Author: Nonjabulo Malinga

Alternative R&B and Afro-Pop fusion sounds are sneaking into our playlists one stream at a time. If you aren’t shaking your hips, with a drink in your hand, and contemplating if you should text your ex, LIINDOR’S EP IS’QALO: THE BEGINNING will give you the boost you need.  KZN-born Lindokuhle Dlomo, known as LIINDOR, is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter. Along with his talent, his EP adds to what some deem the golden age of South African Alternative R&B. Led by garden-fresh artists like Marcus Harvey and SiBi, the new wave of R&B is vying for your attention. Nevertheless, the oceans of…

The blurred line between lawfulness and lawlessness takes centre stage in the action-packed South African film, iNumber Number: Jozi Gold. Chili Ncgobo, played by the incomparable Sdumo Mtshali, leads a star-studded cast through the bridges and railways of Johannesburg. He and his right-hand, played by Presley Chweneyagae, are searching for the elusive Hyena Man, played by Bongile Mantsai. Jozi Gold premieres 10 years after the film’s debut on Showmax. It joins an impressive list of South African action movies and series found only on Netflix. An exclusive screening, held the night before the film’s premiere, brought together South Africa’s most…

Every decade, you will encounter a saint who selflessly dedicates their life to serving others. The saint in question exchanges a cassock for Converse Chuck Taylors and embarks on their mission through music. His zucchetto will be blonde braids, and his scripture is easily identifiable since it is in ALL CAPS. Our cultural story is empty without the sacrifices of martyrs like him. South African hip-hop is blessed to gain from the devoutness of hip-hop artist NOTBENJAMIN. In 2022, NOTBENJAMIN founded the culture-shifting $TREETFE$T, a South African hip-hop event hosted in the heart of Johannesburg. Unquestionably, $TREETFE$T became a homestead…

Johannesburg, the capital of the Gauteng province, is South Africa’s most populous inland city because of the 19th-century gold rush. However, when you take the M1 North highway into the city, you are immediately welcomed by murals of the country’s biggest cultural legends. Urban sprawl tries to threaten the city’s history with its abandoned buildings and lack of service delivery. However, creative superheroes like muralists and illustrators remind us to look at their colourful creations. Indeed, this helps us look forward to a creative gold rush reviving the city.  With great illustrating power comes great social and cultural responsibility to…

The GQ South Africa 2023 June/July Special Edition Music Issue features musicians signed under the global artist services label, Platoon. Each international artist is a rising star in their own right. The all-star magazine issue features two covers. The first stars the iconic Simphiwe Dana alongside South African global superstar Bongeziwe Mabandla. Legendary DJ and producer Da Capo joins his musical counterparts as a trailblazing mix master. The second cover features Ayra Starr, whose career has exploded into international superstardom in under a year. The magazine’s music issue highlights artists who represent a genuine South African soul, sincerity, and rhythm…

The last time you heard someone say, “Drum roll, please,” goosebumps spread all over your body in eager anticipation. Previously, in the 1800s, the British army used the drum roll to signal an impending attack and assemble the troops. Currently, in a post-war context, a drum roll assembles a sea of music lovers to experience the stress-reducing effects of live music. Background singers, guitarists, and drummers place audiences in a trance with how they provoke their instruments. Therefore, as a lover and supporter of that hypnotic experience, it is important to give credit where it is due. With this in…

Despite the brown shade of autumn leaves and earlier, chilly sunsets, the changing seasons bear greener pastures for Durban, KwaZulu-Natal-born multidisciplinary artist OB Magik. Flourishing in his coming-of-age era, the palatable talent has his tunnel vision set on claiming his stake in the music industry with the release of his highly anticipated single titled “Shelela,” taken from his upcoming project, “Transparency.” Co-produced by OB Magik & Paular Dlamini ‘’Shelela’’ captures the celebratory form of Afro Beats sensibilities where a refreshingly honest Magik enunciates a delicate balance of bravado and humility, narrating his current phase of his come-up with Joe Frazer…

Instant gratification and access provided by social media make us indifferent to romantic acts like “risking it all.” After the capture of a moment between Rihanna and Carmelo Anthony in 2018, risking it all took on a life of its own. Almost five years later, hopeful and hopeless romantics still tiptoe around the risk of giving up everything for love. Soulful alternative artist Lordkez’s new single, ‘Holy Matrimony,’ tells a story about the reward of risking it all. The track is full of heart and vouches for the beauty of pain and patience on the road to healing.  Originally from…

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…