amapianolatest news & developments
Quietly radical: Zee Nxumalo occupies a rare position in South African music, both a product of a digital
moment and a shaper of it. Photo: Supplied

Zee Nxumalo isn’t chasing depth — she’s living it

At 23, the singer-songwriter is shaping South African music on her own terms, blending beats, introspection and a fearless sense of self

Amapiano kings: The appearance of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small reflects how deeply the festival
has begun to engage with the evolving soundscape of the continent. Photo: Supplied

Cape Town International Jazz Festival composes its new era

From jazz legends to amapiano pioneers, CTIJF 2026 reflects a festival evolving with the times while remaining rooted in its rich cultural legacy

A certain presence: Nobantu Vilakazi describes herself as a DJ, a vocalist,
a songwriter and a hitmaker. Photo: Supplied

How Amapiano’s first lady is defining her own lane

Nobantu Vilakazi cements her solo era with ‘Abafana Base Goli’, a bold anthem blending township truth and irresistible grooves

The Metro FM Music Awards 2026 nominations spotlight amapiano’s dominance, with Jazzwrld and Thukuthela emerging as the names to watch.

Jazzwrld and Thukuthela lead as Metro FM Music Awards 2026 nominees revealed

The Metro FM Music Awards 2026 nominations spotlight amapiano’s dominance, with Jazzwrld and Thukuthela emerging as the names to watch.

Revellers: A sea of festival goers at the Kaytranada Milk + Cookies Joburg show. Photo: Supplied by Milk + Cookies

Gig Guide: Scorpion Kings to perform at Piano People SA debut, Made In Jozi NYE Festival with Shekinah & DJ Kent, WAV Festival redefining R&B and Soul, Gunna & Majid Jordan back in SA for Milk + Cookies Festival

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From left: Founders Kevin Reese, Chase Freeman and Gregory K Burton Jr. Photo: Supplied by Milk + Cookies.

More Than A Festival: Inside the Milk + Cookies Music Week Mission

Milk + Cookies Music Week returns to South Africa, thus cementing its status as more than a festival through its commitment to local talent and economic support.

His father’s son: Long before the late nights, the studio sessions, the collaborations and the crowds, there was a father and a young boy, sitting
together in a room where jazz records filled the air like a second atmosphere. Photo: Supplied

DJ Biza letting the music speak after two silent years

After a two-year hiatus, DJ Biza reclaims his sound with Feeling and Jazz 3, marking a powerful new chapter in his Amapiano evolution

Buoyant: Zakes Bantwini opens up about the sounds that saved him, the genres he helped shape and the festival experience he’s building for South Africa. Photo: Supplied

Zakes Bantwini on pain, praise and the power of Dance Music

Zakes Bantwini opens up about the sounds that saved him, the genres he helped shape, and the festival experience he’s building for South Africa

Moving people: Congolese-born musician Tresor will bring his 10-piece band to the Joy of Jazz festival in Joburg this weekend. Photo: Supplied

‘I Want People to Dance’: Tresor Talks Music, Legacy and Joy of Jazz

Tresor reflects on a decade of award-winning African pop, his groundbreaking collaborations with Drake and Hugh Masekela and the music that inspires him today

Welcome home: South African bassist and composer Benjamin Jephta is about to release a new album.

Benjamin Jephta’s Homecoming: A decade of jazz, gratitude and innovation

With a new album marking 10 years in the music industry, Benjamin Jephta reflects on his journey while pushing South African jazz into the future

The spiritual hustle of Young Stunna

For the singer, making music is about finding the rhythm in chaos, love, respect and home

Moving: Multi-disciplinary artist Aldo Brincat’s The Moon Looks Delicious From Here is a semi-autobiographical story.

Diary: Aldo Brincat at the Market Theatre, NYO Jazz releases new album and Kabza De Small set to release Kabza Chant 2.0

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Figuring on biggering: A day of music and culture in LInksfield.

Diary: Big Day Out with Oskido, RedFest2025 returns, UKZN’s tribute to Demi Fernandez

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Olivier Laouchez (Photo supplied)

Bold innovations for this year’s Trace Awards — and beyond

This year, the Trace Awards will feature a range of categories celebrating musical excellence across different regions and genres

Nelson Mandela is still a powerful brand indicator for South Africa. Thirty years of democracy has changed tourist perceptions of South Africa; they  have become more positive, overtaking past associations with apartheid.

Discover the allure of South Africa: Nature, business and culture

Tourists flock to the many wildlife reserves, while the attractive investment climate draws global business and investors

Princess of Africa: Yvonne Chaka Chakawill be among the performers at the DStv Delicious Festival this weekend. Photo: Cristina Aldehuela/AFP

Yvonne Chaka Chaka to honour Miriam Makeba at DStv Delicious Festival

The singer will pay homage to legendary artists such as ‘Mama Africa’ and Brenda Fassie

Well versed: Artist and poet Lefifi Tladi will be at the festival.

Diary: Stephané Edith Conradie’s exhibition opens at the Standard Bank Gallery, Poetry Africa returns in October,  Fizzy B releases Abahlali

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Compilation: Some of the artists on ZiiBeats Vol 2.

Diary: Baz-Art celebrates women muralists, bringing jazz to Durban, ZiiBeats vol. 2 drops

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Spiritual: Italian jazz artist Nicola Conte is looking forward to building musical bridges during his tour to South Africa. Photo: Giovanna Sodano

Ten questions, two days: An Interview with Nicola Conte

Nicola Conte brings his vibrant jazz fusion to South Africa, celebrating International Jazz Day with a blend of tradition and innovation

South African amapiano artist Tyla at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, in the US, on 4 February, where she won the  Best African Music Performance category. Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Tyla’s identity turns on a U

The singer has caused a stir with her loud-and-proud approach to being coloured