The explore desk
what’s moving in african music
editorial, producer tips, and partner coverage from across the continent — refreshed throughout the day.
InterviewsLizzo’s Bitch Era Is Here — And She’s Fully In Her Power
Lizzo, the same powerhouse who gave the world the unforgettable “I’m 100% that bitch” anthem on her Diamond-selling smash “Truth Hurts,” is once again proving why she remains one of pop culture’s most unapologetic voices.
InterviewsNew Balance 9060: The Sneaker That Blends Comfort and Style
The New Balance 9060 has quickly become one of the brand’s most popular sneakers. Combining retro running-shoe inspiration with a futuristic design, the 9060 stands out as a bold lifestyle sneaker that appeals to both sneaker enthusiasts…
InterviewsK.O Continues His Legendary Run with “Hotela” Featuring Danya Devs & Scotts Maphuma
South African music is about to witness one of the most unexpected yet exciting collaborations of the year as K.O, Danya Devs, and Scotts Maphuma officially join forces for their brand-new single, “Hotela,” dropping this Friday.
InterviewsNE-YO Announces South Africa as Part of International Tour
Three-time Grammy award-winning hitmaker, NE-YO, makes his much-anticipated return to South Africa in October. NE-YO will perform live at Grand Arena, Grand West in Cape Town on Saturday, October 17th, and at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on…
Interviews12 Indie Rock Songs You Should Hear Right Now
Today’s rock music comes in different styles, each with its own scene and set of fans. Yet, despite these genre boundaries, rhythm and melody have a way of bringing listeners together.
InterviewsThe Business of Hip-Hop: How Papama Is Using Fashion to Tell Stories
Hip-hop has always been bigger than music. Beyond the bars, mixtapes, and cyphers, the culture has continuously created space for creatives in fashion, branding, media, marketing, and business.
InterviewsKINTO South Africa Announces Winner of ‘Legacy Meets Future’ Graffiti Competition
KINTO South Africa has officially announced the winner of its inaugural ‘Legacy Meets Future’ graffiti competition, crowning Mpho Madi as the visionary artist selected to bring their winning mural to life at KINTO South Africa’s…
InterviewsRed Bull Box Cart Race Returns to Sandton in 2026
The Red Bull Box Cart Race is officially returning to Sandton Drive on Sunday, 20 September 2026, bringing back one of South Africa’s most entertaining and creative events.
InterviewsStrange Plants release new single, “Ground Falls Away”
“Ground Falls Away” is one of the two new singles from Canadian band Strange Plants. Built around soft electric piano melodies, pulsating percussion and warm, atmospheric synths, the indie rock song is quite poppy.
InterviewsIntroducing Kairoboy: listen to “Rangi” and “Prada”
Up-and-coming Kenyan singer Kairoboy is going the extra mile this year. He’s released three singles already in 2026. The last two, “Prada” and “Rangi”, point to an artist ready for that breakout moment.
InterviewsFKJ Begins New Album Rollout with “Soulmates” Single
The announcement of FKJ’s upcoming third album made me look back at how I first discovered his music. I was initially introduced to the French singer and multi-instrumentalist and producer through his collaboration with US artist Masego…
InterviewsEichem Teams up with HÄCHE and Flowasis for New Banger, “Dame De Eso”
“Dame De Eso” by emerging Colombian artist Eichem sits at the intersection of dancehall and reggaeton. Featuring Venezuelan-born artist HÄCHE and talented producer Flowasis, this urban Latin track was really brilliantly crafted.
InterviewsWhy “Sese” by Sa-Young Will Energize Your Playlist
“Sese” by Sa-Young is the song that introduces me to the Nigerian Canadian artist. The song leans into Fela Kuti’s classic afrobeat sound. I bet you will love the smooth percussion and sax solo.
InterviewsNew Song: “irresistable” by Tarang Joseph
Tarang Joseph‘s first single of the year is here. Called “irresistable”, it’s much groovier than the Indian musician’s previous release, “one track mind“. If you love funk music with hints of ’80s disco, then this new song is for you.
InterviewsBillet Doux share euphoric anthem, “Maybe Tokyo”: Watch Visuals
Billet Doux‘s “Maybe Tokyo” arrived last Friday paired with a music video which is as riveting as the track itself. The French duo of Pierre and Kaycie has been receiving increasing attention thanks to their ability to craft anthems.
InterviewsListen: Henry Aberson – “Don’t Wait Too Long” feat. Derran Day & Cortez Johnson
Whenever producer Henry Aberson and singer Derran Day link up, amazing music gets made. This time round, they were joined by Cortez Johnson to create “Don’t Wait Too Long”, a buttery neo-soul jam worth a dozen listens.
InterviewsBrittany Campbell Releases New Single: Watch Her Perform “Grudges”
If you thought Brittany Campbell’s “Creep With Me” was a fluke, her latest single proves she is here to stay. The Los Angeles-based R&B artist named the new song “Grudges”.
InterviewsReggae singer Owen Casey covers John Hurley’s “Love of the Common People”
Irish reggae singer Owen Casey recently released “Love of the Common People”, his reimagination of John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins’ classic song of the same title.
InterviewsTEHYA May Just Make 2026 Her Own — Hear Her New Songs “It’s You” and “Burn For Me”
2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for TEHYA, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter and martial artist from Canada. In February, she released what has turned to be her breakout song: “It’s You”.
InterviewsWatch Kosha Dillz’s music video for “Hannah Senesh”
“Hannah Senesh” by hip hop artist Kosha Dillz is a song I find quite interesting and worth sharing. Kosha has been featured on Aipate a couple of times already, and each time, a banger is involved.
InterviewsSinger Kevon Edmond Returns with “No Ordinary Love”
As a member of the R&B group After 7, singer Kevon Edmond made a tonne of beautiful music, receiving multiple Grammys in the process. And after all these years, the artist still shows extraordinary passion whenever he sings.
InterviewsSayò Delivers a Powerful Message of Hope and Resilience on “Smile – Live”: Listen
British-Nigerian singer Sayo Popoola a.k.a. Sayò, may not have released a new single since her 2023 EP, Heartstrings, but the recent arrival of the unplugged version of that project generated so much excitement.
InterviewsListen to “Thanks For Asking”, the Latest Single from Estella Dawn
When it comes to creating moving ballads, Estella Dawn never misses. The San Diego based artist’s latest, “Thanks For Asking”, delves into those post-breakup blues.
InterviewsKeeme Embraces Authenticity in Her New Single, “TONY”
This beautiful new song “TONY” marks the return for South African R&B singer Keeme. It’s her first solo release since her 2022 debut album, Losing My Mind.
InterviewsColombian artist Jhosy Drops New EP, Dime Que Tal Te Suena
Last year, Colombian artist Jhosy crossed into my radar when he dropped his “OBVIO” single. That song did set the tone for the EP that he was working on. Well, Dime Que Tal Te Suena EP is now here with us.
InterviewsBoy In Space Announces Debut Album, Releases “Sex Drugs & Money” Single
In case you missed it, Boy In Space announced his debut album this month. The Swedish pop singer-songwriter also released a new single, “Sex, Drugs & Money”. By the way, the upcoming album is simply called The Man Who Lost It All.
InterviewsRABO presents “Wide Eyed Wonder” – listen
The follow-up to Norwegian artist RABO’s Half Decade Addiction EP is an anthemic single called “Wide Eyed Wonder”. With RABO getting ready to begin her summer festival tour, this song sets the tone perfectly.
InterviewsListen: Lucciana Costa – “Bell Jar”
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Lucciana Costa is an undeniable talent. Since her debut in 2024, the West Virginia-born artist has delivered a handful of lovely songs. I’ve just listened to her latest offering, “Bell Jar”.
InterviewsHear Mathias Julin’s “Could You Lie” Song
A new name is rising in pop music. 20-year-old Mathias Julin has been making waves these past couple of years, thanks to his soulful voice and ability to turn raw emotion into melody.
InterviewsGet to Know Gail Belmonte, the burgeoning singer from Singapore
Filipina-Singaporean singer Gail Belmonte is gifted with a voice that oozes warmth and sincerity. The artist’s style straddles the line between R&B and indie pop.
InterviewsTown Called Us Reveal Their Debut Single, “Better Half” — Watch Visuals
As Town Called Us arrives onto the pop music scene, it is easy to see that Lauren Baxter and James Plimmer make such a great duo. The fact that they are real-life partners definitely explains their elevated musical chemistry.
InterviewsLOV’s “Can I?” Introduces Her Upcoming Debut Album
It’s official: Canadian singer LOV is set to release her debut album on June 12th. The last one year has seen her deliver beautiful songs such as “Relate“, masterfully priming us for the full-length release.
InterviewsOrrin Teases New Album with “Ghost Town” Single
You already know Orrin, the alternative hip hop artist from the US. What you may not be aware of is that the rapper, singer and producer is getting ready to release a funk-inspired new album titled Yours Truly.
InterviewsNew Music: Listen to “Autonomous” by Landroid
Cooper Gillespie and Greg Gordon make music together as Landroid. From Landers, California, the musical duo brings with them music that’s genuinely moving: songs that melds the creative freedom of seasoned musicians with the thoughtful…
InterviewsALÍSI is back with a brilliant new track, “END CREDITS”
London artist ALÍSI has a brilliant new track, “END CREDITS”. The alt-pop song features dreamy and rhythmic elements, which combine to give the song its moody yet captivating feel.
InterviewsHere is “anywhere but on my mind” by lovelytheband — Listen
Los Angeles-based musical outfit lovelytheband are known for their emotion-driven anthems. And the band’s latest single, “anywhere but on my mind”, is perhaps their most raw yet.
InterviewsMolly Valentine drops a stunning debut single — hear “Mannequin”
Molly Valentine unveiled her first single and all I can say is, what a debut! The UK singer-songwriter’s first ever release “Mannequin” is a cinematic alt-pop song infused with vintage elements.
InterviewsCooper Phillip Enters a New Chapter with Her New Song “Love Me Not”
When you combine smooth, R&B-inflected vocals with synthpop’s atmospheric production, you get a song as irresistible as “Love Me Not”. The expressive lyrics and flowing melodies make the listening experience emotionally resonant.
InterviewsUEFA Champions League Final Viewing Experience with Heineken®
South Africa’s football fans proved once again during the UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals that when it comes to the beautiful game, silence simply isn’t an option.
InterviewsZolani Mahola Enters a Bold New Era with New Music and Global Partnership
Award-winning singer, actress, and storyteller Zolani Mahola is ushering in a bold new era of her artistry with new music, a global partnership with Virgin Music Group, and a fearless expansion of her sound.
InterviewsJägermeister’s Haus of Kühl returns
Jägermeister’s Haus of Kühl returns on 25 July 2026 for another immersive nightlife experience set to push the boundaries of music, culture, fashion, and self-expression.
InterviewsNasty C Levels Up his Global Rap Run With “Big Timing” featuring Tellaman
African Hip Hop heavyweight, Nasty C continues his dominance with clarity, ambition and undeniable confidence through the release of “Big Timing,” the triumphant single featuring longtime collaborator, Tellaman.
Interviews2026 Nedbank International Polo: USA claims victory in thrilling showdown
The 2026 Nedbank International Polo delivered another spectacular display of world-class sport at the iconic Inanda Club in Sandton.
InterviewsWatch Raris & Daria Crisan’s music video for “iubiera de ieri”
Being from a musical family, Raris and his sister Daria Crisan have been singing together for as long as they can remember. And they’re now slowly beginning to scale the heights of pop music.
InterviewsZCASM Blends Confidence and Feminine Power On New Anthem Slip It In
Rising genre-fluid artist ZCASM steps into her power with the release of her bold new single Slip It In, a confident and unapologetic anthem produced by Meb Rogers and recorded at Sportscene Studio.
InterviewsFrom Panels to Party: ARMC 2026 Unveils Full Day-to-Night Programme
Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC), taking place on 22–23 May 2026 at Constitution Hill, has unveiled its full programme, including the complete ARMC by Night lineup, daytime conference agenda, and a landmark partnership with Johnnie…
InterviewsListen: “Player v2” by rapper Kimi
Kimi is a rapper from the Netherlands that I have just learned about. He has a new song called “Player v2”. A hip hop track with bouncy 808s and bright trumpet melodies, “Player v2” has great replay value.
InterviewsEAST WEST HONEY Presents “Takes Two”, Their Second Single
Out now, “Takes Two” is the second single from EAST WEST HONEY, the newly minted project bringing together soulful singer Lyric Jones and Wake the Wild trio. The song is self-produced, and it was released via Tempo Soul Records.
InterviewsHear Mishka’s Powerful New Song, “Viva la Revolución”
From the Atlantic island of Bermuda comes singer Mishka and his new single, “Viva la Revolución”. The reggae song was written by the artist and co-produced by Prince Fatty.