The explore desk
what’s moving in african music
editorial, producer tips, and partner coverage from across the continent — refreshed throughout the day.
InterviewsNew Song: Listen to “Wasted” by Tender Glue
Listening to the song “Wasted” by Tender Glue is a really gripping experience. It had me ‘googling’ about the artist, or should we say band, after just one listen.
InterviewsDon Diablo joined by Tanzanian singer Ben Pol & Kenya’s Juliani for new anthem “Lete Sound”
Global dance music icon Don Diablo sampled that East African flavour on his latest single, “Lete Sound”. Featuring vocals by Tanzanian singer Ben Pol and Kenyan hip hop artist Juliani, the afro house track brims with tropical-flavour…
InterviewsMarlen Tjøsvoll – “Song In My Head”—Listen
Norwegian singer and songwriter Marlen Tjøsvoll is a truly special talent. After her standout performances at the The Voice Norway 2025, we all knew it was just a matter of time before she has the world at her feet.
InterviewsThe Huntress and Holder of Hands presents “Promethean”: listen
The Huntress and Holder of Hands, the musical project of songwriter MorganEve Swain, is readying a new album called Babylon.
InterviewsRooted in Love: The New EP by Joël Francis is Heartfelt and Mildly Groovy
Music by Belgian singer-songwriter Joël Francis takes us back to an era when R&B was smooth, groovy and heartfelt. As exhibited on the artist’s new EP Rooted in Love, her influences range from neo-soul to jazz and gospel.
Industry NewsAfrica’s music industry confronts licensing and copyright gaps
Africa’s rapidly growing music industry is facing a pivotal moment, as leaders across the continent call for stronger music licensing systems and copyright enforcement to unlock sustainable revenue growth.
.png)
Industry NewsAre OG's gatekeeping the new gen in SA Hip Hop? | SA Hip Hop Music Blog |
Are OG's gatekeeping the new gen in SA Hip Hop? | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | Image Source: GQ | #SAHipHopMusicBlog | This debate is not new... but right now, it feels louder than ever. Not just in South Africa, but across the world.
Industry NewsTop South African Hip Hop artists to look out for in 2026 by SA Hip Hop Music Blog x NESAHHMAG
Top South African Hip Hop artists to look out for by SA Hip Hop Music Blog x NESAHHMAG Muz Mocka Lowfeye Dee Koala Lacabra Nomfundo Yekani Kane Kied Mochen Holy Alpha Tasha Hendrixx TSA Roiii…
EventsRhythms Of Remembrance
South African music has never just been for entertainment; it has been our news broadcast, our therapy, and our protest. 1960, Human Rights Day, gave us the freedom to sing, but the fight for human dignity is a melody still being written.
EventsTimeless South African Duets
Music possesses a beautiful ability to reflect the true spirit of a bond, and when real-life partners team up in the studio, the result is nothing short of magic.
EventsSAMA31: Milestones, Triumphs and Unforgettable Moments
The 31st South African Music Awards (SAMA31) lit up the stage on 14 December 2025 at Gallagher Estate, bringing together artistry, culture and celebration under one roof.
EventsSAMA32 Entries Now Open
Entries Open for #SAMA32 On the back of the electric, culture-shifting success of the hybrid #SAMA31, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) turns up the volume and throws the doors wide open for musicians to step into greatness.
EventsBeats & Threads: When SA Artists Define Culture Through Style
Style can be a seed, a stem, a full bloom of identity. As we celebrate Flowers for Those Who Keep Our Nation Singing, we turn our attention to the artists whose fashion echoes their music – vibrant, defiant and rooted in culture.
Industry NewsWhat is SA Hip Hop Music Blog || #SAHipHopMusicBlog
What is SA Hip Hop Music Blog ? Image of SA Hip Hop Music Blog logo | #SAHipHopMusicBlog Welcome to the heartbeat of South African Hip Hop.Born in 2016, SA Hip Hop Music Blog is not just a blog; we're an expedition into…
Industry NewsHow much does it cost to book your favourite South African artist in 2025? (Part 5) | SA Hip Hop Music Blog |
How much does it cost to book your favourite South African artist in 2025? (Part 5) | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | Ever wanted to find out how much your favorite SA Hip Hop star charges per show? Most artists make most…
Industry NewsHow much does it cost to book your favourite South African artist in 2025? (Part 4) | SA Hip Hop Music Blog |
How much does it cost to book your favourite South African artist in 2025? (Part 4) | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | Ever wanted to find out how much your favorite SA Hip Hop star charges per show? Most artists…
Industry NewsHow much does it cost to book your favourite South African artist in 2025? (Part 3) | SA Hip Hop Music Blog |
How much does it cost to book your favourite South African artist in 2025? (Part 3) | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | Rouge = R50 000 - R200 000 25K = R50 000 - R70 000 Jay Jody = R35 000 - R100 000 Dj Switch = R35 000…
.png)
Industry NewsHow much does it cost to book your favourite South African artist in 2025? (PART 2) | #SAHIPHOPMUSICBLOG
How much does it cost to book your favourite South African artist in 2025? (Part 2) | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | Ever wanted to find out how much your favorite SA Hip Hop star charges per show? Most artists…
Industry NewsHow much does it cost to book your favourite South African artist in 2025? (PART 1) | #SAHIPHOPMUSICBLOG
How much does it cost to book your favourite South African artist in 2025? (Part 1) | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | Ever wanted to find out how much your favorite SA Hip Hop star charges per show? Most artists make most of…
Industry NewsSA Hip Hop Music Blog Expands Into Music Distribution & Publishing
SA Hip Hop Music Blog Expands Into Music Distribution & Publishing. For years, SA Hip Hop Music Blog has been at the forefront of amplifying the voices of South Africa’s hip-hop culture — from covering the hottest drops to spotlighting…
Industry NewsFrom 031 to Joburg: Big Lez’s Rise in the Underground | SA Hip Hop Music Blog
Big Lez’s Rise in the Underground.| SA Hip Hop Music Blog | by DRG LastNumba Lez: The Durban Wave Taking South African Hip Hop by Storm.
.png)
Industry NewsJason Jordanbtd: South Africa’s Rising Drill Star | SA Hip Hop Music Blog
Jason Jordanbtd: South Africa’s Rising Drill Star | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | South Africa’s hip-hop scene is buzzing with fresh talent, and one of the names quickly making waves is Jason Jordanbtd, a passionate drill rapper with…
.jpeg)
Industry NewsKy Drops Love, Ky Ep. A Journey Through Heart and Soul. | SA Hip Hop Music Blog
Ky Drops “ Love, Ky Ep ,“ A Journey Through Heart and Soul. | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | Eldos’ own Ky is back, and this time he’s taking listeners on an emotional ride with his new 6-track Ep titled “ Love, Ky.
.png)
Industry NewsKy is Carving his own lane in the South African Hip Hop scene. | SA Hip Hop Music Blog |
Ky is Carving his own lane in theSouth African Hip Hop scene. | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | By DRG LastNumba Ky: The Voice of Sincerity in South African Hip Hop Who is Ky? From Eldorado Park to the South African Hip Hop stage, Ky is…
.png)
Industry NewsFrom Vosloorus to the World: Foygo’s Adventure in Music | SA Hip Hop music Blog |
From Vosloorus to the World: Foygo’s Adventure in Music | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | By DRG LastNumba Foygo: The Artist Who Writes What He Likes Who is Foygo ?Foygo isn’t here to fit in. He’s here to create his own path.
Industry NewsWhat is Who Got The Block Hot Africa? | SA Hip Hop Music Blog |
What is Who Got The Block Hot Africa? | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | Image of Who Got The Block Hot Africa logo | @whogottheblockhot_africa Who Got The Block Hot ZA Introduction Who Got The Block Hot Africa is a digital magazine…
.png)
Industry NewsTayTannerr: The Leader of the new wave | SA Hip Hop Music Blog |
TayTannerr: The Leader of the new wave. | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | South Africa’s underground hip hop scene continues to evolve, and at the center of this new wave is TayTannerr — a young rapper, songwriter, and producer from…
Industry NewsOHKRIS DROPS A CRISP NEW VISUAL FOR “ATLANTA”
OHKRIS DROPS A CRISP NEW VISUAL FOR “ATLANTA” | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | Rising Rap/R&B artist Ohkris is stepping into the spotlight with the official release of the music video for “Atlanta”, a stylish, head-turning…
.png)
Industry NewsEfizzyracks: Turning Childhood Promises into Global Soundwaves | SA Hip Hop Music Blog
Efizzyracks: Turning Childhood Promises into Global Soundwaves. | SA Hip Hop Music Blog x NESAHH MAG | Efizzyracks is more than just a name — it's a story of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
.png)
Industry NewsEf Furry Is Redefining the SA Hip Hop Sound from Soweto to the World | SA Hip Hop Music Blog |
Ef Furry Is Redefining Sound from Soweto to the World. | SA Hip hop Music Blog x NESAHH MAG | Ef Furry is a boundary-defying artist whose sound pushes the edges of emo rap, hip hop, and Afrobeats—blending them seamlessly…
Industry NewsSA Hip Hop Music Blog's Birthday Celebration | SA Hip Hop Music Blog |
SA Hip Hop Music Blog's Birthday Celebration | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | SA Hip Hop Music Blog Invites You to a Birthday Celebration Like No Other! You are officially invited to SA Hip Hop Music Blog’s Birthday Celebration —…
.png)
Industry NewsMeet Jordan Lax: The Multi-Talented Sensation Blending Cultures and Sounds | SA Hip Hop Music Blog
Meet Jordan Lax: The Multi-Talented Sensation Blending Cultures and Sounds.| SA Hip Hop Music Blog | In South Africa’s vibrant music scene, a fresh yet powerful voice is rising — Jordan Lax, a multifaceted artist and producer whose sound…
.png)
Industry NewsSBX is Redefining R&B with Strength, Style & Sisterhood | SA Hip Hop Music Blog
SBX is Redefining R&B with Strength, Style & Sisterhood. | SA Hip Hop Music Blog x NESAHH MAG | by DRG LastNumba In a world overflowing with noise, very few artists possess the charisma, raw talent, and staying…
.png)
Industry NewsPhiwo is rewriting the Rhythm of South African Soul | SA Hip Hop Music Blog
Phiwo is rewriting the Rhythm of South African Soul. | SA Hip Hop Music Blog x NESAHH MAG | by DRG LastNumba Image source: Instagram; @blueswahn | #SecureTheVibeTour2025 In a musical landscape often…
.png)
Industry NewsRetro Drops New Single "Hawii" – A Bold Glimpse Into His Journey | SA Hip Hop Music Blog
Retro Drops New Single "Hawii" – A Bold Glimpse Into His Journey | SA Hip Hop Music Blog | Retro Drops New Single "Hawii" – A Bold Glimpse Into His Journey Emerging artist Retro has just released his latest single, "Hawii"—a raw…
Industry NewsTop South African Hip Hop artists to look out for by SA Hip Hop Music Blog x NESAHHMAG
Top South African Hip Hop artists to look out for by SA Hip Hop Music Blog x NESAHHMAG Here is a list of the top artists to look out for in 2025: TayTannerr Trusted SLK Wonda Yanda Buzzi Lee Kindly…
From Sharing Stages With Davido & Rick Ross to Winning Hearts Across Africa | The Prince Luv Story
Prince Luv is a talented Zambian Afro-pop and R&B singer and songwriter. He is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young artists in Africa.
Calico Sun Measures The Seasons In “Fields”
The field has always been one of music’s oldest clocks. Long before studios began counting tempo in grids and glowing screens, people read time through soil, rain, light, and the slow return of green.
Mark Moule Frames Memory And Survival Through Fremantle History In “Eyes of Izzy”
In port cities, memory often arrives with salt on its clothes. Fremantle has long carried that feeling: ships, migrant stories, rough work, private ache, public record.
Kay Soul Calls Her Own Name Back In “Anybody Out There”
Some songs arrive with the gravity of a door being closed carefully, because the person holding the handle has finally learned the value of calm. “Anybody Out There,” the single from singer-songwriter Kay Soul, carries that kind of poise.
Young Trexy x Triple M ft. Chile One – Balupwa (Video)
Fast-rising music talent Young Trexy has teamed up with gifted rapper Triple M and celebrated vocalist Chile One MrZambia to unveil the official music video for their latest collaboration titled “Balupwa.” The emotionally charged record…
Jada Di’Larosa reveals “Showgirl” as she drops first album
This song “Showgirl” encapsulates the cinematic storytelling on New Orleans singer Jada Di’Larosa‘s just-released first album. The album is titled To Love Is To Perform. Having listened to the project, I’d say the title is quite befitting.
Hear “Friends”, the debut single by Vistavista
Mexican band Vistavista announced themselves a few weeks ago with their debut single, “Friends”. Hailing from the city of Guadalajara, the band comprises 4 amazing musicians.
Chef 187 – Shadow Boxing (Video)
Award-winning Zambian rapper Chef 187 has officially ended his two-year music hiatus with the release of a brand-new single titled “Shadow Boxing.” The highly anticipated record marks Chef 187’s first official release of 2026 and serves as…
Ess Thee Legend Explores Love, Longing, Desire, And Emotional Fragmentation On New EP “Bloom”
Ghanaian artiste Ess thee Legend returns with BLOOM EP, a five-track Afro-fusion EP that explores the emotional complexity of intimacy in all its forms, from heartbreak and emotional distance to sensual connection and romantic longing.
Ayra Starr – Tornado (Video)
Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has released the official music video for her emotional hit single “Tornado.” Ayra Starr delivers a deeply personal performance on this captivating record.
Ice Prince – Good Time (Video)
Award-winning Nigerian rapper and entertainer Ice Prince has unveiled the official music video for his latest release titled “Good Time.” Ice Prince delivers a vibrant and uplifting record that celebrates happiness, success, and enjoying…
Sarkodie x Shatta Wale – Everlasting (Video)
Two of Ghana’s biggest music stars, Sarkodie and Shatta Wale, have joined forces to unveil the official music video for their latest collaboration titled “Everlasting.” The highly anticipated record brings together Sarkodie’s elite…
TBwoy ft. T-Sean – Don’t Go (VIDEO)
Zambian-born singer TBwoy, now based in the United States, has joined forces with multi-talented music star T-Sean to deliver a brand-new love-themed single titled “Don’t Go.” The emotional record explores the pain and uncertainty that…
TBwoy ft. T-Sean – Don’t Go | Mp3
Zambian-born singer TBwoy, now based in the United States, has joined forces with multi-talented music star T-Sean to deliver a brand-new love-themed single titled “Don’t Go.” The emotional record explores the pain and uncertainty that…