This edition covers Kasango’s global agency deal, SABC’s prime-time overhaul, and Emtee’s Loxion Kulca partnership. We track IShowSpeed’s viral SA tour, the 2025 “Wrapped” evolution, and major milestones for Moliy, Adekunle Gold, and Pleasure Tša Manyalo alongside a massive international touring surge.

Coverage from 29 December 2025 to 04 December 2026

Announcements Shaping The Week

Kasango Signs To Paris’ Booking & Managament Consultancy “All Around Agency”

All Around Agency secured South African house DJ Kasango for exclusive representation across French-speaking territories. The agency will manage the DJ’s bookings and career development specifically within these regions. Kasango is recognized for his “high-energy performances” and contributions to the country’s vibrant house music circuit.

SABC 2 Announces February Relaunch With Flagship Telenovela “Pimville“

SABC 2 confirmed a programming overhaul launching on 9 February 2026, headlined by the new Soweto-based telenovela Pimville. The “New Era” programming introduces Eintlik Let’s Connect at 16h30, Afrikaans Nuus at 18h30, Ouma Sarie at 19h00, Deal or No Deal at 19:30, Pimville at 21h00, and Colour Your Plate with KOO on Sundays at 19h00. Full programming will be revealed on 29 January 2026.

New Show “Playlist @ Moloko” To Claim SABC 1’s Iconic Friday 9PM Slot This January

SABC 1 announced the launch of “Playlist @ Moloko” set to broadcast Fridays at 9 pm beginning 16 January 2026. The new show occupies the channel’s nostalgic high-traffic prime-time slot, signalling a strategic update to its weekend entertainment offering for the new year.

Watch List

• Trevor Noah “LOST” (WATCH)
• Shoday x Fola “Paparazzi” (WATCH)
• Shane Eagle “Afro Comb” (WATCH)
• Kindlynxsh “Sound Of Home” (WATCH) & “BOSS” (WATCH)

Rapper Emtee Announced As Loxion Kulca Ambassador In The 2026 Partnership

Heritage streetwear brand Loxion Kulca appointed rapper Emtee as its latest brand ambassador to open 2026. The deal extends to the Emtee Records crew, with the brand calling the “Big Hustler” a “product ya se kasi.” They noted the collaboration represents “more than fashion, it’s alignment.”

Masterpiece YVK Targets 900 School Shoes With ‘Back To School’ Fundraiser

Amapiano artist Masterpiece YVK relaunched his #YVKBackToSchoolTour, aiming to donate 900 pairs of shoes and 1,800 sanitary packs across 18 schools. The initiative culminates in a fundraiser at Tembisa’s The Parks, where entry requires donation items or cash equivalents to meet the charitable targets.

Shopping List

• Touchline’s “Mambisa” T-shirt Range (BUY)

IShowSpeed Sets Viral Standard With High-Energy South African Tour Stop

Streaming sensation IShowSpeed’s “Speed Does Africa” tour peaked in South Africa, featuring viral moments in Cape Town (wearing a Springbok jersey) and Johannesburg (wearing a Bafana Bafana jersey), like a squatting session, a Gusheshe convoy with Mpho Popps, car spinning with Sam Sam, and racing a cheetah with fans noting the leg “set a high bar” for the 28-day journey.

Creative Adaptations Of The ‘Wrapped’ Trend Looking Back At 2025

The popular “Wrapped” format continued to evolve in 2025, expanding beyond Spotify into creative storytelling. These year-end retrospectives became a key engagement tool translating into shareable cultural moments rolling into 2026. Who joined the trend? Artists: Sphesihle Ntsungwana, Yay Abe, Amongst The People I Know. Media: Radio Monitor SA, Glamour Magazine SA, YFM. Events: Homecoming Events, Tomorrowland, Piano People. Brands: Flying Fish SA, Johnnie Walker Africa, Heineken SA. Agencies: The Bread, Goosebumps Co. Record Labels: Sondela Recordings.

Mzansi Magic and Mzansi Wethu Telenovela Teasers 29 December – 02 January 2026

Genesis (Mon–Fri @ 19:30) Bonko’s rise to gospel stardom strains love and loyalty. Rivalries turn public, reputations hang in the balance, and one decision threatens to change multiple lives. iThonga (Mon–Fri @ 20:30) Dark secrets resurface as DNA results, a shocking poisoning and dangerous alliances tear families apart, with devastating consequences. Inimba (Mon–Fri @ 21:00) Trust fractures within the Mabandla family as hidden truths and reckless choices ripple through every relationship. Homecoming (Mon–Wed @ 18:30) Family loyalties are tested when DNA revelations expose hidden ties, leading to a confrontation that could upend everything.

Gunna, Asake, and Wale Lead Major International Surge for SA’s 2026 Kickoff

South Africa’s live music sector opened with a massive international influx across three cities. Cape Town’s Wav Festival had Mariah The Scientist, Sasha Keable, Isaiah Falls and Wale; Milk + Cookies Festival Cape Town had Gunna, Odeal and Majid Jordan. Simultaneously, Asake headlined Johannesburg’s Goldrush Dome, while Mariah The Scientist performed at Pretoria’s SunBet Arena, marking a high-density start to the 2026 calendar.

Mzansi Magic and Mzansi Wethu Telenovela Teasers 05-09 January 2026

Genesis (Mon–Fri @ 19:30) Wendy’s public revelations threaten lasting fallout as Mpumi finds her creative stride. Mmarona fights to clear her name, Owethu faces severe consequences, and Gabriel’s unexpected gesture changes the game. iThonga (Mon–Fri @ 20:30) DNA tests strain the Dladla family while a shocking confession places an innocent life in danger. Risky lies and uncontrollable consequences draw Pablo and MaKhumalo closer. Inimba (Mon–Fri @ 21:00) A devastating incident and a fragile lie threaten to unravel the Mabandla family. Hidden truths, rising suspicion and a surprise proposal push relationships toward a breaking point. Homecoming (Mon–Wed @ 18:30) Revelations and betrayals shake the Kubheka family as Zethu’s secret sparks heartbreak and dangerous choices, leaving loyalties in ruins.

Event Guide

• 08 January 2026: MMINO (BUY)
• 09 January 2026: Wunna Run Club Race (BUY)
• 14 February 2026: Lovers Rock Festival (BUY)
• 21 February 2026: Lovers Rock Festival (BUY)
• 09 August 2026: Zee Nation Fest (BUY)

Music Releases

• 02 January 2026: Everton Mlalazi “In The Presence 3” (ADD)
• 16 January 2026: ASAP Rocky “Don’t Be Dumb” (ADD)
• 23 January 2026: Ari Lennox “Vacancy” (ADD)
• January 2026: Kelvin Momo x Justin Warren “Imizamo” (TBC)
• 13 February 2026: Jill Scott “To Whom It May Concern” (ADD)

Pleasure Tša Manyalo Cements ‘Queen’ Status With Sold-Out Stadium Show

Pleasure Petja, performing as Pleasure Tša Manyalo, sold out Lebowakgomo’s Mafori Mphahlele Stadium on 29 December 2025. Celebrating 20 years in the industry, the “Queen of Manyalo” hosted the annual Manyalo Fiesta with Pleasure at the Baroka Village in Limpopo. The event featured supporting acts Shandesh, Clement Maosa, and Leehleza.

Adekunle Gold’s ‘Party No Dey Stop’ Smashes 100 Million Spotify Streams

Adekunle Gold opened 2026 with a significant digital milestone as his hit single “Party No Dey Stop” surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify. The achievement highlights the Afrobeats star’s continued commercial dominance and the track’s sustained longevity on global streaming platforms.

Ciza, Tyla, and MaWhoo Lead SA Surge on Rolling Stone’s 2025 Afropop List

South African artists claimed seven spots on Rolling Stone’s “45 Best Afropop Songs of 2025,” led by Ciza’s “iSaka (6am)” at #4. Tyla secured two entries with “Chanel” (#15) and “Body Go” (#42). MaWhoo’s “Bengicela” (#18), DJ Maphorisa’s “Abantwana Bakho” (#32) and “Money Constant” (#40), and Shandesh’s “Sdudla Or Slender” (#36) also charted, reinforcing the nation’s pivotal role in the global expansion.

Moliy Hits 1 Billion Streams, Sweeps Global Charts With Platinum Success

Moliy commanded the global stage in 2025, surpassing one billion streams and securing Platinum certification in India. Beyond achieving Gold in the US, UK, and France, she claimed the #1 year-end spot on Billboard’s US Afrobeats Chart. Her dominance included topping the UK Afrobeats Chart and delivering a top-five global Shazam hit.

More Milestones

• “Podcast And Chill” hits 1.7 million subscribers on YouTube
• Khuthaza and Bassie’s “Lalela” reached 2 million views on YouTube