On this week’s LAMag Africa #LANews Radar, we’re celebrating Tyla’s new partnership with Nike, Zakes Bantwini and Nandi Madida’s Magugu F.C Training Kit launch, and the latest GRAMMY Hall of Fame inductees. Plus, get the latest on MTN Bushfire’s Firefly competition. Read more for all the music, art, events, culture and entertainment updates!
“GOSPEL SUPERSTARS” 2025 JUDGES
Rebecca Malope, Khaya Mthethwa & Nkateko Maluleke Join Gospel Superstars as Judges
After an electrifying audition tour, Gospel Superstars has revealed its powerhouse judging panel: gospel legend Rebecca Malope, award-winning artist Khaya Mthethwa, and music executive Nkateko Maluleke. These industry icons will mentor contestants as they compete for R1 million and a Gallo Music recording deal. Executive Producer Sivan Pillay calls them a “carefully curated trio” bringing expertise and passion. The competition now enters its next phase, where contestants battle for the top spot. Stay tuned for the official shortlist!
GRAMMY HALL OF FAME 2025
Fela Kuti, JAY-Z, Santana, and More Join The Prestigious Ranks Of timeless Music History
The Recording Academy® has announced the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame® inductees, featuring eight albums and five singles of historical significance. Honorees include Fela Kuti & Afrika 70, JAY-Z, Cat Stevens, Santana, Big Star, Clara Ward, Eddie Floyd, Emmylou Harris, Geeshie Wiley, Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, J.D. Crowe & The New South, Linda Martell, and Luther Vandross. “Each inducted recording reflects that spirit, and we’re excited to celebrate these impactful works,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. GRAMMY Museum President/CEO Michael Sticka added, “We’re proud to preserve and share these influential works.”
CASSPER NYOVEST ON “RAP LIFE AFRICA”
Cassper Nyovest Named Apple Music’s Rap Life Africa Featured Artist for February
Apple Music has announced Cassper Nyovest as February’s Rap Life Africa featured artist. On Rap Life Radio, hosted by Ebro Darden, Nyovest joins Africa Now Radio’s Nandi Madida to discuss his latest single, Kusho Bani, now streaming on Apple Music. The episode also highlights Black Sherif and Fireboy DML’s collaboration on So It Goes and WoodBlock DJs’ remix of Skuta Baba, featuring a powerhouse lineup including Nyovest, Kwesta, and more. Tune in to Rap Life Radio on Apple Music 1 to catch all the latest hip-hop news and top tracks from around Africa.
LEBZA THE VILLAIN ON “ISGUBU”
Lebza The Villain Named Apple Music’s Latest Isgubhu Cover Star
Apple Music has announced Lebza The Villain as the latest cover star for Isgubhu, the platform’s flagship African dance music playlist. “Isgubhu represents the heartbeat of African dance music, and to be a face of that movement is special,” says Lebza. Known for his genre-blending sound, his latest EP, VOICELESS, is a four-track instrumental journey that highlights his signature production style. To mark the occasion, he has curated five tracks for the playlist, featuring artists like Caiiro, Thakzin, Shimza, and Jnr SA. Stream Isgubhu now on Apple Music to experience the evolution of Afro House and 3-step.
NEW MUSIC RELEASES THIS WEEK
Here’s A List Of Artists Who Dropped New Music This Week For You To Stream, Download & Buy
- Dami TNT “Supanova“
- Let’s Rock You x Mthokozisi Ndaba x Thato TT “iThemba Lami“
- Tyla x Sean Paul “Push 2 Start” Remix
- Yugoszn “N-Pop“
LIZETTE CHIRRIME’S SOLO EXHIBITION
This Solo Exhibition Explores Healing, Identity, and Self-expression Through Textile Art and Fashion
Lizette Chirrime’s solo exhibition, The Journey Within, opened on 10 February 2025 at HUB Gallery, Cape Town. Known for her large-scale textile artworks and fashion, Chirrime uses African prints to explore healing, identity, and resilience. Her work has been showcased globally, and select pieces are for sale. A special fashion show featuring her unique garments will be held on 21 February. The exhibition runs until 25 March.
THEBE MAGUGU DEBUTS THE MAGUGU F.C KIT
Zakes & Nandi Launch New Magugu F.C Training Kit With Exciting Collaboration News
Zakes Bantwini and Nandi Madida celebrate Valentine’s Day with the debut of the new Magugu F.C Training Kit. Available starting Friday, 14th February, at Magugu House and online, the kit features a Women’s League Magugu F.C Shift Dress with an Obi-Belt and a Men’s Pink Jersey. When purchasing, customers can have the player name on the back customized to match their purchase surname. Additionally, Zakes and Nandi will release their highly anticipated joint project later this year, adding to their growing collaboration.
TYLA’S NIKE ENDORSEMENT DEAL
South African Grammy Winner Hints At Potential Signature Shoe Collaboration
South African Grammy-winning sensation Tyla has officially signed an endorsement deal with Nike. This partnership is particularly meaningful for Tyla, who reminisces about wearing her brother’s Nike hand-me-downs during her upbringing. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I mean, I’m a Nike girl. I love the brand… Maybe a Tyla shoe? That would be fire” (billboardphilippines.com). This collaboration signifies Nike’s strategic expansion into African and global pop culture, with Tyla’s unique blend of Amapiano, Afrobeats, pop, and R&B resonating with a diverse, fashion-forward audience (soleretriever.com).
MTN BUSHFIRE FIREFLY APPLICATIONS
Igniting Eswatini’s Next Music Stars To Showcase Their Talent At The MTN Bushfire Festival
MTN Bushfire Firefly returns for its 8th edition, calling on Eswatini’s #YoungGiftedFree artists (16–35) to submit music for a chance to perform at the MTN Bushfire Festival (30 May–1 June 2025). Applications close 7 March. The competition has empowered 100+ emerging artists, offering exposure, career boosts, and prizes. The Top 20 are promoted online, with public voting determining the Top 10 for the Grand Finale (24 April).
Check out our TikTok page to see the latest events annoucements
RED BULL “TURN IT UP DJ SHOWDOWN
Top DJ teams To Battle In Themed Mixes Across Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town
Red Bull Turn It Up is set to debut in South Africa from 22 February to 15 March 2025, bringing an innovative DJ competition to Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. In this unique event, four DJ duos face off by creating impromptu mixes based on surprise themes revealed moments before their performance. Each battle consists of three rounds, with each round lasting approximately three minutes. The audience plays a pivotal role, voting for their favorite team using color-coded wristbands provided upon entry. The victorious duo must win two semi-final battles and the final round, earning the opportunity to deliver a one-hour closing set. Attendees must be at least 18 years old to participate in this crowd-judged event.
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