This edition covers BLOKENT’s debut single, Falz’s Rap Life Africa spotlight, and Kamo Mphela’s Youth Day release. Also featured are the NFVF’s funding clarification, Ayra Starr and TxC’s BET Award wins, and exhibitions at Spier and Strauss & Co. Additional highlights include the FIFA halftime show, GRAMMYs rule updates, and Courvoisier’s World Cognac Day celebration.
BLOKENT DROPS NEW ANTHEM
“Get The Bag” Unites Artists For Ultimate Hustler’s Anthem
BLOKENT released their debut single, “Get The Bag,” on June 12th via BLOK RECORDS. Featuring Moolah Greenz and Jeriq, the track is an anthem for hustlers, produced by 911Towerz. BLOKENT shares, “‘Get The Bag’ is all about ambition and the grind. It’s for everyone who is putting in the work to make their dreams come true.” The song encourages relentless pursuit of success.
FALZ LEADS RAP LIFE
Nigerian Rapper Featured Artist For Apple Music’s Rap Life Africa
Apple Music announced Falz as June’s featured artist for “Rap Life Africa.” The Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and producer discusses his sixth studio album, “The Feast,” calling it his “most layered, grown, and expressive body of work to date.” Falz shared, “It’s an incredible honour to be the Rap Life Africa cover star,” highlighting hip-hop as a powerful tool for storytelling and self-expression.
KAMO MPHELA DROPS PARTII
Viral Amapiano Hit Released On Youth Day For Global Celebration
South African Amapiano artist Kamo Mphela officially released her viral hit “Partii” on June 16, Youth Day. The song gained over 90 million views on social media, sparking a dance trend. Mphela stated, “I’ve been travelling, performing and dancing to Partii in the streets – watching how people instantly light up when they hear the song has been so powerful.” The track celebrates youth, energy, and global connection.
NTLOKO’S BROWN SERIES DEBUTS
Art Exploring Identity, Memory, And Belonging Through Colour
Created in late 2024, Masonwabe Ntloko’s “The Brown Series” uses acrylic and fine liner to explore the color brown as both a palette and a symbol of Blackness. Through minimalist compositions, the series invites introspection, celebrating Black and brown life. It stands as “a tender yet resolute celebration of Black and brown life,” reflecting “resilience, dignity, and the unyielding spirit that continues to shape Black experience and expression.”
NFVF CLARIFIES FUNDING
Supporting South African Filmmakers Through Fair, Transparent Funding Processes
The NFVF affirmed its commitment to fair funding after filmmaker Weaam Williams’ comments. The Foundation detailed R2,409,000 in support provided to Williams since 2015 across various projects, highlighting their dedication to local filmmakers. They stated, “Her most recent application was not approved due to the competitive nature of the process and budgetary limits.” Funding decisions are based on merit, viability, and impact, ensuring transparency.
CAPITEC HONOURS CREATIVITY
Celebrating Emerging African Design Talent At Decorex Cape Town
Capitec launched its inaugural Rising Star Award at Decorex Cape Town, celebrating innovation in African design. The Hungry Mute, founded by Makomborera Mutezo, won for its handcrafted brownies, receiving R30,000. Mutezo stated, “Winning this award is more than recognition—it’s a catalyst.” Tusk Studio was runner-up. The award highlights Capitec’s commitment to fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in the sector
AYRA STARR & TXC TRIUMPH
African Artists Shine Bright At BET Awards 25th Anniversary
South African Amapiano duo TxC won “Best New International Act” and Nigeria’s Ayra Starr secured “Best International Act” at the BET Awards 2025. This marked a significant moment for African music’s global impact. Monde Twala, Paramount Africa & Lead BET International SVP, stated, “Africa continues to be a driving force in shaping global culture. The wins by TxC and Ayra Starr are a testament to the continent’s creative excellence and influence.”
K.O. DISCUSSES ‘PHARA CITY’
New Album And Collaborations Explored On Apple Music’s Africa Now
South African hip-hop artist K.O. discussed his new album, “Phara City,” and the single “Supernova” on Apple Music 1’s “Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida.” He also addressed Teargas’s legacy and album collaborations. The episode, which aired on June 13th, also featured the week’s top five hottest new African tracks.
FIFA CLUB HALFTIME SHOW
Stars Unite For Inaugural FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show
J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems will headline the first FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium. The event supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million for children’s education and football access, with $1 from every ticket donated. J Balvin stated, “It’s a historic moment—for me, for Latin culture, and for every kid who dreams big.”
TXC RETURNS HOME TRIUMPHANT
South African DJ Duo Celebrated After Historic BET Award Win
South African DJ duo TxC received a jubilant welcome at OR Tambo International Airport after winning “Best New International Act” at the 2025 BET Awards. MEC Matome Chiloane praised their global impact, stating, “TxC’s victory is a proud moment for South Africa and the African continent.” TxC expressed gratitude, dedicating the award to “every young African creative with a dream,” acknowledging fans and their team.
GRAMMYS ANNOUNCE CHANGES
Key Dates, Deadlines, And Rule Amendments For 68th Annual Ceremony
The Recording Academy announced key dates and rule amendments for the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 1, 2026. Nominations will be revealed November 7, 2025. Changes include expanded eligibility for Best New Artist, new country and packaging categories, and broadened physical product eligibility. CEO Harvey Mason jr. stated, “The Academy’s top priority is to represent the music people that we serve each year.”
COURVOISIER’S CELEBRATION
Unforgettable Evening Of Cognac, Food, And Connections
Courvoisier SA celebrated World Cognac Day with influencers and partners in Sandton. Guests enjoyed an intimate cognac and food pairing led by new in-house ambassador Katlego ‘Pablo’ Motau. The event, reflecting the brand’s ‘Joie De Vivre’ tagline, highlighted Courvoisier’s heritage and craftsmanship. Fortune Digomo, Brand Manager, stated, “This wasn’t just a dinner it was a celebration of heritage, innovation, and the joyful essence of cognac.”
SPIER’S CERAMICS EXHIBITION
Exploring Balance, Belonging, And The Beauty Of Clay
Spier Wine Farm’s ‘Grounded Practice’ ceramics exhibition, curated by Tamlin Blake, features 63 artworks by 42 South African artists. The exhibition explores stability, sustainability, and self-reflection. Blake noted, “What came through, almost overwhelmingly, was a sense of instability… Many artists were using their practice to find their footing again, to reestablish a sense of balance and belonging.” The show emphasizes clay’s power for emotional release and connection to the earth.
ENGEN COLLECTION AT AUCTION
Highlighting A Crucial Chapter In South African Art History
Strauss & Co will host a live virtual auction of “The Engen Collection” on June 24th at 2 pm. This collection, originally the Mobil collection, features paintings, tapestries, and more from the 1980s, showcasing South African abstract art. It includes works by Bill Ainslie and Andrew Verster, among others, offering insights into the art historical period. Engen CEO George Roberts stated, “The Engen Collection… has been a treasured part of our company’s story for many years.”
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