This edition covers new music from Micle, Young Jonn, and TRESOR, plus insights into the Sony Photography and Filmmaker Awards. We also feature Mzansi Magic’s new reality series, Xoliswa Sithole’s documentaries, and Kizz Daniel’s radio spot. Rounding out the news are Stella Artois’ lifestyle launch and Kenya’s growing creative economy.
MICLE RELEASES NEW SINGLE
Nigerian Artist Micle Unveils New Single “KPO KPO DI”
Nigerian Afrobeats artist Micle has released his new single, “KPO KPO DI,” now airing across South African airwaves. The track offers a “feel-good rhythm that acknowledges both heritage and innovation,” reflecting his unique perspective and cultural pride. Micle, who started in a church choir, was inspired by his late girlfriend to pursue music full-time. The song is gaining traction on major streaming platforms, signaling his arrival in the Afrobeats scene.
TRESOR ISGHUBU COVER STAR
Apple Music Names TRESOR Latest Isgubhu Cover Star For June
Apple Music announced TRESOR as its latest Isgubhu cover star. “I am delighted and honoured to be on the cover of Isgubhu for June, as I aim to elevate African dance music here at home and globally,” TRESOR shared. His new single, “Naliya,” featuring Msaki and BATUNDI, celebrates this. The multi-award-winning artist also curated a playlist showcasing new African electronic music.
YOUNG JONN DROPS SINGLE
Young Jonn And Asake Collaborate On New High-Energy Single
Young Jonn, the Nigerian artist-producer, released his new single “CHE CHE,” featuring Asake, via Chocolate City Music. This high-energy track, anticipated to be a summer anthem, showcases their “great synergy,” as Young Jonnstates. Following his acclaimed album ‘Jiggy Forever,’ “CHE CHE” further solidifies Young Jonn’s reputation as a consistent Afrobeats hitmaker, blending confidence with catchy melodies. He’s set for a busy 2025 with global tour dates.
DJ 4KERTY AFRICA MIX
Apple Music’s Latest Africa Now DJ Mix Features Dj 4kerty
Apple Music released its June Africa Now DJ Mix, featuring Nigerian Dj 4kerty. Originating from Lagos, the Afrobeat selector and producer, who started his career in 2013, stated, “I started my DJ work on the streets of Lagos and I still rep as a street DJ because the street motivates me.” Known for dynamic sets and collaborations, Dj 4kerty promises “more projects coming in 2025.”
SONY PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS
Global Competition Celebrates Contemporary Photography, Offering Exposure And Prizes
The 19th Sony World Photography Awards are now open for free submissions on worldphoto.org. This prestigious competition celebrates contemporary photography, offering global exposure and opportunities across Professional, Open, Youth, and Student categories. New this year, the Professional competition includes “Insights” for winners, offering tailored industry guidance. The Student brief, “Together,” explores togetherness in various forms. Submissions close between November 2025 and January 2026, with winners receiving Sony equipment, cash prizes, and exhibition opportunities.
NFVF FUNDS XOLISWA SITHOLE
Filmmaker Selected To Develop Documentaries On Climate, Justice, And Incarceration
The NFVF has selected acclaimed filmmaker Xoliswa Sithole for its 2025 Documentary Slate funding. Her company, Nayanaya Pictures, will develop nine concepts, producing three full-length documentaries over three years. Sithole’s proposal, focusing on climate, youth incarceration, and LGBTQIA+ justice, stood out among over 60 applicants. This initiative empowers Black and women-led production companies, amplifying South African narratives globally and fostering industry transformation.
SONY HONOURS FILMMAKERS
Winners Announced For Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, Celebrating Global Talent
The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 honored four winners at Sony Pictures Studios, selected from over 11,750 submissions globally. Rossana Montoya (Colombia, Fiction), Juliet Klottrup (UK, Non-Fiction), Santiago O’Ryan & José Navarro (Chile, Animation), and Hayder Hoozeer & Franz Böhm (UK/Germany, Student) were recognized. The jury stated, “It is truly exciting to look toward the future of filmmaking through the eyes of this incredible group of winners.” Winners receive cash prizes, Sony equipment, and an immersive industry program.
MZANSI GUSH’LYF TO PREMIERE
New Reality Show Explores Car Spinners’ Lives, Journeys, And Passions
Mzansi Magic’s new reality show, Gush’lyf, premieres this August, delving into the lives of four fearless car spinners. More than just a stunt show, it explores their personal journeys, family dynamics, healing processes, and passions. Follow Ngozi, Dankie Darlie, Poroza, and Mzet as they navigate life’s challenges, culminating in a major national spinning showdown. Catch Gush’lyf Thursdays at 8 PM on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161).
KIZZ DANIEL ON AFRICA NOW
Nandi Madida Hosts Kizz Daniel On Africa Now Radio Episode
Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio, hosted by Nandi Madida, features Nigerian Afropop star Kizz Daniel this Friday, June 6th. He discusses his latest single, “Black Girl Magic,” and his EP, ‘Uncle K: Lemon Chase,’ also sharing how he navigates loss through songwriting. Madida will also present the week’s five hottest new African tracks. Tune in on Apple Music 1.
ZINOLEESKY RELEASES VIDEO
Street Pop Sensation Zinoleesky Unveils “Ayamase” Music Video With Ms Banks
Zinoleesky, the Billboard-charting artist, released the music video for his single “AYAMASE,” featuring UK rapper Ms Banks. From his ‘Gen Z’ album, which surpassed 100 million streams, the track is an “infectious melodic rap, street pop and afrobeats fusion.” The Lagos-shot video, directed by Mediakid, brings the song’s themes of “love, desire, and mutual respect” to life, celebrating West African street culture.
AYINOLUWA ON BILLBOARD LIST
Nigerian Lawyer Akinyemi Ayinoluwa Named To Billboard’s Top Music Lawyers
Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, founder of Hightower Solicitors & Advocates, made Billboard’s 2025 Top Music Lawyers list, the sole Nigerian lawyer recognized. He’s honored for his dedication to African music creators’ rights and empowerment, particularly producers like Magicsticks and Rexxie. His firm, renowned in Africa, advocates for “better representation, compensation, and visibility for behind-the-scenes creatives.” Ayinoluwa states, “This Billboard recognition… is a powerful reminder of why we began.”
KENYA CREATIVE ECONOMY RISES
U.S.-Kenya Forum Highlights Investment Opportunities In Creative Sector
The inaugural U.S.-Kenya Creative Economy Forum concluded, positioning Kenya as a prime destination for American investment. The forum showcased Kenya’s goal to double its creative economy’s GDP contribution to 10% by 2025. Marc Dillard of the U.S. Embassy noted, “Kenya’s creative industries already contribute at least five percent to the country’s GDP.” Opportunities exist in film, music, and sports, with a task force established to facilitate partnerships.
STELLA ARTOIS SERVES STYLE
Stella Artois Launches Exclusive Padel Lifestyle Experience
The Stella Artois Racquet Club launched, blending fashion, movement, and community. Celebrities like Thapelo Mokoena and Shekhinah attended the exclusive event in Johannesburg, celebrating the fusion of global tennis elegance with local padel culture. This new membership platform offers exclusive events, merchandise, and venue guides. As Estee Burger, Marketing Manager at Stella Artois, stated, “With the Racquet Club, we’re creating an on-trend, vibrant social experience.”
FUGARD’S MASTER HAROLD
Powerful Revival Of Athol Fugard’s Master Harold Takes The Stage
In honor of Athol Fugard, “Master Harold…and the Boys” is revived from June 11-28, directed by Warona Seane. Starring Sello Maake KaNcube, Lebohang Motaung, and Daniel Anderson, this production explores “how racism and bigotry seep into the hearts” of those in 1950s apartheid South Africa. Sello Maake KaNcube notes they “remember a writer who laid bare the intimate, often painful truths of apartheid.”
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