different.  Since going platinum in just 16 days, the ‘SETE’ music video garnered 30 million views on YouTube and counting. Blxckie and Young Stunna gave the single the steam it needed. However, director Ted Magerman’s vision solidified it as 2022’s cultural anthem. We spoke to the visionary and director extraordinaire about his life, connection to K.O., and hopes for…

A Sunday in the pre-Gen Z era consisted of laid-back soul and R&B music for the mind, body, and spirit. In truth, it is a religious and secular Sabbath for leisure and reflection, accompanied by music to tranquillize and pacify. Today, lovers of sweet music and good times take over Sundays, a movement in which Saison Sundays finds its fulfilment. On Sunday, April 16, Saison Sundays’ Birthday Episode celebrates one year of community and collaboration supporting the growing alternative R&B/Soul genre.  Saison Sundays was born from the growth of talented self-expression through alternative R&B. It began as a backyard gathering…

2022 #HuntersXJacquelCultureHouse (Durban Edition) winner Lungelo Manzi expresses his hope for better in his touching single ‘Balance.’ He features songstress Lisa Mbali’s angelic adlibs, which give the song a soothing feel. Manzi summarizes our chaotic introduction to adulting as the frantic search for peace, calm, and balance. Whether to your current self or higher self, ‘Balance’ is a reminder to stay steady at the edge of glory. Lungelo Manzi is a diverse Durban-born singer-songwriter, rapper, and composer based in Johannesburg. His musical personality is a delicate mixture of strong American hip-hop acts like JID and Mick Jenkins. Above all, candid…

Rising star Loatinover Pounds releases the much-anticipated visuals to his smash hit ‘Sosh Plata (Remix).’ Released in late 2022, the track is in hot rotation in playlists and on mixing decks. Critics and advocates believe that ‘Sosh Plata’ is single-handedly keeping South African hip-hop alive. Even though the remix is only six months old, it is already gaining significant mainstream traction. At the moment, ‘Sosh Plata (Remix)’ has over 940 000 streams on Spotify. It is an impressive milestone for the Pretoria-raised rapper who believes in hometown pride. Loatinover told Hype Magazine about how critical the contributions of Pretoria-natives 25K…

Rapper Tyler Linkman opens his year with a groovy summertime funk single called “Nowhere.” The Universal Music signee, managed by Johannesburg-based [STAY LOW], wants his new single to represent his artistic evolution. Linkman’s birth year and Earth, Wind, and Fire’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are no coincidence. Moreover, the new single ages like an ode to the band’s celebrated influence on 80’s disco and funk. The Johannesburg-born and raised hip-hop artist inked a deal with Universal Music Group shortly after the career-defining release of his Playing For Keeps EP. Since then, Linkman has released the…

As the world drowns and revives itself from chaos, it can seem like there is no time to relax. Time is wasted worrying instead of partying, which runs out the clock on the non-refundable times of your youth. Consequently, calm and peace become more of an ultimate goal, which Sirvik addresses in his new single from his upcoming EP, ‘Me Alone’. Nigerian-South African collaboration continues to take the world by storm, and fast-rising singer/songwriter Sirvik is joining the movement. Victor Akpevwhe Ohwo, popularly known as Sirvik, kicks his year off with Afro-pop single ‘Vibes’. Produced by South African producer HERSH,…

Creative control is the ultimate incentive for individuals who want to live and work independently. Being your own boss who works on your own time is the 21st-century definition of freedom, and many freelancers crave the opportunity that this freedom brings. However, financial control is one of the most stubborn challenges freelancers face in their pursuit of creative freedom. Getting paid on time is a human right that too many brands or clients avoid without consequence. Luckily, there is an inspiring tech solution with the potential to put some respect back into the freelancing game. As we reflect on the…

“The Best Kept Secret,” known as “TBKS Podcast,” returns for a new season with renewed possibilities for the South African music industry. Hosts Seezy Ray, Mpilo Might Just, and Prince Dwayze return to trade punchlines and take sides in favour of emerging South African musical acts. The first episode of the season sets the tone for a season filled with inconvenient truths and challenging views. ‘The New Season Comeback Episode’ is available now on all podcast platforms. TBKS Podcast is a music-centric podcast focusing on in-depth album reviews and analysis of homegrown musical talent. Creator and host Seezy Ray started…

We’ll Figure It Out is the debut album offered by musician and Matatiele’s finest Dox The Maverick. While searching for his fertile ground, Dox featured on the projects of his creative partners, Hurricane Dan Fischer, and Halo Yagami. We’ll Figure It Out is our introduction to him as an individual who honours the diversity of artistry. Moreover, his commitment to divergence is what makes the album notable. Its novelty is a potent contributor to the boundaries it is pushing.  Identity labels in music have been caging artistic expression since their inception. Music genres are given familiar names and friendly faces…

Live performance is the first love for most musical artists. The collaboration with the audience and the moment’s spontaneity are mind-blowing to experience. The closure of the Leano Restaurant and Live Music, one of Johannesburg’s most popular live entertainment venues, is heartbreaking. As a result, a generation of new acts might miss an opportunity to spark the electric flame between them and their audience. It is feeling many performers love for its intimacy and realness. However, if you are an artist and live performance is your mission, You Are My Sunday is your gift for the taking. You Are My Sunday,…