Author: Nonjabulo Malinga

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…

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,…