This week’s highlights celebrate African excellence across music, performance, and culture — from Phindi P’s live gospel recording and Kwesta’s legacy album to Dlala Thukzin and Erigga’s Apple Music spotlights, Corona’s global beach guide honoring SA shores, and a powerful Shakespeare-meets-Africa showcase in Stellenbosch.
SHAZAM VIRAL CHARTS LAUNCHED
Real-Time Chart Tracks Fastest-Rising Songs Across 42 Countries
Shazam has launched the Shazam Viral Charts, a dynamic new feature tracking the world’s fastest-growing songs. Updated daily on Shazam and Apple Music, the charts rank tracks by weekly Shazam growth—spotlighting hits from viral TikToks, TV moments, and rediscovered classics. With a global Top 50 and 42 national Top 25s, the charts capture how music trends spread today. From underground gems to nostalgic comebacks, the Shazam Viral Charts offer fans a real-time lens into global music discovery.
THUKZIN COVERS ISGUBHU
Dlala Thukzin Spotlights Afro-Tech With New Apple Feature
Apple Music named Dlala Thukzin the latest Isgubhu cover star, celebrating his genre-blending mastery of Gqom, Afro-Tech, and House. Rising from humble beginnings, the DJ-producer gained fame in 2016 with Babes Wodumo’s Umngan’wami. His hit iPlan went Double Platinum, and his new EP 031 Studio Camp Vol. 2 continues to evolve his sound. The project features top local talent and reflects his deep creative roots. Thukzin also curated tracks for the exclusive Isgubhu playlist, spotlighting Africa’s vibrant electronic music scene.
ERIGGA HEADLINES RAP LIFE
Nigerian Rap Star Shares GOAT Album On Apple Music
Apple Music named Nigerian rapper Erigga as the May featured artist on Rap Life Africa. Celebrated for his raw lyricism and street wisdom, Erigga joins Ebro Darden and Nandi Madida to discuss his seventh studio album, GOAT. The project blends introspection with hard-hitting beats, featuring Bella Shmurda, Phyno, and others. Known for his pidgin-powered bars and Warri roots, Erigga’s return marks a major moment in African hip-hop. The episode also highlights Nasty C and Kwesta’s upcoming releases.
KWESTA DROPS “BIG BRO”
New Album Honors Legacy, Growth, And Hip-Hop Brotherhood
South African hip-hop icon Kwesta has released his 12-track album The Big Bro Theory, described as a personal “homecoming” and tribute to his 18-year journey. Featuring collaborations with Blxckie, Amanda Black, Nkosazana Daughter, Blaq Diamond, and more, the album blends classic and experimental sounds. Kwesta reflects on his growth, leadership, and the culture that shaped him. The Big Bro Theory stands as both a legacy project and a salute to the community that helped elevate his status.
TRETCHIKOFF ICON HITS AUCTION
Strauss & Co Showcases Rare Works At April 2025 Auction
Strauss & Co will auction Lady from the Orient by Vladimir Tretchikoff on 27 April 2025 in Johannesburg, with an estimate of R5–7 million. Painted in 1955, this iconic portrait blends Eastern motifs with Hollywood glamour. Its model, Valerie Howe, became a symbol of mid-century art. Widely reproduced and beloved, the work cemented Tretchikoff’s popularity. Also featured is Springboks v Wales. Both pieces will be previewed at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair and Strauss & Co’s Houghton gallery.
SEEKING MOUNT ANALOGUE’S TRUTH
Vela Projects Explores Nature As Metaphor In Debut Show
Vela Projects debuts with Mount Analogue, a group exhibition inspired by René Daumal’s metaphysical novel. Featuring Cheryl Traub-Adler, Samuel Moscou, Nada Baraka, and Tzung Hui Lauren Lee, the show explores nature not as subject, but as spiritual metaphor. Echoing Daumal’s quest for a mythical mountain linking the seen and unseen, the works offer luminous surfaces that reward deeper reflection. Each piece invites viewers to see beyond the obvious—toward hidden meanings, mystical truths, and the overlooked magic in the natural world.
DIEPE GROND HITS CAPE
Award-Nominated Karoo Exhibition Challenges Perception Through Artistic Terrain
Diepe Grond – an extract, curated by Liza Grobler, travels from the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees to Cape Town’s HUB Gallery from 5 May to 22 July 2025. Inspired by Reza de Wet’s provocative play, the exhibition interrogates human relationships with land, identity, and myth. Through immersive visuals rooted in the Karoo’s landscape, it blurs boundaries between fact and fiction. Presented by Spier Arts Trust, the show continues its acclaimed run, fostering dialogue and transformation through contemporary South African art.
FUELED BY FAMILY LOVE
Adidas Campaign Highlights Rele’s Rise Through Parental Support
adidas’ Plus One Effect returns with a powerful second episode spotlighting South African football prodigy Relebohile Mofokeng. The 20-year-old Orlando Pirates winger shares how unwavering support from his parents, Naomi and Sechaba, helped shape his journey from Soweto streets to the national team. The campaign reveals how strong sideline support can fuel confidence and resilience. Rooted in love, sacrifice, and belief, Rele’s story is a tribute to the power behind every athlete’s success — their Plus One.
SA BEACHES GLOBALLY RATED
Corona Celebrates SA’s Beaches In Global Sun-Rated Guide
As Corona celebrates its 100th anniversary, South Africa’s beaches were honoured in the inaugural Corona Beach 100global guide. Using a unique “Sun Rating” system, the list highlighted Kraalbaai in Langebaan with three suns for its untouched beauty. Boulders Beach received two suns, while Nature’s Valley and Camps Bay earned one sun each. Curated by global experts, the guide celebrates beach destinations that inspire travel and connection with nature. Local Corona 100 celebrations are planned to mark this milestone.
REBELLION RETURNS TO MAKANDA
Festival Blends Protest, Magic, Movement And Global Creative Voices
The 2025 National Arts Festival in Makhanda, running 26 June–6 July, marks a bold return to its rebellious roots. Audiences can expect a charged programme of local and global works that protest, celebrate, and imagine through dance, theatre, music, and performance art. Highlights include Cape Ballet Africa’s SALT, cross-continental collaborations like Magic Maids, powerful new theatre, and returning crowd favourites. The Festival spotlights young artists, collectives, and fringe works—offering an immersive cultural escape infused with radical expression and reflection.
HINDI P GOES LIVE
Grace Notes Celebrates Faith, Growth, And Musical Reinvention Live
Gospel sensation and Ukhozi FM host Phindi P is set to record her new live album, Grace Notes, on 30 May 2025 at Durban’s Playhouse Theatre. Blending intimate worship, personal storytelling, and a bold sonic evolution, this live experience will debut original tracks and feature guest artists Sbu Noah, Putuma Tiso, and David Dee. Grace Notesreflects Phindi P’s journey of faith and growth, offering fans a soul-stirring evening of music and inspiration. Tickets available via Webtickets and Pick n Pay.
SHAKESPEARE REIMAGINED IN SONG
African Artists Reinterpret Sonnets With Song, Storytelling And Wine
My Lover Swears: Sonnets and Song is a one-night-only performance blending Shakespeare’s sonnets with African song, poetry, and storytelling. Featuring acclaimed talents Tholwana Dyosopu and Siphokazi Jonas, this intimate evening takes place on Friday, 30 May 2025, at Vergenoegd Löw in Stellenbosch. Guests will also enjoy a Cape-inspired three-course dinner paired with wines by Vusi Dalicuba. Presented by Vergenoegd Löw and the Tsikinya-Chaka Centre, the event includes an isiXhosa translation by UCT’s Sanele kaNtshingana. Tickets are R1 000.
Head to TikTok to see more announcements and event coverage.
FELIX HLOPHE UNFILTERED PREMIERE
Comedian Balances Culture, Fame And Family In Reality Series
Life with Felix premieres on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) on May 8 at 20:00, offering an intimate look into the life of comedian Felix Hlophe. The new reality show captures his heartfelt journey as he juggles Zulu traditions, family responsibilities, and the pressures of public life. With a mix of humour, emotion, and authenticity, Felix invites viewers into his personal world like never before. Don’t miss this entertaining and relatable glimpse into life beyond the stage.
AFRICA NOW: HEVI SPOTLIGHT
Hevi Discussed EP, Inspirations And Shared “My Rider” Insights
On May 9, Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida featured Tanzanian Afro-fusion star HEVI as the cover star. HEVI joined via FaceTime to discuss her latest single, “My Rider,” her self-titled EP, and how she represents Tanzania musically. Nandi also spotlighted the week’s five hottest African tracks, featuring music from BNXN, The Cavemen., Mas Musiq, Daliwonga & DJ Maphorisa, The Majeek, Shoday & Camidoh, and Freddie Gambini & Tikki Waja. The episode aired globally on Apple Music 1.
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