This edition covers new music from Gr8ful and Rouge, Apple Music’s spotlight on African talent, and Many Libuta’s art exhibition. It also recaps the Hollywoodbets Durban July with Carol Ofori, Windhoek Beer, and JC Le Roux, highlights the SAMPRA-Muziki Africa partnership, features Samthing Soweto’s interview, and previews the Luju Festival.
GR8FUL DROPS NEW SINGLE
Rising Rap Star Releases B.O.C Featuring Kulture Gang And Herc
Rising rap star Gr8ful released his new single, “B.O.C (Ball on a Cheque),” featuring Kulture Gang and produced by Herc Cut the Lights. Gr8ful describes the track as “about moving with confidence, claiming what’s yours, unapologetically.” This high-energy trap banger showcases Gr8ful’s dynamic style and Kulture Gang’s gritty Afrikaans rap, marking a significant collaboration.
ROUGE DROPS A “JUICY” ANTHEM
New Single Features Nadia Nakai, Moozlie; Celebrates Feminine Confidence
South African rapper Rouge has released “Juicy,” a “bass-heavy, high-energy anthem” featuring Nadia Nakai and Moozlie. The track, produced by Wichi 1080, celebrates “feminine confidence, lyrical mastery, and unapologetic swagger.” Rouge states, “It’s about owning who you are, not holding back, and celebrating the power of women in this space.”
APPLE MUSIC SPOTLIGHTS AFRICAN TALENT
Up Next Program Highlights Four Diverse African Artists
Apple Music’s Up Next program spotlights four African artists: PSILK (South Africa), Braye (Nigeria), Jubed (Ghana), and Bruce Africa (East Africa). These artists represent diverse genres, from electronic pop to reggae, soul, and Afrobeat, with Braye stating his aim is “creating music people can hold on to.” The initiative champions emerging talent across the continent.
MORE MUSIC ON OUR RADAR
New Music To Check Out This Week
- “Mpulele” by SjavasDaDeejay x Lesgo966 x Syfred Mckay
- “IS IT” by Tyla
- “Piki Piki” by KMAT x Shaunmusiq x Khalil Harrison x Moonchild Sanelly
- “Banyathele” by Atmos Blaq
- “Oh, Hello” by Karyendasoul
- “Stixx 100% Production Mix Durban July 2025” by Stixx
- “Love Theory” by Judy Jay x Oscar Mbo
MANY LIBUTA’S NEW EXHIBITION
Art Explores Environmental Choices Through The Red Apple
Congolese-born South African artist Many Libuta’s “The Red Apple” exhibition opens at Sisonke Gallery, Cape Town, on July 5. The show visually meditates on “temptation and environmental consequence,” reframing the Adam and Eve story to address ecological collapse. Libuta states, “When we destroy nature, we destroy ourselves,” aiming for visitors to feel deeply connected to nature.
CAROL OFORI DAZZLES DURBAN JULY
Broadcaster Celebrates South African Culture Through Fashion And Hosting
Award-winning broadcaster Carol Ofori showcased “fashion, flair, and South African excellence” at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. She wore three custom ‘Marvels of Mzansi’ looks, designed by KwaZulu-Natal’s The Fifth, honouring the Protea, South African arts, and feminine resilience. Ofori also MCed, adding “warmth and wit” to the event.
SAMPRA PARTNERS WITH MUZIKI AFRICA
Championing Performer Rights For A Sustainable African Music Future
The South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) partners with FAME Week Africa’s Muziki Africa (1-6 September 2025, Cape Town) to “celebrate, elevate and advocate for the incredible talent that defines the African music industry.” This collaboration aims to empower musicians regarding compensation, licensing, and creative control in a surging global market. Muziki Africa will provide essential rights management tools.
WINDHOEK CELEBRATES MZANSI SPIRIT
Beer Brand Creates Marvellous Safari Oasis At Durban July
Windhoek Beer’s “Marvellous Safari Oasis” at the Hollywoodbets Durban July offered “cold refreshment and an unfiltered tribute to the spirit of Mzansi.” The marquee, aligned with the ‘Marvels of Mzansi’ theme, provided a luxurious escape for guests. Brand Manager Thato Mothibedi stated, “The Marvellous Safari Oasis honoured the textures, flavours and rhythms that embody the spirit of South Africa, and it was a success.”
JC LE ROUX SHINES AT DURBAN JULY
Sparkling Wine Brand Celebrates Individuality At Durban July
JC Le Roux, South Africa’s sparkling wine house, brought “main character energy” to the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025. Their “Marvellously You” marquee celebrated individuality and joy, aligning with the ‘Marvels of Mzansi’ theme. Siphokazi Solani noted the lounge “became a sanctuary where guests unwound, reconnected and enjoyed the moment.” The experience included tastings, fashion, and vibrant entertainment.
SAMTHING SOWETO DISCUSSES NEW MUSIC
Afro-Soul Artist Talks Album, Single, And Weight Loss
South African Afro-Soul artist Samthing Soweto spoke with Nandi Madida on Apple Music 1 about his new single “Ama Get Down” and album, “Touch Is A Move (Good Morning).” He discussed incorporating audio drama, his song “Deda,” and his recent weight loss journey, offering insights into his latest creative and personal developments.
LUJU FESTIVAL RETURNS AUGUST 2025
Eswatini Event Celebrates African Culture, Food, Fashion, Music
The 7th Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival is on August 1-2, 2025, in Eswatini. This Southern African event celebrates “the sophistication and elegance of African style, cultures, creative design and delicacies,” aligning with its “Return to the African Future” ethos. It will feature chefs, fashion designers, and musicians, with culinary and fashion themes of “The Forgotten Seeds” and “Threads of Time.”
MORE EVENTS ON OUR RADAR
Events To Check Out This Week
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