Fashioning Modern Africanism

The KZN-born actress shot to fame as Precious in  A Place Called Home,  which earned her a SAFTA as Best Actress in a TV Drama. For more than a decade since, she has given us incredible performances in some of the most celebrated content in Mzansi, including SAFTA-nominated performances as Ntombi in  Intersexions  and Dezi in  Otelo Burning . More recently, she played Sibongile, the villain we loved to hate in  Mzali Wam , and had viewers on the edge of their seats as Mbali Khubeka on  Scandal!  She’s not only a star in front of the camera but is also involved with casting for some of Mzansi’s hit shows and movies. Premiering next Wednesday, 6 September 2023 on Showmax,  Outlaws  co-stars Nolwazi Shange as Nandi, the strong-willed matriarch of the Zulu, cattle-farming Biyela clan, who are at war with the Basotho, cattle-raiding Ts'eoles.  We caught up with the Durban University of Technology alum about her role in  Outlaws  and how she has remained consistent with every role she pl

South African media personality, Somizi Mhlongo, levels up as he expands his empire with SOMPIRE KIDS. In an exciting business move, the Idols SA judge and reality star has announced the official launch of his childrens’ clothing line, SOMPIRE KIDS: Brave Enough To Be Yoself. The brand’s slogan speaks to encouraging positivity and confidence in children while they boldly step up in the most fashion forward version of themselves. SOMPIRE KIDS: Brave Enough To Be Yoself, started off as a passion project for Somizi, but has now evolved into something much bigger. Identifying a gap in the market for childrens’ clothing, the media personality decided to create a line that combines fashion, comfort, style and sustainability. The brand produces high-end, trendy, and comfortable clothing ranging from onesies to dresses, t-shirts, two-piece sets and outerwear for children aged 2 – 12 years of age, striking a balance between fashion-forward designs and practicality, allowing children to move fre

The second phase of the HEY NEIGHBOUR festival lineup is a fusion of local awesomeness with a dash of international flavor. Why, you ask? 'Cause local is lekker and global is groovy.              We're talking about joining the ranks of H.E.R., Khalid, Swedish House Mafia, The Chainsmokers, and Kendrick Lamar. Our lineup is like a global potluck of musical genius, representing neighbourhoods from across the world. Hold onto your hats, 'cause here’s the scoop! First up, the Amapiano juggernaut, the royalty of the genre, UNCLE WAFFLES, straight outta Swaziland. But hey, Piano fanatics, we're not stopping there. Get ready to vibe with the Yanos legends: DBN GOGO, the electrifying SCORPION KINGS, the maestro MUSA KEYS, and the firestarter FOCALISTIC. Wait, there’s more! Get ready to jump with excitement as we welcome the iconic JACK PAROW and the rock sensation FRANCOIS VAN COKE. You know them, you love them – the crowd pleasers, MI CASA, GOODLUCK, and SHIMZA are in the hou

This week marks the last trading weekend of Brutal Fruit Spritzer SheBeen, the first pilot women-only venue in Soweto. As the countdown nears to the last day of the establishment, which is set to close on the last day of women’s month, 31 August, the venue has lined up fun activities to keep the revellers entertained. The name of the venue, SheBeen, is a play on words where the prefix SHE, refers to the woman patrons who have exclusive access to the venue, and the suffix BEEN, denotes a place where she is inspired, celebrated and truly belongs. Since its launch, Brutal Fruit Spritzer SheBeen has set tongues wagging across the country due to its novelty. The space was created by the proudly  woman–centric brand, Brutal Fruit Spritzer for SHE to BE free, comfortable, inspired and her authentic self. Thereby affording women the opportunity to come and celebrate one another for the entire month of August through good music, and a tailor-made menu, in a space where they can feel special.  

Returning to South Africa for the second consecutive year, Culture Management Group (CMG), the organizers of AFROFUTURE, today unveiled the full programme and musical lineup for their highly anticipated tour taking place in the entertainment capital of the country next month. Having launched the “Road to AfroFuture”, an event series that spanned across the continent as a build up to ‘Detty December’ in Ghana in 2022, the pop up roadshow is officially back with an electric roster of events and full festival tour set to start September 2023.  WIth a strong focus on music education and empowering emerging talent, AfroFuture in partnership with BlackBrick will kick off with the AFROFUTURE TALKS on Thursday, 28th September . This will feature engaging interactive sessions with South African industry thought leaders, exploring the roots and influences of Afrobeats, Amapiano and more. These sessions will also dissect the impact of music on the African identity and heritage, and the pivotal ro

The Gents had a tough act to follow after the ladies last week, but were up to the task The second live show of  Idols SA  season 19 saw the men of the top 12 throw their hats in the ring for a place in the final-ever top 10. Just like their female counterparts did last week, the guys collaborated with former  Idols SA  winners and finalists for stunning duets. Five guys and five girls will make up the top 10 being announced next week, chosen entirely by viewers’ votes. First to take the Mosaïek Teatro stage was Thando, who teamed up with season 11 winner Karabo to sing his track  Khakhati . His solo showing was Kaylow’s  Noma . JR Bogopa and Somizi Mhlongo commented that it was a “good way to start the show”, with the latter saying: “You are one of the best vocalists in this competition.” Next up was Faith, whose duet with season 14 winner Yanga was Hillsong’s  So Will I . His solo song was Bhudaza’s  Tjontjobina , earning praise from all judges. Thembi declared: “Take me to church ri

Castle Lite is no stranger to making memories for it’s fans. Over the span of its  time as SA’s most loved premium beer brand, Castle Lite has become synonymous with  unlocking iconic musical moments that live long in our memories. In keeping with this  rich tradition, Castle Lite is set to create many more memorable musical moments for SouthAfricans this summer. In the first of its Summer 2023 experiences, the brand has announced that it has teamed  up with the Grammy Award-winning musical maestro Black Coffee to host an official send-off party ahead of his historic Madison Square Garden headline show. Given that many of us may not be able to be there in person, as the world-renowned  dance music star embarks on his quest to light up New York on October 7, Castle Lite  has found a solution through which we can celebrate with Black Coffee right here in  Mzansi.  With these two brands at the intersection of South African excellence connecting over  mutual history-in-the-making, Castle L

New Skate Silhouette is Built From  The  Ground Up, Designed for Life On and Off the Board Alexis Sablone  is already unlike any other skater in the park or creative in the studio. A true multi-hyphenate, Alexis is a professional skateboarder, Olymp ian, architect, sculptor, painter, producer, and among other signifiers, an endlessly curious creator. Now, she adds co-creating a signature shoe to her well-earned list of accomplishments, the  Converse AS-1 Pro . Over the last year, Alexis has worked with Converse to concept a new creation in a way that few other athletes can.  Seamlessly bridging the worlds of skate and design for years, Alexis holds a unique perspective. Not only is she one of the most highly regarded skaters in the sport - with unmatched, raw power on the board - she also understands the mechanics of design. This combined knowledge was central in conceptualizing a new sneaker that optimizes feel, ride, and responsiveness. After obsessing the details alongside the Conve

The highly anticipated docu-series stars Nobantu Vilakazi, Josiah De Disciple, Njelic, Sandy MRD, and Mawhoo   This September, during the celebration of our diverse cultural heritage, 1Magic spotlights the mesmerising world of Amapiano in  Impilo Ye Piano . Join stars Nobantu Vilakazi, Josiah De Disciple, Njelic, Sandy MRD, and Mawhoo as they seamlessly blend their beats with the nation's rich roots.   1Magic's latest offering,  Impilo Ye Piano , transcends mere entertainment, shining a light on five talents that amplify the genre. The genre taking the world by storm reflects South Africa's tales, tribulations, and triumphs. The docu-series dives into these stories, where today's unsung heroes become tomorrow's legends, and witness how the rhythm of heritage transforms.   Nobantu Vilakazi:  From Meadowlands, Soweto, Nobantu's raw energy encapsulates the Amapiano essence. Stepping into stardom with  Khurukhutsu , her voice weaves melodies across the continent. Bu

Y,  the country's biggest commercial youth radio station   brings you the most anticipated event of the season  LYFE   as we officially kick off summer. Get ready to dive headfirst into the new season and celebrate the best Summer of your LYFE! With an electrifying lineup featuring 40 of the hottest acts in the country right now, LYFE is gearing up to deliver an unforgettable celebration of everything that makes music, fashion and culture sizzle. Imagine vibing to the sounds of Tyler ICU, Daliwonga, Kelvin Momo, KO, Mawhoo, Blackie, Shane Eagle, Justin 99, Nadia Nakai all on one day at my destination. This lineup is stacked with talents that are about to make your summer the most epic one yet, the Y way! LYFE continues to cement Y as the leader in lifestyle radio and content in South Africa is set to take place on Saturday, 30th September at Con Hill in the heart of Braamfontein.   Y the undisputed champion of all things youth is turning up the heat and raising the bar with a well

Celebrating Culinary Diversity and Cultural Vibrancy          AROMAT, the beloved flavour enhancer, is proud to announce its official sponsorship of the 6th Annual Soweto Kota Festival, set to take place on the 2nd and 3rd September 2023 at the iconic Soweto Cricket Oval in Rockville Soweto.  This year's festival marks a momentous milestone in its journey of celebrating culinary diversity and cultural vibrancy since its inception 6 years ago. As an iconic South African household brand, Aromat will shake up the festival with an immersive and engaging brand experience that promises to tantalize taste buds and ignite the senses. Being integral to local food culture, the Soweto Kota Festival is enjoyed by Mzansi flavour seekers and Aromat promises to continue to captivate the heart of South African’s and the food they love through a Flavourful Brand Experience at the event, at 'The Aromat Head Kotas.' This experiential setting offers festival-goers an extraordinary fusion of fl

Taking place live on 21 October 2023 at the BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda, the Trace Awards & Festival is presented by Visit Rwanda and Martell. Trace Awards in Africa, a live event & global TV spectacular that celebrates the creativity, talent and influence of African and Afro-inspired music and artists Comments Olivier Laouchez, Chairman & Co-Founder, Trace,   “African and African diaspora artists are extraordinarily creative and dynamic. They represent a massive cultural force and deserve more global recognition and celebration. The Trace Awards’ nominations salute achievement and excellence from more than 150 performers, producers, DJs, writers, composers, directors, established artists and rising stars, and their management and labels. We congratulate all the nominees, most of whom will attend and perform in Kigali on 21 October. It will be an unmissable experience for lovers of African and Afro-inspired music.” From North to South, from East to West, the entire African con