The explore desk
what’s moving in african music
editorial, producer tips, and partner coverage from across the continent — refreshed throughout the day.
Industry NewsRuff Earns First Spotify Million-Stream Triumph With ‘Ibandla’
The post Ruff Earns First Spotify Million-Stream Triumph With ‘Ibandla’ appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Ruff Earns First Spotify Million-Stream Triumph With ‘Ibandla.’ South African producer, sound engineer and 1020 Cartel co-founder…
InterviewsArchive and New Balance Celebrate the South African Launch of the New Balance 950
Archive, in partnership with New Balance, officially introduced the highly anticipated New Balance 950 to the South African market with an intimate launch experience at Kleinsky’s in Johannesburg.
InterviewsBraam Fashion Week Continues to Champion South Africa’s Next Generation of Fashion Talent
In an industry often dominated by established fashion houses and familiar faces, Braam Fashion Week continues to rewrite the script by placing emerging designers and models at the heart of the runway.
Industry NewsBlue Pappi Celebrates First Million Spotify Streams With Single “Took Me For A Nai”
The post Blue Pappi Celebrates First Million Spotify Streams With Single “Took Me For A Nai” appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
InterviewsRussian Bear Opens the Vault for King of Kicks 2026
Sneakerheads got their first look at this year’s legendary vault as Russian Bear officially kicked off King of Kicks 2026, with even more coveted kicks set to be revealed in the lead-up to the October finale.
InterviewsJägermeister Haus of Kühl Delivers its Biggest Jozi Takeover Yet!
Victoria Yards came alive on Saturday as music lovers, artists, creatives and culture enthusiasts gathered for the 2026 edition of Jägermeister Haus of Kühl, delivering what has become one of the year’s most talked-about cultural…
InterviewsRetro Cover Story: Cassper Nyovest Issue 62
Empires have risen and fallen in shorter periods than the amount of time Refiloe Phoolo has spent trying to convince the world that he is the messiah of new school African music. Figuratively speaking, usually 15 minutes is all one gets.
Industry NewsGhanaian Dance Creator Lisa Quama Kicks off U.S. Tour with Sold-Out New York Dance Class
Ghanaian dancer and digital creator Lisa Quama has successfully kicked off her United States tour, with a dance class in New York attracting a sold-out audience and marking another milestone in her growing international career.
InterviewsCASANDRA Releases New Album: Listen to ISLA TRANQUILITA
Miami-native artist CASANDRA has today dropped a new album, ISLA TRANQUILITA. You likely remember the singer from our past blog features–she used to go by the moniker Cassie Marin.
Interviews“Rave” by Marten Hørger is the Official PAROOKAVILLE Festival 2026 Anthem: Listen
Marten Hørger’s “Rave” is the official anthem for the 2026 edition of PAROOKAVILLE festival (PAROOKAVILLE is widely regarded as the biggest dance music festival in Germany).
InterviewsCassper Nyovest and Zanele Potelwa tapped to host the 2026 South African Music Awards
South African hip-hop heavyweight Cassper Nyovest and 5FM’s Zanele Potelwa have officially been announced as the hosts of the 32nd Annual South African Music Awards, bringing together two of the country’s biggest personalities for music’s…
Industry NewsUmzila (The Legacy) exhibition at NWU Gallery
The NWU Gallery is proud to present Umzila (The Legacy) exhibition in the North West University Main Gallery (Potchefstroom Campus) open for viewing from 12 August to 11 September 2026, Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm.
Industry NewsBabylowsk1 Strengthens His Rise With New Single Release ‘MVP’
The post Babylowsk1 Strengthens His Rise With New Single Release ‘MVP’ appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Babylowsk1 Strengthens His Rise With New Single Release ‘MVP.’ Babylowsk1 is making another bold statement in South African hip hop…
Industry NewsMiss Pru DJ Returns To Her Roots With New Sunset Fridays Event
The post Miss Pru DJ Returns To Her Roots With New Sunset Fridays Event appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Miss Pru DJ Returns To Her Roots With New Sunset Fridays Event.
Industry NewsSony Music Africa Celebrates Five Years Of 25K’s Landmark Album “Pheli Makaveli”
The post Sony Music Africa Celebrates Five Years Of 25K’s Landmark Album “Pheli Makaveli” appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
InterviewsUmzulu Phaqa Turns Pop Into a Theatrical Playground on Volume 1
Umzulu Phaqa opens a bold new creative world with Volume 1, an eight-track experimental pop album that stretches, flips, and reimagines the genre through a proudly distinctive lens.
Industry NewsMoozlie Locked In As Host for 5th Annual Basadi In Music Awards
The post Moozlie Locked In As Host for 5th Annual Basadi In Music Awards appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Moozlie Locked In As Host for 5th Annual Basadi In Music Awards.
Industry NewsCassper Nyovest and Zanele Potelwa bring star power to 2026 SA Music Awards
The 2026 South African Music Awards (SAMAs) are set to bring star power, energy and plenty of hometown pride, with Cassper Nyovest and Zanele Potelwa announced as this year’s official hosts.
InterviewsNanette Cement Her Place Among Africa’s New R&B Leaders With Painfully Happy (Deluxe)
South African contemporary R&B artist Nanette returns with Painfully Happy (Deluxe), the final chapter in the acclaimed project that explored grief, healing and emotional perseverance.
Industry NewsK.Keed & Orish Release Collaborative Album “Umgaranto II”
The post K.Keed & Orish Release Collaborative Album “Umgaranto II” appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. K.Keed & Orish Release Collaborative Album “Umgaranto II.” Three years after introducing fans to the chemistry that made uMgaranto a…
EventsSAMA32 Hosts Revealed
Cassper Nyovest and Zanele Potelwa to Ignite the SAMA32 Stage as Hosts of South Africa’s Biggest Music Night The countdown to the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation has entered an exhilarating new…
InterviewsTeni Releases Highly Anticipated New EP “the Wellness Package”
Award-winning Nigerian singer, songwriter and entertainer Teni releases her highly anticipated new EP, The Wellness Package, today the 24 July 2026, ushering in a bold new era of growth, joy and community.Known for her infectious energy,…
Industry NewsBlue Pappi Drops Deeply Personal ‘ROAD TO EHLANE’ EP
The post Blue Pappi Drops Deeply Personal ‘ROAD TO EHLANE’ EP appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Blue Pappi Drops Deeply Personal ‘ROAD TO EHLANE’ EP.
Industry NewsRosebank Mall launches The Urban Playground to boost experiential retail
As shopping centres continue to evolve beyond traditional retail, Rosebank Mall is expanding its experiential offering with the launch of The Urban Playground — a new multi-purpose lifestyle destination designed to bring together sport,…
Industry NewsBlxckie & KindlyNxsh Drop Highly Anticipated Single ‘Let Em Have It’
The post Blxckie & KindlyNxsh Drop Highly Anticipated Single ‘Let Em Have It’ appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Blxckie & KindlyNxsh Drop Highly Anticipated Single ‘Let Em Have It’ Blxckie and KindlyNxsh have reunited to deliver another…
InterviewsKingna Scott Shares New Song, “In Tune”
Kingna Scott is a multi-talented US artist and producer whose music is designed to evoke emotion. With her latest single, “In Tune”, she’s delivered a summer-soaked romantic anthem about being truly happy in a relationship.
Industry NewsK.O’s Record-Breaking Hit “Sete” Reaches Another Massive Spotify Milestone
The post K.O’s Record-Breaking Hit “Sete” Reaches Another Massive Spotify Milestone appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. K.O’s Record-Breaking Hit “Sete” Reaches Another Massive Spotify Milestone.
Industry NewsBABYG!RL ZAE Announces New Single ‘Tlean’ Featuring Sastii
The post BABYG!RL ZAE Announces New Single ‘Tlean’ Featuring Sastii appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. BABYG!RL ZAE Announces New Single ‘Tlean’ Featuring Sastii.
InterviewsSmirnoff Ice Hosts Unforgettable Finals Showdown Fan Park Experience As Spain Celebrate a Victory
After weeks of unforgettable sporting moments in spectacular fashion, hundreds of fans gathered on Sunday 19 July at the Smirnoff ICE Fan Park at Wakanda Village in Sandton to witness Spain claim the winning title following a gripping…
InterviewsThe Urban Playground Opens Its Doors at Rosebank Mall – Exciting Expansion for The Brand and Partnership with Robot Boii
Following the success of its Fourways branch, The Urban Playground is expanding its creative reach with a new, dynamic and multi-functional space designed to bring people together through movement, play, creativity and community.
Industry NewsMiss Pru DJ Hits The Brakes On Podcast Dreams
The post Miss Pru DJ Hits The Brakes On Podcast Dreams appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Miss Pru DJ Hits The Brakes On Podcast Dreams.
InterviewsYeahWeLink Music Festival & Industry Workshop 2026 reveals stacked line-up for artists on the rise
The YeahWeLink Music Festival & Industry Workshop 2026 is back with another culture-shifting edition, bringing together emerging artists, industry leaders and music lovers for a full day dedicated to learning, networking and live music.
InterviewsAsics Launches “Beauty” Campaign Featuring Post-exercise Faces to Show the Glow That Comes From Within
Get the Glow’ shows how 15 minutes of movement can lift and refresh body and mind In a world of filters, flawless skin and increasingly complex routines, ASICS is highlighting the original way to “get the glow”: movement that lifts and…
Industry NewsNanette Revisits “Painfully Happy” With Bold Deluxe Edition Release
The post Nanette Revisits “Painfully Happy” With Bold Deluxe Edition Release appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Nanette Revisits “Painfully Happy” With Bold Deluxe Edition Release.
Industry NewsSjava Extends Unmatched YouTube Dominance With Six Consecutive Months At No. 1
The post Sjava Extends Unmatched YouTube Dominance With Six Consecutive Months At No. 1 appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Sjava Extends Unmatched YouTube Dominance With Six Consecutive Months At No. 1.
Industry NewsShe's got bratitude: Tyla becomes first African artist with a Bratz doll
From chart-topping hits to toy shelves, Tyla has added another major milestone to her growing global legacy.
Industry News‘Love Keeps People Alive’: Riky Rick’s Mother Explains Powerful Memorial Forest Tribute
The post ‘Love Keeps People Alive’: Riky Rick’s Mother Explains Powerful Memorial Forest Tribute appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. ‘Love Keeps People Alive’: Riky Rick’s Mother Explains Powerful Memorial Forest Tribute.
Industry NewsSA Hip Hop Continues Streaming Dominance On Apple Music In 2026
The post SA Hip Hop Continues Streaming Dominance On Apple Music In 2026 appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. SA Hip Hop Continues Streaming Dominance On Apple Music In 2026.
Industry NewsCassper Announces He Will Host The 2026 SA Music Awards (SAMAs)
The post Cassper Announces He Will Host The 2026 SA Music Awards (SAMAs) appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Cassper Announces He Will Host The 2026 SA Music Awards (SAMAs).
Industry NewsBlue Pappi Drops ‘Ama Getdown’ As ‘Road To Ehlane’ EP Nears Release
The post Blue Pappi Drops ‘Ama Getdown’ As ‘Road To Ehlane’ EP Nears Release appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Blue Pappi Drops ‘Ama Getdown’ As ‘Road To Ehlane’ EP Nears Release.
Industry NewsDJ Zan-D Praises iFani’s Lyricism On Forthcoming Mixtape ‘Umsebenzi Wam’
The post DJ Zan-D Praises iFani’s Lyricism On Forthcoming Mixtape ‘Umsebenzi Wam’ appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. DJ Zan-D Praises iFani’s Lyricism On Forthcoming Mixtape ‘Umsebenzi Wam.’ iFani appears ready to make a powerful return to…
Industry NewsMoozlie Celebrates International Recognition With AFRIMMA Nomination
The post Moozlie Celebrates International Recognition With AFRIMMA Nomination appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Moozlie Celebrates International Recognition With AFRIMMA Nomination.
Industry NewsBig Zulu Updates Fans On Upcoming “Big Zulu Live Experience Tour”
The post Big Zulu Updates Fans On Upcoming “Big Zulu Live Experience Tour” appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Big Zulu Updates Fans On Upcoming “Big Zulu Live Experience Tour”.
Industry News“I Was Never a Side Chick”: Nicole Nyaba On Her Relationship With AKA
The post “I Was Never a Side Chick”: Nicole Nyaba On Her Relationship With AKA appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. “I Was Never a Side Chick”: Nicole Nyaba On Her Relationship With AKA.
InterviewsNew Mamelodi Sundowns Home kit shines with 2 Champions League
PUMA and Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club today launch the Home kit for the 2026/27 season. The new shirt is the first to feature two stars after the club’s “shoeshine and piano” style of play secured the CAF Champions League for the second…
Industry NewsMakwa Shares The Unexpected Story Behind The Making Of “Ilanga” Featuring Kwesta & Bontle RSA
The post Makwa Shares The Unexpected Story Behind The Making Of “Ilanga” Featuring Kwesta & Bontle RSA appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Makwa Shares The Unexpected Story Behind The Making Of “Ilanga” Featuring Kwesta & Bontle RSA.
Industry NewsSkiips Confirms ‘N.G.R’ Mixtape For August Release
The post Skiips Confirms ‘N.G.R’ Mixtape For August Release appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Skiips Confirms ‘N.G.R’ Mixtape For August Release.
Industry NewsCassper Hints At Landmark Project: “I’ve Never Done This Before”
The post Cassper Hints At Landmark Project: “I’ve Never Done This Before” appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag. Cassper Hints At Landmark Project: “I’ve Never Done This Before.” Cassper Nyovest has sparked a wave of speculation after revealing…
InterviewsAmy Correa Bell presents “Go! (Golden Go Remix)”: Listen
Talented artist and songwriter Amy Correa Bell has delivered a new version of her 2023 song “Go!”. She’s named the reimagined version “Go! (Golden Go Remix)”.
InterviewsExciting Newcomer Brice Blanco Unveils New Song, “B Here”
Los Angeles-based Houston native Brice Blanco should absolutely be at the top of your “essential new music” list. “B Here” is the title of the newcomer’s latest offering, a refreshing, psychedelia-infused alt-hip hop track.