In this week’s newsletter, we spotlight the latest on our radar from 06 – 12 January 2025. Shazam’s top 50 artists of 2024, Bobby Nsenga’s soulful sets, and Motlanalo Rammalo’s Valentine’s concert lead the way. Enjoy The Soil’s harmonies, Adidas’ Equipment reboot, Windhoek Beer’s ‘Dry January’ twist, and Jordan Adetunji’s upcoming mixtape. Let’s dive in!
Shazam Fast Forward 2025
Discover 50 Breakthrough Artists That Made Big Moves In 2024 Across Different Genres In Different Countries
Shazam has launched “Shazam Fast Forward 2025,” highlighting 50 artists expected to have a breakthrough year across different genres. Using predictive data and expert insights, this diverse lineup represents 24 genres from over 25 countries. The artists to watch are:
Dance: Khathapillar (South Africa), Prophecy (Spain), ALSO ASTIR (North Macedonia), Joe Hunt (UK), Marasi (Greece), Nu-La (UK), Quentro (Turkey), TR3NACRIA (Italy), VXSION (Brazil), and WITH U (Germany).
Latin: DobleP (Argentina), Maisak (Venezuela), Chuyin (Mexico), Dahili (Venezuela), elaggume (Argentina), Knak (Uruguay), La Cuatiza (Mexico), Milo Bvgatti (Venezuela), Q2 (Spain), and Daren (Mexico).
Alternative, Rock and Country: Cameron Whitcomb (Canada), Noeline Hofmann (Canada), LUCKY LOVE (France), Moody Joody (USA), Adrien Nunez (USA), Gurriers (Ireland), INOHA (USA), FUMON (Taiwan), Junior Varsity (USA), and Zach Top (USA).
Pop: Bea and her Business (UK), Olivia Wald (Argentina), Chloe Qisha (Malaysia), Morravey (Nigeria), Berq (Germany), Pierre Garnier (France), Riza (Cuba/Philippines), SIENNA SPIRO (UK), Suzete (São Tomé and Príncipe), and RESCENE (South Korea)
Hip-Hop: iDS (France), Stepz (UK), Gabriel Jacoby (USA), BabyChiefDoit (USA), CITIZEN (USA), La Potter (Mexico), FendiDa Rappa (USA), Jordan Susanto (Indonesia), RnBoi (France), and Vontee the Singer (USA)
The Bobby Nsenga Experience
Experience the Magic of Bobby Nsenga’s Intimate ‘Living Room’ R&B and Neo-Soul Sets Coming To South Africa
Bobby Nsenga’s acclaimed “Living Room” sets are making their way to Johannesburg on February 28 and Cape Town on March 2, 2025. Known for curating soulful R&B and neo-soul experiences, Nsenga transforms the DJ booth into an intimate journey for the senses. His masterful blend of classic and contemporary tracks creates a mood that transcends music. This is more than just a performance; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in an unforgettable, soulful evening. Tickets start from R350.
UPDATE ON 14 FEBRUARY 2025: The Bobby Nsenga Experience, originally scheduled for February 28th, will now take place on March 29th.
Motlanalo Rammalo In Concert
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Motlanalo Rammalo With An Intimate Gala Music Concert in Limpopo
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved one at Motlanalo’s Intimate Gala Music Concert, taking place at Meropa’s Conference Centre on Friday, 14 February 2025. Wine and dine to the sweet sounds of Motlanalo Rammalo, one of Mzansi’s hottest rising stars, performing in Limpopo, her home province. The afro-pop singer gained fame with her hit songs “Rato Laka” and “Mmahlabirwa.” Last year, she released a new single titled “Goya Goila,” a song that beautifully celebrates love—making it perfect for a romantic Valentine’s dinner. Tickets include dinner and a selection of red and white wine from the set menu.
Tickets start at R800.
The Soil In Concert
Experience The Soulful Harmony Of The Soil With Cappella Magic Live In Limpopo
After releasing their new album last year, The Soil, the a cappella group, is currently on a national tour and will be stopping in Limpopo with a performance at Meropa on Friday, 28 February 2025. Founded in Soweto in 2003, the band features lead singer Ntsika Ngxanga, his brother Phindo, beatboxer Luphindo, and the newest member, vocalist Theo Matshoba, who joined a year ago. With their incredible voices and sweet harmonies, The Soil demonstrates that instrumental accompaniment is unnecessary—they truly excel at a cappella music.
Tickets start at R150.
The Adidas Equipment Returns
Unleashing Innovation, Style, Cultural Revolution And Creative Expression For 2025
Born in 1991 with the ethos “Everything that is essential. And nothing that is not,” the adidas Equipment line has always been synonymous with pioneering spirit. In 2025, it returns stronger than ever, celebrating the trailblazers across sport, music, and streetwear who are shaping culture today. Shot in Stockholm, the Spring/Summer 2025 collection features a dynamic campaign with Namasenda and Yung Sherman, showcasing community, energy, and connection. The collection includes two iconic footwear silhouettes—the Equipment Cushion 93 and Takumi Sen—and apparel made from innovative materials, all presented in bold, forward-thinking designs.
Windhoek Beer’s ‘Dry January’ Spin
Windhoek Beer Is Embracing Mindful Living With A Bold Twist Campaign #WindhoekDryJan
Windhoek Beer is revolutionizing the start of 2025 with its daring #WindhoekDryJan campaign. By cleverly obscuring its beer in advertisements, Windhoek encourages South Africans to commit to a mindful, alcohol-free January. “Windhoek Beer has always been about staying true to who we are,” says Corinne Anderson, Brand Manager. This initiative reflects the brand’s commitment to choice, balance, and authenticity, supporting those who seek a healthier lifestyle. Windhoek’s innovative approach proves that even without showcasing their product, they can still champion responsible drinking and spark meaningful conversations.
Wellingta Releases “It’s Alright”
London-based German Artist Wellingta Shares New Single That Speaks To Love, Understanding, And Loss
Emerging artist Wellingta is set to captivate audiences with her latest single, “It’s Alright,” a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the emotional complexities that accompany goodbyes. The track, which releases on 10.01.2025, showcases Wellingta’s unique blend of pop sensibility and lyrical depth, solidifying her place in the contemporary music scene. “It’s Alright” opens with an evocative verse that captures the essence of longing and denial. Wellingta’s soulful vocals convey a relatable struggle a she reflects on a relationship that didn’t unfold as expected. The lyrics, “There’s this feeling / A feeling I can’t deny / Doesn’t matter / Matter how hard I try,” resonate with anyone who has grappled with unreciprocated feelings or the pain of separation.
Tae Africa Releases “3rd Floor”
Tae Africa Celebrates A Brand New Chapter In His Life With His Latest Single “3rd Floor”
Starting out the year on a high note is Rapper and Songwriter, Tae Africa as he celebrates his 30th Birthday with a brand new-heartfelt Hip-Hop single titled “3rd Floor”. The release serves as a point of introspection as Tae Africa reflects on his journey of growth, maturity and religion. He further expresses his gratitude towards quality of life, his son, brotherhood and unity as it is within those aspects of his life that he continues to strive for the best version of himself each day. The single serves as the first of many as Tae Africa prepares for the release of his ‘Love Themed’ project “Finally Found The Words” which is set for release in late February 2025. The Project will be lead by a stellar love-letter titled “uMsasazi” which is set for release on the 31st of January 2025.
Rorisang Releases “Inner Peace”
Rorisang Sechele Ignites Journey To Debut Project “The Seed” With First Lead Single “Inner Peace”
“Inner Peace” is the first lead single to her debut Jazz album titled “The Seed” in collaboration with The South African State Theatre. The album is set for release on the 7th of February 2025. “Inner Peace” is a single that boasts of serenity and peace through the easing production that infuses two worlds which are alternative and jazz. Through this infusion, Rorisang is able to express a message of hope and inspiration as she touches on the importance of self-discovery. She further emphasises on the need of purpose and understand the responsibility that comes with it from the work to the impact towards the people around us.
Amarii Releases “Pride & False Claims”
Amarii Infuses A Theme Of Pride And Love In Latest Two Track Single “Pride & False Claims”
“pride & false claims” contains two tracks that showcase a newly experimented sound infusion of rap and sexy drill sounds. The single pack stems around the theme of love as Amarii admires a potential lover through a conflict of extended themes. This is painted over subtle and easy listen lyrics alongside experiential beats. “pride & false claims” is first opened up by a more up-tempo track titled “pride” which touches on the topic of admiration and pursuing as he expresses his impressions towards a potential lover over a more confident tone. The single pack is then closed off by a more relaxed track “false claims” which touches on a heart-breaking moment as he makes peace with the fact that it will never workout amongst them as they are both selfish.
Jordan Adetunji Announces Mixtape
Jordan Adetunji’s ‘A Jaguar’s Dream’ Promises A Bold Fusion Of Sound And Emotion
2025 GRAMMY® nominee Jordan Adetunji ushers in a dynamic new era with his mixtape A Jaguar’s Dream – out January 24 via 300 Entertainment / Warner UK. Fusing sonic elements of Hip-Hop, R&B, Alternative, Afrobeats and Hyperpop, A Jaguar’s Dream is said to be a euphoric capsule of songs exploring the intense sensations of love, lust, and heartbreak. Produced and written by Adetunji, the 10-track collection was created in collaboration with hitmakers Take A Daytrip, Chase & Status, Danja, 18YOMAN, Danny Casio, Villabeatz, J Rick and more. The result is a fearless and vulnerable effort from a generational voice ready to disrupt the status quo. Speaking on the mixtape Jordan shares,”A Jaguar to me, is someone who moves through spaces and conquers every space it enters. This is how I feel with my sound constantly evolving and conquering every space I enter into. A Jaguar’s Dream is an entry into my love life and my world of thoughts through sound and emotion. A real manifestation of my dreams I wish to make reality.”
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