music and culturelatest news & developments
BongoVibes’ “Skeur Hom” has sparked a viral dance trend on TikTok, with the Afrikaans Gqom track getting Mzansi moving.
Video

'Skeur Hom': The anatomy of a viral dance phenomenon and its cultural roots

"Skeur Hom" has become a viral TikTok dance, bringing South Africans together through music, movement and a distinctly local sense of culture and community.

Liyabona Sigwabe, known as Sigwabs, brings his house sound to Audiomack’s “After Five”.

Audiomack’s 'After Five' brings a Friday reset to Cape Town

Audiomack is taking its music discovery experience beyond the app with “After Five”, a new Friday night event in Cape Town.

Pam Andrews, who was the youngest member of 101, has opened up about why she left the group at the height of its fame.
Video

Pam Andrews revisits the fame that became too much after 101’s ‘Popstars’ win

The success of 101 looked like a teenage dream, but for Pam Andrews the pressure of fame became too much.

Jill Scott, who has been named the inaugural honouree of Billboard’s R&B Hall of Fame ahead of her November shows in South Africa.
Video

Jill Scott brings new album and her new Billboard award status to SA

Jill Scott will perform in Pretoria and Cape Town in November as she tours behind her first studio album in more than a decade and celebrates a new Billboard career honour.

Booshle G., born Buhle Gayika, took his stage name from a nickname his home church community gave him.

Booshle G. is taking his 'life giving' music global

The name Booshle G. has a story rooted in identity, belonging and an unexpected turn of events.

Adanna Duru, the creative force behind 'The Naijamerican Dream'.
Video

Culture Corner: Adanna Duru hangs her 'flop era' out to dry

Twelve tracks, four genres, and one very loud clothesline. Adanna Duru’s debut has a lot to say about who she is.

The event is Hosted by The Heartsong Collective.

Cape Town calls for 1,400 voices to sing together and 'unite the world'

The Heartsong Collective and Uthando South Africa will bring together community, school and church choirs, professional musicians and members of the public.

International rock star Jack White is set to bring his electrifying live show to South Africa this December.

Rock legend Jack White to perform in rock-loving SA

Jack White is bringing his celebrated live show to South Africa this December, with confirmed dates in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Fans sing along to "Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika" ahead of the Springboks’ third Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on Saturday
Video

How the Springboks 'sounds the call to come together'

The Springboks’ 29–24 victory over New Zealand mattered, but it was the stadium-wide singing of “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” that captured the power of South African ‘gees’.

Lizzo is a four-time GRAMMY® Award–winning artist

Lizzo’s legal battles and stalled comeback explained

Lizzo went from Grammy-winning pop superstar to the centre of multiple workplace lawsuits. Three years later, her latest album has struggled commercially, while a recent court…

Judith Sephuma reflects on her song 'Iya Iyo' reimagined by amapiano producers.

Reimagining a Judith Sephuma classic: Inside the 'Iya Iyo' remix project

Twenty-five years after her debut, Judith Sephuma reflects on the lasting impact of 'A Cry, A Smile, A Dance', staying authentic and seeing a younger generation reinterpret her…

Singer Zolani Mahola was due to perform at The Mission for Inner City Cape Town’s postponed anniversary celebration.

Cape Town Inner City anniversary celebration postponed over storm forecast

The Mission for Inner City Cape Town has postponed its anniversary gathering and free Zolani Mahola concert because of forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds.

Umzulu Phaqa, who recently released her eight-track album 'Volume 1'.
Video

Umzulu Phaqa on redefining 'Zulu Pop' and creative freedom in 'Volume 1'

Umzulu Phaqa opens up about 'Volume 1', her approach to Zulu pop, genre freedom and why staying rooted in isiZulu is central to the music she wants to make.

The South African Music Awards have spent 31 years documenting and celebrating the country’s changing music landscape.

SAMAs have survived 31 years because the music they recognise has never been limited

A look at why the South African Music Awards continue to hold a place in the country’s music industry 31 years after their launch.

Her speech while accepting the International Achievement Award really highlighted how Tyla has had to chart a path to success for herself without having pre-determined checkpoints.
Video

Culture Corner: What Tyla's albums reveal about her artistry and who she is

Join our Culture Editor, Theolin Tembo, as he explores the profound connections between Tyla's debut album 'TYLA' and her sophomore release 'A*POP', revealing insights into her…

Eva Marie turns a real dating experience into the playful, confident single “Keep My Name Out Your Mouth”.
Video

Eva Marie gives the breakup song a confident new ending with her fresh release

"In her new single 'Keep My Name Out Your Mouth,' Eva Marie challenges the traditional breakup narrative.

Nanette, whose latest work explores the evolving sound and global possibilities of South African R&B.
Video

Nanette's journey through grief and envisioning the future of South African R&B

Singer Nanette reflects on the evolution of African R&B, the cross-border creativity behind her Painfully Happy (Deluxe) project and her ambitions to take South African soul to a…

Tyga’s “$TARFACE”, an 1980s-inspired album made with the use of artificial intelligence alongside the rapper’s own vocals and lyrics.
Video

Is Tyga's '$TARFACE' a sign of AI's future in music creation?

Tyga’s use of AI on “$TARFACE” is part of a much bigger shift in music, where artificial intelligence is being used to create sounds, imitate artists and generate songs at…

Akon reveals he was paid $3m for private concert with just three guests.

Akon's R48m private concert: His three-person audience and the luxury of exclusivity

Akon shares his bizarre experience of performing a private concert for just three family members, revealing the unique dynamics of exclusive performances.

Teeks is finally making his South African debut, bringing not only the songs fans have waited years to hear live, but also the stories behind them.

Teeks on finally touring South Africa: 'It’s been a long time coming'

New Zealand singer Teeks reflects on his long-awaited debut tour in South Africa, sharing his musical inspirations and the deep connection he feels with fans who have supported…