This week’s edition celebrates Africa’s vibrant creative pulse with fresh music releases, breakthrough fashion, inspiring film, dynamic media moments, and major festival announcements.
BABY MOMO RETURNS STRONG
Kufezekile II Explores Deeper Sounds, Emotions And Star Features
Rising Amapiano star Baby Momo released his second album Kufezekile II on 23 May 2025, building on the emotional depth and success of his debut. Known for his soulful production and storytelling, the project showcased his artistic growth and introduced a richer, more refined sound. The lead single “Ithemba,” featuring Dinky Kunene and Jay Sax, dropped on 2 May and offered a message of hope through lush harmonies and jazzy grooves. Featuring contributions from the late Yallunder, Mawhoo, and Artwork Sounds, Kufezekile II further solidified Baby Momo’s place as one of Amapiano’s most promising and heartfelt voices.
DYSTINCT ENTERS NEW ERA
Moroccan Star Drops Single With French Montana, Teases Album
DYSTINCT announces his third album, set to release in June 2025, marking a new chapter in his career. Following the massive success of “LAYALI” and global hit “Spider” with GIMS, DYSTINCT is diving deeper into his Moroccan roots. His first single, “Ya Baba” featuring French Montana, drops April 18 and explores the emotional weight of wealth, with Montana rapping in Moroccan for the first time. The track blends Arabic and English lyrics with Moroccan Gnawa and Afro Beat influences. Shot in Morocco, the video honors daily life and culture, signaling a personal, culturally rich journey through music.
TELEDALASE JOINS AFRICA RISING
Nigerian-American Singer Honored By Apple Music For Soulful Impact
Apple Music announced Nigerian-American singer-songwriter Teledalase as the latest feature in its Africa Rising artist development program. She expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, calling it a milestone in her journey. Influenced by icons like Bob Marley, Adele, and Sola Allyson, Teledalase’s sound combined soul, depth, and storytelling. She made her debut in 2022 with several singles and her first EP, The Ones Who Didn’t Die, Pt.1. Her Africa Rising spotlight arrived ahead of her anticipated new EP, The Bad Wife Has No Tongue. Teledalase’s feature also appeared on the Africa Rising Playlist, celebrating the continent’s emerging musical talent.
GEN Z SOUNDTRACK UNLEASHED
Zinoleesky’s Debut Album Blends Identity, Escapism And Global Influence
Zinoleesky released his long-anticipated debut album Gen Z on April 25, 2025, marking a powerful evolution from streetpop prodigy to introspective global artist. Crafted over two years, the album fused afropop, amapiano, trap, and R&B with influences from gaming and afro-futurism. Sung in Yoruba, Pidgin, and English, it tackled themes of identity, love, resilience, and success. Featuring artists like Ms Banks, Toosii, and Didi B, Gen Z highlighted Zinoleesky’s borderless vision and emotional storytelling. With charting singles like “Abanikanda,” the project reflected his cultural pride, vulnerability, and lyrical depth—securing his position as a generational voice shaping African youth culture globally.
TURNING PAIN INTO SOUND
UMngomezulu Channels Emotion Through Soulful, Healing Deep House EP
UMngomezulu, South Africa’s rising deep house star, returns with Turning Pain into Music, a powerful 7-track EP dropping 16 May 2025. Known for blending emotive storytelling with rhythmic depth, UMngomezulu explores themes of healing and resilience through sound. The lead single Ndizokulinda, featuring Cnethemba Gonelo and Brandon Dhludhlu, to be released on 09 May, is a soulful anthem of love and faith. With collaborations from French August, Gasa, and Crimora, the EP transforms pain into uplifting grooves and emotional resonance. Building on the success of The Healing Process, this project solidifies UMngomezulu’s place as a unique voice in Afro and deep house.
LUJU FESTIVAL RETURNS 2025
Eswatini’s Premier Food, Fashion, Music Experience Opens Ticket Sales
The 7th edition of the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival is set for 1–2 August 2025 at House On Fire, Eswatini. Ticket sales began on 24 April, with Early Bird options selling fast online and locally via Unayo WhatsApp Ticketing for Emaswati. Renowned for its Afro-futuristic theme “A Return to the African Future,” Luju offers a vibrant showcase of food, fashion, and music. The festival celebrates Southern Africa’s heritage with celebrity chefs, designers, and performers. It also supports local creatives, with opportunities for traders and artisans to apply via the festival website. Come #EatSwayLove in bold cultural style.
RUBICON UNVEILS SS25 COLLECTION
Ethereal Continuum Redefined African Elegance At SA Fashion Week
Rubicon debuted its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Ethereal Continuum, at South African Fashion Week, captivating audiences with a vision of timeless African elegance. The collection explored fashion as a bridge across eras, blending ancestral wisdom with celestial inspiration. Designed by Hangwani Nengovhela, the pieces featured fluid silhouettes, structured cuts, handwoven textures, and a palette of sun-washed neutrals and radiant golds. The show, held at The Forum in Hyde Park, celebrated the duality of movement and stillness, delicacy and strength. The collection was praised as a visual symphony of heritage and futurism, with notable guests including Kim Jayde, Minnie Dlamini, and Maps Maponyane.
Head to TikTok to see more announcements and event coverage.
ZANELE SHINES IN LONDON
SA Media Star Interviewed Sinners Cast, Wore Local Fashion
Award-winning South African media personality Zanele Potelwa attended the Sinners movie premiere in London, where she interviewed stars Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler, Hailee Steinfeld, and Wunmi Mosaku. Jordan reflected on his challenging dual role, while Coogler spoke about fusing personal memories into the film’s direction. Steinfeld and Mosaku highlighted the supportive cast dynamic. Zanele proudly wore South African brands, dazzling in IMPRINT on the red carpet and MaXhosa during interviews. Her coverage aired on Expresso and 5FM, with Warner Bros. Pictures South Africa behind the experience. Zanele described the opportunity as humbling, joyful, and unforgettable.
STIX MAKASANA GOES VIRAL
Hosh Mizuzu Drops With Music Video And Major Co-Sign
South African hip-hop newcomer Stix Makasana, born Siyabonga Matshoba, officially released his debut single “Hosh Mizuzu” along with a compelling music video. The 27-year-old artist from KwaNomzamo, Humansdorp, first gained attention in 2024 after his freestyle over Dee Koala’s “Spazz” instrumental went viral on TikTok with over 3 million views. The buzz caught the eye of legendary producer DJ Cleo, who signed him to Eskhaleni Music and praised him as SA’s next big thing. “Hosh Mizuzu” blends humor with real-life storytelling, detailing a home burglary experience. With DJ Cleo’s mentorship, Stix is poised to shake up the hip-hop landscape.
TELEDALASE TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT
Afropop Star Joined Nandi Madida On Africa Now Radio
On April 25th, Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida featured Nigerian Afropop artist Teledalase as the cover star. Joining via FaceTime, Teledalase discussed her powerful new single “Agbaya,” her thought-provoking EP The Bad Wife Has No Tongue, and how she balances her dual career as a nurse and musician. Recently named an Apple Music Africa Rising artist, her interview highlighted her artistry and rising influence. The episode also showcased the five hottest new African tracks from artists like Ayra Starr & Wizkid, Kabza De Small, and Tiwa Savage, offering listeners a pulse on the continent’s latest sounds.
SABBATICAL HITS CINEMAS NATIONWIDE
Karabo Lediga’s Directorial Debut Explores Ambition, Family And Secrets
SABBATICAL, Karabo Lediga’s feature directorial debut, premiered in cinemas nationwide on 9 May 2025. Produced by Diprente, the film starred Mona Monyane as Lesego, a rising executive whose career imploded after a scandal forced her back to her childhood home. There, she confronted long-buried family tensions with her formidable mother, played by Clementine Mosimane. Loyiso Gola surprised audiences in a serious role as a determined investigator. With rich visuals by Motheo Moeng and a soulful jazz score by Bokani Dyer, SABBATICAL delivered a layered, emotional story blending humour, suspense, and South African cultural textures — making it a powerful, must-see drama.
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