#LANews Radar #25 Featuring SunOrnza, DJ Sabby, Savanna And More

This edition features new music from SunOrnza, Marvin Sama, King Iced, and Yugoszn, alongside Carol Ofori’s podcast on resilience. Also covered are Tiwa Savage’s global impact, Nandi Madida’s Africa Now milestone, Jacaranda FM’s Youth Day takeover, and DJ Sabby’s township tribute. Savanna’s Durban July activation, art by Warhol and Stern, and the National Youth Jazz Festival are also highlighted.

SUNORNZA DEBUT EP

Afrotainment Duo Releases Potent Gqom Project Featuring Top Artist

Afrotainment introduces SunOrnza, a new female Gqom duo. Their debut EP, ‘SunOrnza’, features collaborations with artists like DJ Tira and Campmasters. The EP showcases their “individual strengths and versatility,” blending Gqom rhythms with empowering messages. It’s a “celebration of feminine power, street culture, and South African identity,” aiming to shift the genre’s male-heavy sound.

LISTEN TO THE EP HERE

MARVIN SAMA DEBUTS EP

Lesotho Artist Releases Ambient ‘Soundscape’ For Inner Exploration

Lesotho-born artist Marvin Sama released ‘Soundscape,’ a three-track ambient EP blending flute, guitar, piano, and vocals. The debut aims to transport listeners to a “state of feeling,” offering tranquility amidst chaos. Sama’s music encourages reflection and reconnection, serving as the first installment in a series of projects designed for inner exploration.

LISTEN TO THE EP HERE

KING ICED & YUGOSZN COLLAB

Artists Announce New Single, Following Recent Viral Successes

King Iced and Yugoszn will release their new single, “Feelings,” on June 27. King Iced, known for “Magic Fufu” and producing Famous Pluto’s “Ewo,” joins forces with Yugoszn. Yugoszn, whom we’ve interviewed for #LAChats, continues to gain global recognition from Connor Price’s “Spin the Globe” series with “Tombstone,” which garnered over 4 million streams and 20 million TikTok views.

PRE SAVE/ADD THE SINGLE HERE

CAROL OFORI’S PODCAST LAUNCH

New Podcast Highlights Stories Of Overcoming Adversity

Carol Ofori launches ‘The Comeback’ podcast, sharing “real stories of grit, grief, healing, and hope.” It features individuals, including Davina Nolas and Jes Foord, who triumphed over adversity like miscarriages and trauma. Carol states, “The Comeback is for anyone who needs to be reminded that no matter how hard life gets, it’s possible to rise again.” It offers listeners connection and resilience.

listen to the pODCAST HERE

TIWA SAVAGE’S GLOBAL IMPACT

Afrobeats Superstar Reflects On Career, Performances, And Viral Moments

Tiwa Savage joined Rebecca Judd on Apple Music 1, discussing her global impact as an Afrobeats star. She reflected on performing with major artists, including a “very special” viral moment with Usher at his O2 Arena show. Savage, known for her powerful vocals and genre-blending sound, continues to shape the global Afrobeats movement.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW HERE

JACARANDA FM YOUTH TAKEOVER

Station Mentors Next Generation Of Broadcasting Talent On Youth Day

Jacaranda FM’s #YouthDayTakeover mentored young broadcasters, offering on-air and behind-the-scenes experience. Aspiring presenters like Joy Fakude hosted flagship shows, receiving live guidance. Martin Bester stated, “These voices represent the future of our industry.” The initiative provided a “genuine training ground,” fostering storytelling and audience engagement for South Africa’s broadcasting future.

SEE MORE DETAILS HERE

NANDI MADIDA’S MILESTONE

Africa Now Radio Host Reaches 100 Episodes Amplifying African Music

Nandi Madida celebrates her 100th episode of Africa Now Radio on Apple Music 1, highlighting interviews and chart-toppers. She expresses pride in creating a home for African artists and listeners. Fellow artists like Oxlade and DBN Gogo praise Madida and the platform for championing and globalizing African music, underscoring its vital role in showcasing continental talent.

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE

DJ SABBY DROPS VISUALS

New Music Video Showcases Township Life And Local Businesses

DJ Sabby returns with his single “Shelele” and a vibrant music video. Featuring artists like Loki and LMK, the video celebrates “everyday heroes” and local businesses in township settings. It highlights themes of “community pride, resilience, and joy,” serving as a “soundtrack to all your victory moments,” emphasizing the importance of celebrating every achievement.

watch the music video HERE

SAVANNA DURBAN TAKEOVER

Brand To Host Exclusive Fashion, Comedy, And Cider Experiences

Savanna Premium Cider announces “The Weekend of Marvels,” a Durban July takeover from July 4-6. It features the exclusive Savanna Manor and a “Neat Speakeasy” at Greyville Racecourse with top comedians. Savanna also debuts “Marvels of Mzansi” fashion by Nao Serati, aiming to redefine luxury with wit and a focus on South African culture.

SEE MORE UPDATES HERE

WARHOL & STERN AUCTION

Modern And Contemporary Art Sale Features Iconic Global And Local Works

Strauss & Co’s June 24, 2025, Cape Town auction features 70 lots. Highlights include Andy Warhol’s Vesuvius (estimate R1.2–1.5 million), a 1985 screenprint reflecting mortality themes. Irma Stern’s Still Life with Lemons (estimate R2–3 million), painted in 1954, also features, showcasing her “indefatigable ambassador” status in South African art.

SEE MORE DETAILS HERE

GROUNDED PRACTICE EXHIBITION

South African Ceramics Exhibition Features Innovative Artworks At 100% Design Africa

The “Grounded Practice” ceramic exhibition, by House Union Block and Spier Arts Trust, features 63 artworks by 42 artists. A capsule collection will now be showcased at 100% Design Africa in Sandton from July 24-27. Curator Tamlin Blake states, “This show proves just how innovative and relevant they can be,” exploring themes of balance and sustainability through clay.

SEE MORE DETAILS HERE

NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL

Festival Celebrates South African Jazz History While Nurturing Future Tale

The National Youth Jazz Festival (NYJF) in Makhanda celebrates South African jazz, hosting over 300 young musicians and professional artists. The program features Siya Charles, the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz, and collaborations like Kujenga and The Gong Project. Festival Director Alan Webster highlights the NYJF as a crucial platform where “young people are inspired.”