This edition highlights Apple Music’s Winter Warmers, Tretchikoff’s record-breaking sale, and Simphiwe Dana’s 20-year music celebration. Also featured: DJ Lag’s global sets, new NAF leadership, Hey Neighbour’s updated lineup, Soweto Fashion Week moments, and tributes to Presley Chweneyagae. Additional coverage includes art exhibitions, Heineken’s UCL finale, and Bapela’s debut on Muvhango.
APPLE MUSIC WINTER WARMERS
South African & global stars soundtrack cozy season vibes
Apple Music’s Winter Warmers initiative delivers curated playlists and exclusive DJ mixes to soundtrack the chill. Featuring local acts like Internet Girl, Thakzin and Demi Lee Moore, plus international stars like Taylor Swift and Brandon Lake, the collection invites listeners to embrace winter’s introspective mood. Expect “soul soothing” tunes, healing energy, and sonic warmth to carry you through the season.
MONKEY SHOULDER THREADS SOWETO
Whisky brand launches bold fashion battle at Soweto Fashion Week
Monkey Shoulder shook up Soweto Fashion Week 2025 as official pouring partner, debuting a VIP lounge-turned-art installation by George Mars and launching the Street Thread Battle—a design competition offering R20,000, mentorship with Fulu Rathumbu, and a runway debut. With Shamiso Mosaka hosting and a capsule collab from BLANK Collection, fashion met flavour in true Monkey Shoulder style.
TRETCHIKOFF BREAKS WORLD RECORD
Strauss & Co auction sees Lady from the Orient soar high
Strauss & Co set a new world record for Vladimir Tretchikoff with the R31.9 million sale of Lady from the Orient. The iconic 1955 portrait sparked a fierce 89-bid showdown, ultimately won by a phone bidder. This historic moment highlights continued global interest in South African art, with the auction’s total earnings exceeding R62.9 million across 100 modern pieces.
NAF APPOINTS NEW BOARD
National Arts Festival welcomes new board leadership rooted in Makhanda
The National Arts Festival appoints Prof Siphiwo Mahala as Chairperson and welcomes Keith Ngesi to its Board. Both Makhanda-born, they bring deep cultural ties and commitment to the festival’s legacy. Mahala aims to “shape new pathways” and ensure the festival’s growth, while Ngesi pledges to uphold its spirit of creativity, community, and artistic excellence.
SIGNATURES EXHIBITION OPENS
Exhibition honours “artists who have continued to create and share
Enduring Signatures, showing at Sasol Art Gallery from 19 May to 11 July 2025, celebrates persistent creatives from the Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts competition. Featuring works by returning artists, it highlights their resilience and unique styles. “Their persistence and unique voices are what make the art world vibrant and dynamic,” says Sasol Art Curator, Cate Terblanche.
NEW STRAUSS & CO PARTNERSHIP
New joint auction expands visibility for East Africa’s modern artists
Strauss & Co and Art Auction East Africa have partnered for a joint auction in Nairobi on 5 November 2025, combining modern and contemporary works from East Africa and beyond. Building on Danda Jaroljmek’s legacy, the partnership aims to strengthen the secondary art market and cultural exchange between regions. Consignments close 15 August, with works receivable in Nairobi, Johannesburg, or Cape Town.
PRESLEY CHWENEYAGAE HONOURED
NFVF pays tribute to Tsotsi star’s legacy and brilliance
The NFVF mourns the passing of Presley Chweneyagae, beloved Tsotsi star and multiple SAFTA winner, who died at age 40. From his early days in Mafikeng to Oscar-winning acclaim, Presley’s work across film, TV, and theatre defined South African storytelling. A mentor and advocate for youth in the arts, his legacy will inspire for generations to come.
BAPELA JOINS MUVHANGO CAST
Thabiso Bapela’s Letlotlo brings “honest, flawed” masculinity to screen
Thabiso Bapela joins Muvhango on 2 June as Letlotlo Maribe—a complex, emotionally layered character challenging ideas of masculinity and vulnerability. Known for his introspective acting, Bapela says, “This role is not about being right. It’s about being real.” As Muvhango nears its final season, Letlotlo arrives to provoke, reflect, and resonate with South African audiences.
WATENDAWILI JOIN APPLE MUSIC
Kenyan duo discuss “Beba” and independence with Nandi Madida
On Africa Now Radio this Friday, May 30, Nandi Madida chats with Kenyan Afropop duo Watendawili about their Xenia Manasseh collab “Beba,” their new album En Route, and embracing independence. The episode also spotlights the week’s hottest African tracks from Kizz Daniel, Braye, Samthing Soweto, and more.
BONGEZIWE MABANDLA RELEASES “THULA”
Afrohouse remix lyric video blends emotion with electronic soundscapes
Bongeziwe Mabandla has released a lyric video for the Lemon & Herb and Kaargo remix of “Thula,” originally a folk tribute to his mother from the 2023 album amaXesha. The Afrohouse rework is part of amaXesha Remixes, bridging acoustic and electronic styles. Released over Mother’s Day weekend, the video visually reflects the song’s organic-meets-digital feel.
DJ LAG REPRESENTS SOUTH AFRICA
Performs at EDC Las Vegas, joins global tour spotlighting African sound
DJ Lag performed two genre-blending sets at EDC Las Vegas on the Ubuntu by Bridges for Music stage, spotlighting African-rooted electronic music. Sharing the lineup with Uncle Waffles, Da Capo, Sarz, and more, he marked a cultural milestone. DJ Lag continues his global tour with upcoming shows across Europe, including Glastonbury, Fabric London, and DC10 Ibiza.
LEON THOMAS JOINS DOJA
Chart-topping soul star brings Grammy-winning roots to Hey Neighbour
Leon Thomas joins Doja Cat at Hey Neighbour Festival this August. Known for redefining R&B, the Grammy-winning artist blends classic soul with modern flair. From Broadway to Nickelodeon’s Victorious, to producing hits for Babyface and Toni Braxton, Thomas has evolved into a genre-shaping force. His recent releases, Electric Dusk and MUTT, further solidify his musical legacy.
OSKIDO RETURNS WITH BIG DAY
Big Day Out 2025 promises music, flavour, culture and nostalgia
Oskido’s Big Day Out returns this November, building on last year’s sold-out success with more artists, more flavour, and a bigger celebration of South African culture. Set in Johannesburg’s Linksfield, the 2025 edition will blend kwaito nostalgia with fresh house hits, immersive food zones, and iconic performances, creating a lifestyle festival that spans generations. Save the date: 29 November 2025.
CENTRAL CEE JOINS HEY NEIGHBOUR
UK rapper confirmed for Day One of August festival lineup.
Central Cee has been announced as the Day One headliner for Hey Neighbour Festival, set for August. The UK rapper, known for his rapid rise since 2021 and over a billion Spotify streams, joins the updated two-day festival format. This follows earlier news of Doja Cat and Leon Thomas closing Sunday. Central Cee’s set marks a major international booking.
SIMPHIWE DANA CELEBRATES LEGACY
Two-decade music journey honoured in powerful, soulful live shows
Simphiwe Dana marks 20 years since her debut Zandisile with celebratory concerts in Durban and Cape Town this June. Backed by 13 musicians, she’ll revisit her acclaimed discography, offering a reflective, spiritual journey through sound. Dana’s evolution as a soulful, socio-political voice will be spotlighted, celebrating her legacy as one of South Africa’s most distinct and impactful artists.
HEINEKEN HOUSE UCL VIEWING
Final event crowns campaign blending tech, sports icons, and fan passion
Heineken® wraps its 2025 UEFA Champions League campaign with the Heineken House Final Viewing Experience in South Africa. The season featured innovations like the Social Screen, the Gameplan sit-in with Lucas Radebe, and a Trophy Tour with Bastian Schweinsteiger. The final event celebrates legacy, innovation, and fan community, echoing Heineken’s 33-year association with the Champions League.
PANTONE SUNDAYS MOCHA MOUSSE
Archive joins four-day fashion, music and art experience in Braamfontein
Pantone Sundays presents “Mocha Mousse,” a four-day winter edition running 5–8 June 2025 in Braamfontein. In partnership with Archive, the event includes an opening night, Matcha Bar activation, Photo Journal Zine Workshop, and the signature Pantone Sundays celebration at 5 De Beer Street. Rooted in art, fashion, and music, it showcases Archive’s bold Autumn/Winter ’25 collection.
Head to TikTok to see more announcements and event coverage.
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