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.
“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.
Canadian rap superstar Drake is celebrating a major payday after Canada’s 1-0 victory over South Africa in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 helped him cash in on a high-stakes sports bet.
Before the knockout clash, the Grammy Award-winning rapper revealed on Instagram that he had wagered $770,000 (approximately R13.8 million) through online betting platform Stake on his home country to defeat Bafana Bafana. The bet offered a total payout of $1,001,000 (around R18 million) if Canada secured a place in the Round of 16.
Canada’s narrow victory meant Drake walked away with the seven-figure payout, earning an estimated profit of $231,000 (roughly R4.1 million) after deducting his original stake. The successful wager marked one of the rapper’s latest headline-grabbing betting wins, adding another chapter to his well-publicised partnership with Stake.
Adding a playful twist to the story, Drake revealed that internationally acclaimed South African DJ Black Coffee had inspired the wager following friendly banter between the pair.
“@realblackcoffee was chirping in the DM. I had to raise the STAKES,” Drake wrote while sharing a screenshot of his betting slip on Instagram.
The post quickly gained traction online, with football fans from both Canada and South Africa flooding social media with reactions. Many South Africans joked that Drake’s support for Canada would activate the infamous “Drake Curse”āa long-running internet theory suggesting that athletes and teams backed by the rapper often end up losing.
However, the superstition failed to materialise as Canada edged past Bafana Bafana to advance to the Round of 16, leaving Drake celebrating both his country’s progress and a substantial betting win.
Drake has become almost as well known for his extravagant sports wagers as he is for his music. Over the years, he has placed multimillion-dollar bets on major sporting events, including NBA playoff games, UFC title fights, championship boxing bouts, NFL contests and international football tournaments. While some of those wagers have resulted in significant losses, others have delivered eye-catching payouts that regularly dominate headlines.
His latest World Cup win has once again sparked debate among fans about the “Drake Curse,” with many pointing out that the rapper’s betting fortunes continue to be as unpredictable as the sporting events themselves. This time, though, both Drake and Team Canada came out on top, turning a friendly exchange with Black Coffee into one of the tournament’s most talked-about off-field moments.
Winning a reality television competition is often seen as the ultimate dream. The fame, prize money and career opportunities promise a life-changing future, but for singer Paxton Fielies, the experience came with valuable lessons that extended far beyond music.
The former Idols SA winner Paxton Fielies recently opened up during an appearance on the Plugged In Podcast dxb, where she reflected on the realities of becoming an overnight celebrity while still in her teens.
Looking back, Fielies said the biggest lessons she learned were not about performing or recording music, but about navigating life, relationships and personal growth.
“I had to learn a lot of difficult life lessons at a young age,” she shared.
“One of them being that sometimes money doesn’t change the people who have it, it changes the people around them.”
Fielies made history in 2017 when she was crowned the winner of Season 13 of Idols SA at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest contestant to win the popular singing competition. Her victory earned her more than R1 million in prize money, a brand-new car, a recording contract and several additional prizes, instantly transforming her life.
While millions of viewers celebrated her success, adjusting to her new reality proved to be far more complicated than she had anticipated.
“It was a different kind of reality. I was still young so I took everything at face and heart value but I had to quickly learn that what I pour into others I won’t necessarily receive in return,” she explained.
Her reflections shed light on an aspect of reality television that often goes unnoticed. Winning a high-profile competition can open doors professionally, but it can also place enormous pressure on young winners who suddenly find themselves managing money, public attention and changing relationships all at once.
For Fielies, success meant learning to identify genuine relationships and understanding that fame and financial security can alter the expectations of those around you. She realised that protecting her peace, setting healthy boundaries and making thoughtful decisions became essential parts of adapting to her new life.
“My mindset completely changed, and that shift had to happen for me to adjust to my new norm,” she said.
The singer explained that many of these life lessons stemmed from the opportunities and responsibilities that followed her Idols SA victory. While the competition gave her a platform to pursue her passion for music and introduced her to the entertainment industry, it also required her to mature much faster than most people her age.
Now 26, Fielies views her Idols journey as more than just the beginning of her music career. It was a defining chapter that shaped her outlook on success, finances and personal relationships. Although the experience brought its share of challenges, it also equipped her with resilience, perspective and a deeper understanding of what truly matters beyond fame.
Her story serves as a reminder that while reality television can create overnight stars, the journey that follows is often far more complex than what audiences see on screen. Behind the trophies, prize money and applause are young individuals learning to navigate adulthood under the spotlight while balancing personal growth with public expectations.
“No one is going to love you like South Africans. If you have not been loved by South Africans yet, do something.”
Those are the words of actress, television personality and author Bonnie Mbuli, whose heartfelt reflections on home have struck a chord with many South Africans living both locally and abroad.
Born and raised in Soweto, Mbuli has built an impressive career spanning television, film, presenting and writing. Her work has taken her beyond South Africa’s borders, allowing her to experience life and career opportunities internationally. After relocating to the United States with her then husband, she spent several years living between South Africa and the US, gaining a unique perspective on what it truly means to call a place home.
For Mbuli, distance has only deepened her appreciation for South Africa. While living abroad has offered valuable experiences and personal growth, it has also highlighted something that cannot easily be found elsewhere: the warmth, resilience and genuine sense of community that define South African life.
She believes South Africans have a remarkable way of making people feel welcome. Whether it’s sharing a joke with a stranger, greeting neighbours with genuine warmth, or helping someone in need without expecting anything in return, these everyday interactions create a powerful sense of belonging. It is this spirit of ubuntuāthe belief that our humanity is connected to the humanity of othersāthat continues to distinguish South Africa from many other places in the world.
Mbuli says this appreciation often becomes clearer only after leaving the country.
“If you don’t even know what it means to have a place like South Africa, then you need to do what I did, leave and then come back,” she says.
Her comments resonate with many South Africans who have moved overseas in search of better career opportunities, financial security or a different lifestyle. While many find success abroad, they often speak about missing the unique social connections, humour, cultural diversity and everyday kindness that make South Africa feel like home.
Reflecting on her recent visit, Mbuli admitted that returning home reminded her of everything she had been missing.
“South Africa is possibly the best place in the world to live. Before I came home to visit these past couple of weeks, I hadn’t been home for the past three years, which has been really challenging,” she shared.
“But now that I am back in the US, I am more homesick than I was before.”
Her words highlight an experience shared by many members of the South African diaspora. Home is not defined solely by geography but by the people, traditions and shared experiences that shape everyday life. The country’s rich cultural diversity, vibrant languages, unmistakable sense of humour and ability to find joy even during difficult times leave a lasting impression on those who spend time away.
Mbuli also praised the resilience of South Africans, describing it as one of the nation’s defining characteristics. Despite facing numerous social, economic and political challenges over the years, she believes the country’s people continue to demonstrate remarkable strength and hope.
“South Africans are so resilient. We’ve died so many deaths as a nation and I really believe that every time we come back, we come back more beautiful and stronger than before. South Africa is vital to the world and to humanity,” she concluded.
While South Africa continues to grapple with significant challenges, Mbuli’s reflections serve as a reminder that the country’s greatest asset has always been its people. Their warmth, compassion, resilience and unwavering sense of community continue to inspire pride among those at home and nostalgia among those living abroad.
For many South Africans, home is more than a place on the map. It is found in shared laughter, familiar greetings, the spirit of ubuntu and the enduring belief that, despite every challenge, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
South Africans are being urged to plan ahead and remain vigilant ahead of planned protest action scheduled for Tuesday, 30 June 2026, with an advisory identifying several provinces, cities and key transport corridors expected to experience varying levels of disruption.
According to the advisory notice, the protests could affect travel, business operations and public transport in several parts of the country, particularly in areas classified as high risk, where significant disruptions are anticipated.
High-risk provinces and areas
The advisory identifies the following areas as being at the highest risk of disruption:
Gauteng: Johannesburg CBD, Hillbrow, Alexandra, Diepsloot, Kagiso, Tembisa, Soshanguve, Mamelodi and Tshwane CBD.
KwaZulu-Natal: Durban CBD, KwaMashu, Umlazi, Phoenix, Inanda, Pietermaritzburg CBD, Newcastle and Empangeni.
Limpopo: Polokwane CBD, Thohoyandou, Tzaneen, Burgersfort and Musina, including the border town.
Medium-risk provinces
Areas expected to experience possible disruptions include:
Western Cape: Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Philippi, Dunoon, Joe Slovo and Cape Town CBD.
Eastern Cape: Gqeberha CBD, New Brighton, Motherwell, East London CBD, Mdantsane and Mthatha.
Northern Cape: Kimberley CBD, Galeshewe, Upington and Kuruman.
Low to medium-risk areas
The advisory also highlights provinces where some disruptions are possible:
Mpumalanga: Mbombela CBD, Emalahleni, Secunda, Bushbuckridge and Kwaggafontein.
Free State: Bloemfontein CBD, Thaba Nchu, Sasolburg and Harrismith.
Lower-risk province
North West has been classified as a lower-risk province, with minimal disruption expected. Areas listed include Rustenburg, Potchefstroom CBD, Brits and Mahikeng.
Key transport corridors under watch
Authorities have also identified several transport and logistics routes that could be affected by protest activity, including:
Retail centres and logistics hubs across Gauteng, particularly along the N1 and N3 corridors.
The N3 Toll Route in KwaZulu-Natal, including Mooi River, Marianhill Toll, Durban Port logistics lanes and Richards Bay.
The N2 Gateway and routes leading to Cape Town International Airport in the Western Cape.
The N4 Highway to the Mozambique border and mining supply routes in Mpumalanga.
The N1 corridor connecting Polokwane, Tzaneen and Musina in Limpopo.
The N3 through Harrismith and the N1 through Bloemfontein in the Free State.
The N2 coastal route and industrial zones around Coega in the Eastern Cape.
Commercial hubs and logistics routes around Beitbridge.
Public advised to plan ahead
The advisory encourages residents and motorists to:
Plan journeys in advance and allow extra travel time.
Stay informed through trusted and official sources.
Keep communication open with family, employers and service providers.
Avoid protest areas and prioritise personal safety.
Follow instructions issued by law enforcement and emergency personnel.
Authorities are encouraging the public to remain calm, avoid unnecessary travel through identified hotspots where possible, and work together to minimise disruptions while ensuring the safety of communities, businesses and essential services.
Thapelo Maseko has etched his name into South African football history after scoring the decisive goal that sent Bafana Bafana into the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
At just 22 years old, the wingerās journey has quickly become one of the standout stories of South African sportāone defined by resilience, discipline and a steady rise from humble beginnings in the Vaal.
From Sebokeng to the world stage
Maseko was raised in Eatonside, Sebokeng, where football became both an escape and a dream. His father, a truck driver, played a central role in supporting his early development, often making personal sacrifices to ensure his son could chase opportunities in the game.
Those early years shaped the mindset that now defines his professional approach: grounded, focused and driven by long-term goals rather than short-term success.
Family first, then personal success
After returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Maseko made a significant personal decision that reflected his priorities off the pitch. He purchased a family home in Kempton Park for his parents and siblings before turning attention to his own living arrangements, later moving into his own apartment.
Despite his growing success, he maintains a relatively modest and structured lifestyle. He has entered a partnership with a German car dealership, which placed him behind the wheel of an Audi RS3 Sportback, while he has also expressed appreciation for the Hyundai Kona N Line as a practical everyday vehicle.
Away from football, Maseko keeps a quiet routine. He enjoys video games, listens to amapiano music and prefers a low-profile lifestyle away from the spotlight.
Interestingly, before committing fully to football, he once considered a completely different path. He has said that if his sporting career had not materialised, he would likely have pursued corporate finance and qualified as a chartered accountant.
Setbacks and resurgence
His rise has not been without challenges. During his time at Mamelodi Sundowns, Maseko struggled for consistent game time and suffered a serious hamstring injury during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The setback saw him lose his place in the squad and spend time in the reserves.
However, a loan move to AEL Limassol in Cyprus proved to be a turning point. The change of environment allowed him to rebuild confidence, regain form and establish himself as a key player once again.
World Cup heroics
Masekoās defining moment arrived on footballās biggest stage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage clash against South Korea.
In the 63rd minute, he reacted sharply to a cross-field pass from Tshepang Moremi, taking two composed touches before firing a precise left-footed finish at the near post. The goal proved to be the match-winner.
The victory secured South Africaās place in second position in Group A with four points, behind group winners Mexico. More importantly, it marked the countryās first-ever progression beyond the World Cup group stage after previous appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010.
Masekoās performance earned him the Man of the Match award, making him the first South African player in history to receive the honour at a World Cup tournament.
What comes next
Bafana Bafana now turn their attention to a Round of 32 clash against Canada at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28, with momentum and belief growing after their historic achievement.
For Maseko, the moment represents more than just a goalāit is the continuation of a journey still unfolding, from Sebokengās dusty fields to the global football stage.
South African actress and motivational speaker Melanie du Bois has officially entered the political arena after being announced as a ward candidate for Build One South Africa (BOSA) ahead of the 2026 municipal elections in Cape Town.
The announcement marks a significant career shift for du Bois, who is best known to many South Africans through her work in television and public speaking. She is expected to contest a ward seat in one of Cape Townās municipal regions as the party prepares for the upcoming local government elections.
Led by Mmusi Maimane, BOSA positions itself as a party focused on strengthening local government systems, improving service delivery and addressing everyday challenges faced by communities. The party has increasingly been recruiting candidates with diverse professional backgrounds as it looks to expand its footprint in municipal politics.
Du Bois has not previously been widely associated with formal political ambitions. However, aspects of her public career suggest a gradual alignment with community-focused engagement and social development themes.
Over the years, she has worked as a motivational speaker, often centring her talks on empowerment, resilience and personal growth. Her engagements have frequently touched on broader societal issues, particularly those affecting communities at a grassroots level.
While she has not explicitly positioned herself as a political figure in the past, her public presence has often intersected with discussions around social upliftment and community development, which now appear to align with her new role in politics.
Before her entry into the political space, du Bois built a strong profile in South Africaās entertainment industry, where she became a familiar face on television screens. She is widely recognised for her roles in popular local productions such as 7de Laan and Arendsvlei, where she contributed to long-running storylines that resonated with audiences across the country.
Her acting career remains a key part of her public identity, and her transition into politics adds a new dimension to her professional journey. Like several public figures who have moved from entertainment into civic leadership roles, du Bois now brings her visibility and communication experience into the political landscape.
As she prepares to contest the upcoming elections, her candidacy reflects a growing trend of South Africans from creative and media industries stepping into local governance roles, aiming to translate public influence into community impact.
With the 2026 municipal elections approaching, her entry into the race adds another notable name to the list of candidates seeking to shape the future of Cape Townās local government landscape.
The long-awaited collaborative album The Trap Temptations, featuring Ruff, Emtee, Sjava and Saudi, has been widely celebrated by fans as a nostalgic reunion of some of the most influential voices to emerge from South Africaās trap movement. However, the project has also sparked debate within the industry, with music executive and co-host of Music Pulse, Nhlamulo āNotaā Baloyi, offering a sharply critical take on the release.
Released on Youth Day, the album marks the return of the former African Trap Movement (ATM) collective, a group that rose to prominence during their time under Ambitiouz Entertainment. Together, the four artists helped shape a distinctly South African interpretation of trap music, blending street narratives, soulful melodies and emotionally driven storytelling into a sound that defined a generation of hip hop fans.
Following years of successful solo careers, the reunion project was expected to showcase both nostalgia and artistic evolution. While many listeners have praised the chemistry between the artists and welcomed the return of their shared sound, Baloyi argues that the album leans too heavily in one creative direction.
Speaking on his podcast, he compared the projectās overall feel to a past-era group dynamic, suggesting that it resembles more of a collective identity than a fully balanced collaboration.
āThey are recreating the Teargas vibes by joining up together. They sound like Teargas, I wonāt lie. Itās like if Teargas did a trap album. Instead of āThe Trap Temptationsā, it should have been āThe Trap Teargasā,ā he said.
Baloyi further suggested that the project does not fully highlight the individuality of all four artists, arguing that certain contributors do not stand out as strongly as expected.
āYou donāt hear Emtee adding something new. Whatās the difference between that album and Logan? Sjavaās on it. Itās the same sound, Ruff, same producer,ā he added.
According to his view, the production style and overall direction of the album feel too familiar, relying heavily on established sonic patterns associated with Sjava and longtime collaborator Ruff. This, he argues, makes it difficult for the project to feel like a fresh creative step forward for the group.
His comments have ignited discussion among fans and industry observers, many of whom have taken to social media to debate whether the album should be viewed as a nostalgic celebration or critiqued for lacking experimentation.
Despite the criticism, The Trap Temptations has been praised by a large portion of listeners who appreciate the reunion of four artists who played a pivotal role in shaping South Africaās trap era. For many fans, the project represents a return to a sound and chemistry that defined a significant moment in local hip hop history.
Ahead of the albumās release, the group described the project as more than just a musical collaboration, framing it as a reflection of their shared journey and growth over the years.
āThis album represents our brotherhood, and we are also trying to give our people a picture of how much we have grown musically as a collective,ā Ruff said.
Sjava echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the project carries the weight of their individual experiences since their early days together in the industry.
As reactions continue to pour in, the album has become one of the most talked-about local releases of the year, not only for its music but also for the conversations it has reignited around artistic identity, collaboration and legacy within South African hip hop.
After nearly a decade away from releasing a full body of work, South African singer-songwriter Thabsie has made a highly anticipated return with her new EP, While You Wait, a project that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career.
The six-track release arrives nine years after her acclaimed debut album, Songs About You, and serves as a preview of her long-awaited sophomore album, which will be released through her independent label, Song Bird Entertainment.
For Thabsie, whose real name is Bathabise Vokwana, the timing finally felt right to return to the spotlight. While she has always been known for taking her time with new music, she admits that waiting for the “perfect moment” can often become an endless cycle.
“I missed my first love, which is music, so the time could not be better,” she said.
Over the years, Thabsie has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most distinctive R&B voices, blending soulful vocals with heartfelt songwriting. Rather than chasing trends or releasing music frequently, she has chosen to focus on creating deeply personal records that reflect her own experiences and artistic growth.
While You Wait explores the emotional highs and lows of romantic relationships, touching on themes of love, heartbreak, vulnerability and the complicated emotions that come with trying to leave a relationship that no longer serves you.
The project captures the inner conflict between recognising that a relationship has become unhealthy while still feeling emotionally connected to someone you cannot easily walk away from. Through honest lyrics and smooth R&B production, Thabsie delivers a body of work that many listeners are likely to find deeply relatable.
Looking back at her musical journey, the singer believes her artistry has evolved significantly since the release of Songs About You.
“I’ve been spending years in the studio experimenting, honing my sound and growing, especially as a songwriter,” she explained.
That growth is evident throughout the EP, which combines contemporary R&B with nostalgic influences. Several tracks cleverly incorporate interpolations of well-known early 2000s hits, including Harrison Crump’s dance anthem Once Again, while also paying tribute to South African classics such as Where I Should Be by Mina Nawe and DJ Tira’s Won’t Let Go.
The result is a project that feels both fresh and familiar, bridging generations of music lovers while celebrating local musical heritage.
Collaboration has always been central to Thabsie’s career, and the new EP continues that tradition.
“My whole career is defined by collaborations; that’s what I love the most about it. You can’t create without collaboration,” she said.
“I was blessed enough to work on this EP with people that I admired, very talented producers and songwriters.”
One of the standout moments on the project is the opening track, Good Time, which features award-winning rapper Emtee. The collaboration brings together two artists known for their emotional storytelling and melodic approach to music.
For Thabsie, working alongside Emtee was a personal milestone.
The singer described the collaboration as a dream come true and one of the highlights of the entire project, saying his contribution added the perfect finishing touch to the EP.
Since bursting onto the scene, Thabsie has become one of South Africa’s most recognisable voices through both her solo releases and collaborations with some of the country’s biggest artists. Her breakout success came with songs such as African Queen, Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe, Finally, and collaborations with Kwesta, Black Motion, Sun-El Musician and DJ Ganyani, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Outside of music, she has successfully expanded her brand into entrepreneurship, fashion and digital content creation.
Over the past few years, Thabsie has partnered with leading lifestyle and beauty brands while sharing travel, fashion and wellness content with her growing online audience. She says the move into content creation happened naturally during a period when she wanted to challenge herself creatively.
“Content creation came at a time when I wanted to pivot,” she explained.
“It has shown me that I can create outside of the music as well. It’s become a big passion of mine and an outlet to express all the different things I’m passionate about.”
Known for her effortlessly elegant style, Thabsie has also become a respected fashion figure within the entertainment industry. Whether attending awards ceremonies, performing on stage or creating digital campaigns, she consistently embraces timeless, sophisticated looks.
For her, fashion has always been about confidence rather than following trends.
“How an outfit makes me feel is the most important thing. I also feel like putting effort into how you look is a big form of respect for yourself and others.”
As she prepares for the release of her second studio album, While You Wait offers fans a glimpse into the artist she has become over the past nine years. The EP reflects not only her musical evolution but also her personal journey as an independent artist, entrepreneur and creative who continues to grow on her own terms.
With renewed confidence, a refined sound and a fresh independent vision, Thabsie appears ready to begin one of the most exciting chapters of her career. If While You Wait is any indication, fans won’t have to wait much longer to hear what comes next.
South Africa’s live music calendar is set to welcome an exciting new addition with the launch of the inaugural Scatterlings Music Festival, a one-night celebration of music, storytelling and cultural unity taking place at Huddle Park in Johannesburg on August 1.
Inspired by Johnny Clegg’s timeless anthem “Scatterlings of Africa,” the festival is the vision of acclaimed musicians Msaki and Jesse Clegg. The event aims to honour Clegg’s remarkable musical legacy while creating a platform where artists from different genres, generations and cultural backgrounds can share one stage.
The festival boasts one of the strongest local line-ups of the year, bringing together award-winning performers including Sjava, Sun-El Musician, Simmy, Muzi, Tresor, Zolani Mahola and Grammy Award-winning producer and singer Zakes Bantwini. The event promises a unique musical experience, with artists reinterpreting Johnny Clegg’s classics alongside performances of their own celebrated hits.
For Bantwini, the festival represents far more than another live performance. He believes it is an opportunity to celebrate one of South Africa’s most influential musical figures while introducing his catalogue to younger audiences.
One of the moments he is looking forward to most is performing his reinterpretation of a Johnny Clegg classic alongside Msaki. Although the title of the song remains under wraps, it is expected to be released as the next single from the upcoming Scatterlings album, a collaborative project featuring contemporary South African artists paying tribute to Clegg’s music.
“I think I’m looking forward to really just performing the reinterpretation of the record that we did with Msaki,” Bantwini said.
“I want to see people’s response and how they are going to enjoy it live because most people obviously know the song, but they are not enjoying this version.”
Rather than treating the recording as a remix, Bantwini approached it as a complete reinterpretation, imagining how he would have written the song if it had originally been his own.
“It felt good because I really interpreted it as if this song was mine. That’s exactly how I would have done the song. For me, I wasn’t making a remix, I was interpreting the song.”
The project follows the release of several reimagined Johnny Clegg classics, including J’Something’s rendition of “Asimbonanga,” highlighting how the late musician’s work continues to inspire artists decades after its original release.
Bantwini is equally enthusiastic about sharing the stage with such a diverse collection of performers.
“I think it’s one of the best line-ups this year. It’s a very interesting and very diverse line-up, totally diverse in terms of even the music itself and the audiences.”
Despite spending more than two decades performing around the world, Bantwini admitted that there are several artists on the festival programme he has never had the opportunity to perform alongside.
“I don’t know the last time I was on a line-up with Sjava. I don’t know the last time I was on a line-up with Zolani. I’ve never been on a line-up with Jesse. This is going to be the first time.”
Having performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, including international festivals across Europe, North America and Africa, Bantwini says there is still nothing quite like performing for South African audiences.
“Coming home is always special. South Africans are so expressive. When they like something, you hear them making chants and noise just to show appreciation.”
He believes local audiences bring an unmatched level of energy that often stands out, even when they attend concerts abroad.
“South Africa, we just don’t dance and keep quiet. We always bring the vibe. You always know if there’s a South African in the crowd, even when you’re performing overseas, because they don’t keep quiet even there.”
Bantwini’s career has evolved dramatically since the release of early hits such as “Clap Your Hands.” Today, he is regarded as one of Africa’s leading producers, with an extensive catalogue that includes chart-topping songs like “Osama,” “Imali,” “Wena” and “Bayethe.” His work has earned multiple South African Music Awards, international recognition and a Grammy Award for his contribution to global music.
Reflecting on the longevity of his career, Bantwini credits one person above everyone elseāhis mother.
“I thought that music needed you to just be talented, but my mother was like, ‘No, no, no. You have to go to school and study this thing. If you say you like it, go study it.'”
That advice led him to formally study music, something he believes completely transformed his career.
“Going to school really shaped the way I approached music. It gave me the technical ability to interpret what is in my head. I wasn’t waiting for a pianist to play me a chord. I could play my own chord. I wasn’t waiting for a bass guitarist to play me a bass guitar. I could play on my own.”
His formal education gave him the confidence to become a complete musician, composer and producer, allowing him to create every aspect of his music independently.
Beyond commercial success, Bantwini says one of his proudest achievements has been helping reshape perceptions of dance music. While many people associate the genre with parties and nightlife, he believes it can also communicate powerful social, political and spiritual messages.
“I think we’ve changed the perception that says dance music is only about irresponsible lyrics.”
“I have shown people that this is also music that could serve you spiritually. It can also serve politically. It can also serve as a mirror into what is happening in society.”
Songs such as “Wena Baba” demonstrate that electronic music can inspire reflection while still getting audiences onto the dance floor.
Despite reaching the highest levels of the industry, Bantwini says retirement is nowhere on the horizon.
“I am still making music. I think I’m not going to stop making music.”
Outside the recording studio, he has also expanded his focus to developing the next generation of creatives through the newly launched Zakes Bantwini Foundation.
The initiative builds on years of mentorship work through his artist incubation programme in Durban, where emerging musicians receive studio access, mentorship, accommodation and professional guidance to help launch sustainable careers in the music industry.
“We take artists who are amazing artists, we give them shelter, we give them access into the studio for free for them to start their careers.”
Artists including Karyendasoul and Maline Aura have emerged from the programme, and Bantwini says he hopes the foundation will continue opening doors for talented young creatives. He also revealed that his company is expanding into the sports industry, adding another dimension to his growing business portfolio.
As the countdown to the inaugural Scatterlings Music Festival continues, organisers hope the event will become more than just another music festival. By celebrating Johnny Clegg’s legacy while showcasing South Africa’s finest contemporary artists, the festival aims to honour the country’s rich musical heritage and inspire a new generation of performers and music lovers alike.
