South African music duo Jazzwrld and Thukuthela made a memorable appearance at the 2026 BET Awards in Los Angeles, further cementing their growing reputation as two of the country’s most exciting musical talents.
Although the pair were not nominated for an award this year, their presence on one of the world’s biggest entertainment stages reflects their rapid rise in the music industry and the increasing global recognition of South African music.
Held at the iconic Peacock Theater, the BET Awards celebrate excellence in Black entertainment, music, sports and culture. Jazzwrld and Thukuthela turned heads on the red carpet with their sophisticated designer suits, making a bold fashion statement while proudly representing South Africa.
Jazzwrld, whose real name is Kamohelo Monese, has become one of South Africa’s most sought-after producers. Alongside vocalist and songwriter Thukuthela, born Kgotso Dube, the duo has helped pioneer the fast-growing 3-Step sound, a genre that blends elements of Afro-house, amapiano and soulful electronic music. Their innovative production style has earned them a loyal fan base and industry acclaim.
Reflecting on the milestone, Jazzwrld shared an emotional message on Instagram alongside photos from the BET Awards red carpet.
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“Never in a million years did we think we would ever get here. This is one of the biggest platforms in the world. Thank you. We will never stop striving to be great.”
Ahead of the awards ceremony, the duo also participated in interviews and media activities at the BET Media House, where they spoke about their musical journey, their ambitions and their dream collaborations. In a light-hearted moment, they joked that Canadian rap superstar Drake should be their next collaborator, sparking excitement among fans on social media.
The duo’s international profile continues to grow following their collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeats icon Davido on the track I Know Who I Be, featured on his latest album Orilade. The collaboration introduced their signature production style to an even wider global audience and highlighted the growing creative partnerships between African artists.
Back home, Jazzwrld and Thukuthela continue to dominate streaming platforms and radio playlists. Their hit single Ningikhonzele, featuring Thatohatsi, has become one of the standout songs of the year, receiving widespread praise for its infectious rhythm and emotional depth.
Their success has also translated into live performances beyond South Africa. The duo is currently touring internationally, with performances scheduled in Toronto, Hyattsville and London, where fans are eagerly anticipating their energetic live shows.
Earlier this year, Jazzwrld and Thukuthela emerged as the biggest winners at the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards, taking home three awards and further solidifying their place among South Africa’s leading artists. Their achievements reflect not only their talent but also the growing global influence of South African music, particularly the evolving 3-Step movement.
As they continue to break new ground, Jazzwrld and Thukuthela are proving that local talent can compete on the world’s biggest stages. Their appearance at the BET Awards marks another important milestone in a career that shows no signs of slowing down.
