Author: Ofentse Phukubye

Africa House brought its global event series to Johannesburg with an intimate surprise “Off the Record” session at Artistry, setting the stage for a new wave of cultural connection and collaboration. The evening was anchored by Grammy Award-winning artist Wyclef Jean alongside Kujenga, who set the tone for an unforgettable night of music and storytelling. Guests were treated to impromptu performances from some of South Africa’s brightest rising stars, including Nanette, Langa Mavuso, Lia Butler, Xowie, Phila Dlozi, Biko’s Manna, and Stacy. “This night was the greatest! I am blessed beyond measure to witness this level of pure talent. This…

2025 has been an amazing year for Hip-Hop lovers, as we were well-fed with a range of quality works from some of our faves as they understood the importance of a strong storyline encompassed by a great production. It isn’t every day that one fully opens up to their fans as they take them on a journey of life through their own lens. Well, A-Reece did that with his ‘Business As Usual’ EP as he welcomed us into his world with great lyricism & great production. The EP is first opened up with an easy listen intro titled ‘Sundae’s Intro’,…

Following the release of her two lead singles ‘Animal’ and ‘Apply Pressure’, Chante sets the tone for Pop music with the release of her debut album ‘Rarity’, which encapsulates a listening experience of 12 tracks. ‘Rarity’ is an infusion of Pop, R&B, and Alternative, which is fully reflective in the opening of the album till the end. Chante first started working on the album late last year with the collaboration of various songwriters & producers from across the world. The project was created with the aim of experimenting into a new sonic emergence for her brand on a more international…

Over the past 52 years of Hip-Hop, mixtapes & albums have always played a crucial role in the storytelling of an artist’s life journey as they would determine the next steps to their career. Since the shift to digital, artists have been able to understand their market further and take full control of their marketing roll-out phases to their projects, all thanks to data and region. This has helped a lot of artists across the world, especially when releasing a debut album or a sophomore album. In today’s piece, we will be diving deep into the world of Khayaletsha’s very…

Bringing in a fresh fusion to the Hip-Hop space is SBlack Entertainment as they unite with Zakwe, Umntuyenziwe, thedopekid, H.B & TwostepZN in their latest single “Ngiyak’thathata,” which serves as a marital anthem for all the lovers across the country, embracing love in a new uniformed sound. The song opens up with a smooth and calm tone as the chorus is led by sounds from the Zulu tradition which is then complimented by a well written and fully expressive verse touching on the importance of love and the importance of compromise in a relationship as they reflect on the impact…

South African rapper and songwriter, Nomfundo Yekani, is back with a brand new single, “Onjengami” which showcases a brand new side to her sound choice. This single follows the closing chapter of her debut mixtape series “Half-Klutch” in 2024, which is rich in raps alongside an ear-grabbing storyline. The queen now returns with her first single titled “Onjengami” which is an introduction to Nomfundo’s sonic growth and progression from the hard-core rap beats to something more melodic and relaxed. The single is opened up by a soothing chorus, which is led by Nomfundo’s voice. She then follows to extend the…

Picture an early-morning first sip to your coffee with the sun busking in your face as you begin the planning phase to your day. Now, like any other day, one will stumble upon challenging times; it is how one reacts that determines the mood of the day throughout. ‘Cold Chinese Food’ understood that as their latest single “Ethiopian Coffee” with Sam Turpin, The Charles Géne Suite, Muhammad Dawjee & Rāms, beams off a light of positivity and self-value through the usage of easy-listening lyrics and meaningful messages behind them. I first heard the song in the early phases of the…

Following the release of their first single of the year “Amalanga” with Royce 77, Nanette & Rivalz is independent label group “Piano City” as they return with their second single of the year titled “Impilo Emnandi” with uprising star, Naledi Aphiwe, Nkosazana Daughter, Royce 77 & Major League DJz. “Impilo Emnandi” starts off over a well-layered instrumental led by an upbeat tempo, which is then complemented by calm and easing keys alongside Naledi’s soothing vocals. The single touches more on a message of hope and triumph as the chorus expresses a more progressing and optimistic journey through Naledi’s play of…

Hey Neighbour: Season 2 is on the way, and South Africa has been holding its breath in anticipation, waiting to hear which artists will grace the local stage. Today, Phase 1 has officially launched, with their first headliner being announced! The incredible Doja Cat will officially be making her way to Legends Adventure Farm this August. Renowned for her genre-defying sound, chart-topping hits, and captivating stage presence, Doja Cat has taken the music world by storm with smash hits like Say So, Kiss Me More, Paint the Town Red, and Woman. Her dynamic performances and boundary-pushing artistry have solidified her…

2024 was an eye opening year for many artists as they began establishing their core fan-base community which was initially led by the amazing craft that they put out into the world. Amongst these great acts that we got to discover and support is uprising R&B singer and songwriter, Nanette who has managed to work with many great acts from various genres such as Kelvin Momo representing Amapiano and Nasty C representing Hip-Hop. Her EP “The Waiting Room” truly set standards for the fellow artist as she kept on rising and receiving well deserved recognition within the industry to an…