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 that the world needs to know about. The artists travelled to great lengths to plant their roots in the South African music landscape. However, in reality, their music is reaching every corner of the globe and building an engaged worldwide audience. One of those artists is Bongeziwe Mabandla, who dropped his critically acclaimed album, amaXesha, earlier this month.
Bongeziwe Mabandla recently appeared on A COLORS SHOW and graced the latest issue of NATAAL magazine. Furthermore, he has two upcoming sold-out shows in London and an international tour kicking off at the legendary The 100 Club. Meanwhile, Simphiwe Dana makes a return to music with a highly-anticipated upcoming live album after her 2020 release, Bamako. Finally, House DJ Da Capo is ready to use his legendary 10-year run to reclaim his position among the best DJs and producers in the world.
Ayra Starr is a force in the music industry who has solidified her global icon status. The global success of ‘Bloody Samaritan,’ with remixes by Sun-El Musician and a feature from Kelly Rowland, is astounding. In fact, with the explosive international success of ‘Rush,’ her Billboard Top 100 placement is the Nigerian star’s moment in the limelight. The 20-year-old Benin-born singer is also one of the Billboard 21 Under 21 for 2023 and continues to carve her name among other African music greats.
With an accompanying playlist available for streaming, this year’s Music Issue takes a deep dive into Africa’s rising music stars. Despite the transcendent growth of these unique artists, their deep artistic roots inspire an evolving entertainment space.
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