The explore desk
what’s moving in african music
editorial, producer tips, and partner coverage from across the continent — refreshed throughout the day.
Industry NewsDrakensberg Boys Choir returns to Joburg with “Music in the City 2026”
This June, Johannesburg’s cultural calendar will again resonate with the unmistakable sound of one of South Africa’s most iconic musical institutions as the Drakensberg Boys Choir returns to the stage for the highly anticipated Drakensberg…
Industry NewsSA bids farewell to opera legend Mimi Coertse
South Africa is mourning the loss of internationally acclaimed opera singer Mimi Coertse, who passed away on Monday at the age of 93.
Industry NewsLive set for South Africa comeback with December 2026 shows
After nearly 10 years, Live are heading back to South Africa, with two December 2026 shows set for Cape Town and Pretoria.
InterviewsIt’s a “Mad World” as Franky Perez serves up new album: stream Dámelo
Known for his vibrant, funk-fueled sound, talented musician Franky Perez delivered magic in the form of his new album, Dámelo. The LP is eleven tracks long and opens with the super funky title-track, “Dámelo“.
InterviewsNew song finds Juliana Beltrán feeling “Delusional”: listen
With us here is the newest single from Bogotá-based Colombian singer-songwriter Juliana Beltrán. Titled “Delusional”, it’s her first offering of the year.
EventsThe Sound of Freedom
What does freedom sound like? In South Africa, freedom of expression isn’t just a constitutional right; it’s the very DNA of our sonic landscape. It echoes across generations and bends fearlessly through genres.
InterviewsMona et Toi deliver “Jail Cell” as they ready their debut album
Barcelona-based indie duo Mona et Toi retuned last week with a brand new single, presenting us with another showcase of their genre-blending sound. Called “Jail Cell”, the new song leans heavily into rock.
InterviewsRemington Super 60 return with new single, “Time to breathe”
Formed by Christoffer Schou in late 1998, just before the turn of the millennium, Norwegian indie pop band Remington Super 60 have delivered some great tunes over the years.
InterviewsExciting new artist Lula Gold shares bubbly new single “Wrong Lane”
Lula Gold Multi-talented artist Lula Gold is an exciting addition to the UK music scene. The Manchester-based alt-pop singer, songwriter & producer impressed us last year with her singles “Criminal Mind” and “Live Without You”.
InterviewsThe Living Orchestra Presents “Animal Party”: Hear the New Single
The song “Animal Party” by Canadian symphonic funk rock collective The Living Orchestra is really infectious. Blending funk grooves with rock rock and an orchestral texture, it shows us what the outfit is all about.
InterviewsTan Brown teases upcoming new EP with another single, “Green Glow”
Following a break that lasted a couple of years, Berlin-based R&B singer Tan Brown returned early this year with “S4TEOTW”. To new listeners, the song provided them an entry point into the world of the New York-native artist.
Industry NewsR&B singer Maxwell returns to SA in August
Multi award-winning American R&B & Neo-Soul icon, singer-songwriter and record producer, Maxwell, makes an exciting return to South Africa for anticipated shows set in Pretoria and Cape Town.
InterviewsStream RL’s first mixtape, Solitude
American singer and songwriter Robert Lavelle Huggar (now using the moniker RL) fronted the R&B group Next to massive success. He’s now doing solo projects. Recently, RL served up a new album called Solitude.
InterviewsListen: Cullen Emadrey – “DO THAT”
From Detroit comes this amazing artist Cullen Emadrey. You really need to give his latest single, “DO THAT”, a listen. The moody alt-R&B song is about an intense desire, the kind that makes one ignore red flags readily.
InterviewsListen: “I Thank You” by Sunstone
London music producer Sunstone (or Sunstone Collective) has just released a new album. It is a 14-song collection called Ultima: Ascension. One of the track on the album is “I Thank You”, a soulful track with textured production.
InterviewsGet Drawn Into the Dreamy Soundscape of Kina and EKKSTACY’s “Impatience”
A Naples native, Italian producer Kina got catapulted to break-out success by single “Get You The Moon” (featuring Snøw). His debut album (and the only one released so far) arrived in 2023, deeply cementing his place in the indie musician…
InterviewsMaster Peace teams up with Thomas Day for this earmworm called “Love Hate”
Right on the heels of rising London artist Master Peace’s warmly received EP, Stupid Kids, arrives a new single. Called “Love Hate”, the song is a collaboration with Thomas Day, the rising pop singer-songwriter from the US.
Industry NewsBroadcaster and presenter Johnny Davids passes away at 49
South Africa’s media and entertainment industry is mourning the loss of broadcaster and presenter Johnny Davids, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, 16 April 2026, at the age of 49.
Industry NewsThe 2026 Music Business Masterclass
The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro), in partnership with the Academy of Sound Engineering, is pleased to announce the 2026 intake of the Music Business Masterclass (MBM).
Industry NewsTamia to headline Women’s Month celebration tour across SA
International R&B star Tamia is set to return to South Africa this August as the headline act for The Biggest Women’s Month Celebration Tour Experience, bringing her signature soulful sound to three major cities.