This week we cover soulful music, bold art, and cultural highlights—from Majola’s folk debut to Zayo’s Amapiano love anthem, plus Hollywood’s hidden scandals.
JABULILE MAJOLA SPOTLIGHTED
Apple Music Honors Afro-Folk Artist’s Intimate, Faith-Filled Debut
Apple Music has named Afro-Folk artist Jabulile Majola as its latest Up Next South Africa feature. Known for his emotive storytelling and delicate soundscapes, Majola releases Isitifiketi—a debut EP exploring faith, memory, and identity. Raised in a KwaZulu-Natal children’s home, Majola’s music reflects his upbringing and spiritual journey. Developed by Quiet Life Co and distributed by PLATOON, the EP blends folk and traditional sounds. He joins a global class of emerging talent celebrated on Apple Music’s genre-defying Up Next playlist.
ZAC NKOSI UNLEASHES DUAL DROP
Two Genre-Bending Singles Explore Chaos, Desire And Sonic Depths
Zac Nkosi released two new singles, “NIRVANA” and “BNDZ,” on May 16th, 2025. “NIRVANA,” featuring Reverie and produced by Cedwood, delivered a cinematic journey through nightlife indulgence, spiritual detachment, and emotional vice. “BNDZ,” co-produced with Prod.ByMJ, explored Sexy Drill with seductive storytelling and a hypnotic beat. Both tracks showcased Nkosi’s lyrical depth and sonic range, cementing his role as a versatile, genre-blurring artist pushing the boundaries of modern hip hop and alternative soundscapes.
LAUD HONORS LOVE LOUDLY
Melokuhle Album Celebrates Fatherhood, Friendship, Resilience And Devotion
South African artist Laud releases Melokuhle, a touching album rooted in love, friendship, and fatherhood. Inspired by his friend’s unwavering bond with his daughter Melokuhle, the album reflects on resilience and the silent strength of distant dads. With standout track Ingane Yami, Laud gives voice to the unseen struggles and joys of fatherhood. More than music, Melokuhle is a tribute to enduring love and connection, crafted to resonate with anyone navigating the complex journey of parenting and emotional legacy.
ZAYO UNVEILS GLOBAL SOUND
Amapiano-Driven Love Song Unites Africa’s Biggest Music Voices
Mystery artist Zayo debuts with Amazwe, an Amapiano-infused love anthem featuring Mthunzi, Sho Madjozi, and Sfundo. Blending Afro-pop and R&B, the single celebrates unity and enduring love across borders. Zayo aims to connect African cultures globally through genre-fluid music and high-profile collaborations. Mthunzi’s vocals bring emotional depth, Sho Madjozi adds bold energy, and Sfundo ties it together with melody. Amazwe is both a musical introduction and a vision statement of pan-African creativity and global ambition.
DR.VIBEZ TO DROP SHAKARA
Afro-urban single blends street energy with emotional storytelling
Officially releasing on May 21, 2025, Shakara is Dr.Vibez’s vibrant Afro-urban anthem that captures the playful tension of modern love. Blending street rhythms with smooth melodies, the Port Harcourt native explores themes of pride, pursuit, and sincerity in relationships. With catchy hooks and vivid storytelling, the track reflects the dance between bravado and vulnerability. It’s a bold celebration of authenticity that resonates on and beyond the dance floor, marking Dr.Vibez as a rising voice for the streets.
GALXBOY HITS SANDTON STRONG
Streetwear Giant Opens Flagship Store In South Africa’s Capital
South African streetwear brand GALXBOY opened its flagship store in Sandton, Johannesburg, marking its 14th retail location. Founded by Thatiso Dube in 2008, the brand has grown from an underground label into a celebrated symbol of African youth culture and fashion. The sleek, modern store reflects GALXBOY’s rebellious edge and cultural pride, offering signature collections and exclusive drops. Positioned in Africa’s wealthiest district, this bold move signals GALXBOY’s ambition to fuse street style with commercial power and global relevance.
“STRUCTURES” SHAPE NEW WORLDS
JCAF Exhibition Explores Architecture, Identity, Memory And Migration Narratives
The Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation (JCAF) presents Structures, the second in its Worldmaking trilogy, running from 31 May to 15 November 2025. This exhibition explores the built environment’s impact on identity, heritage, and memory through immersive works by artists and architects from the Global South. From reconstructed installations and edible cities to political monuments and indigenous narratives, Structures examines how physical spaces carry social meaning. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how we shape our world and how it, in turn, shapes us.
MATRIARCHAL LEGACIES ON DISPLAY
Virtual Exhibition Explores Intergenerational Wisdom Through Six Women Artists
Art lovers worldwide can now explore Hlukanisa, uHlanganise virtually, an exhibition curated by Mpumi Mayisa at The Melrose Gallery. Featuring six female artists, the show delves into matrilineal knowledge transfer through mediums such as painting, textiles, sculpture, and digital art. Central to the experience is a conversation with cultural icon Dr Esther Mahlangu. The exhibition unpacks the interplay between heritage, identity, and innovation, offering a rich reflection on how women preserve and evolve cultural legacies across generations.
ART SHAPES GLOBAL DIALOGUE
RMB Latitudes Talks Spotlight Africa’s Role In Global Creativity
As South Africa prepares to host the G20, RMB Latitudes Art Fair presents a future-forward Talks Programme curated by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA). Set in Johannesburg’s Latitudes Live Lounge, the series explores global creative currents—from Africa to Asia and beyond—highlighting digital innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, and visionary artistic leadership. With international speakers and immersive experiences by partners Zorora Connect and Bang & Olufsen, the programme positions art as a powerful agent in shaping conversation, connection, and cultural influence on a global scale.
SAVANNA NEAT MAKES A STATEMENT
Mzansi’s Bold Fashion Gala Blends Style, Comedy And Culture
On 10 May, the Savanna Neat Gala brought high fashion and humour to Johannesburg’s Houghton Hotel, offering a local remix of the Met Gala with a “Supahfine: Tailoring in Neat Style” theme. The black carpet was graced by celebrities, comedians, and influencers dressed to impress, celebrating the bold spirit of Savanna Neat cider. With luxe looks, comedic flair, and cultural pride, the gala marked Savanna’s stylish leap into premium storytelling—fusing fashion, flavour, and South African flair in a signature cultural moment.
NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL RETURNS
Eleven-Day Creative Celebration Brings Theatre, Music, Dance, Literature
The 2025 National Arts Festival returns to Makhanda from 26 June to 6 July, showcasing a powerful mix of theatre, dance, music, and literature. Newly announced highlights include Oscar Buthelezi’s Road, Musa Hlatshwayo’s Portals and Petals, and acclaimed group The Soil. The Fringe features standout performances like Afropocolypse and Yangthola!, while Lit Fest hosts icons such as John Kani and Jerry Mafokeng. With affordable tickets now available online, the Festival promises bold stories and unforgettable artistry from South Africa and beyond.
Head to TikTok to see more announcements and event coverage.
HOLLYWOOD’S DARKEST SECRETS
New Series Exposes Scandals, Crimes And Trauma Behind Fame
Investigation Discovery launched HOLLYWOOD DEMONS, a six-part series uncovering fame’s sinister side. Having premiered on May 16 on ID Africa, each two-hour episode delved into real-life scandals, abuse, and tragedies involving stars and iconic shows. From Stephen Collins’s shocking downfall to child stars turned criminals, the series featured emotional testimonies and expert insights. Episodes explored cursed dynasties like the Von Erichs, the dark reality of Power Rangers, and the perils faced by Real Housewives, revealing the toll of fame behind Hollywood’s glittering facade.
KOJO BLAK TAKES SPOTLIGHT
Nandi Madida Hosts Kojo Blak and Africa’s Hottest Tracks
On this week’s Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida, Ghanaian Afro-fusion artist Kojo Blak joins the show to discuss his new single “Excellent” featuring Kelvyn Boy, and his EP 131, delving into music’s role in his family and the legacy he hopes to create. The episode also spotlights Africa’s hottest tracks from artists like Nicole Elocin, Mr Pilato, Kabelo Sings, and more. Tune in Friday, May 16, on Apple Music 1 or via select African radio partners.
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