musiclatest news & developments
Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse performs on the Kippies stage during the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Photo: Armand Hough

Forty years of fire: Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse ignites Cape Town Jazz Fest

Witnessing his fans dancing to ‘Burn Out’ proved to Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse his enduring power. The legend talks about his energy-filled performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, his spiritual foundation and the evolution of South African jazz.

  • Busi Lethole
7 min read
Powerful presence: Fatoumata Diawara performing at the CTIJF 2026. Photo: Armand Hough

Fatoumata Diawara channels ancestry and activism in Cape Town

Blending Malian heritage with high-energy pop, Fatoumata Diawara used the CTIJF stage to honour her roots and confront FGM, proving that heritage and modern activism are inseparable

  • Busi Lethole
8 min read
British multi-instrumentalist and seven-time Grammy winner Jacob Collier performs on the Kippies stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in Cape Town. Picture / Henk Kruger / Independent Media

Reinventing the Cape Town International Jazz Festival without losing the jazz

Co-director Georgia Jones says the festival’s future depends on championing African artists, drawing younger audiences and making space for genres like amapiano without losing its core identity

  • Busi Lethole
10 min read
Salif Keita celebrates Montreux’s arrival in Africa, urging artists to honour their roots while embracing music as a universal language

Salif Keita pulls out of Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek due to illness

Salif Keita has withdrawn from the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek due to a sudden illness, with his band set to perform a tribute in his absence

  • Lesego Chepape
2 min read
A deeper voice: Bubu’s album, Folklore Chapter One, was the seed of the Folklore Festival that has become an ecosystem stretching across disciplines and inviting conversation.

Pilane Bubu and the work of remembering through folklore

Through its KinFolk theme, the Folklore Festival returns to the work of connection, bridging generations, regions and disciplines to reimagine how South Africa remembers, archives and sustains its cultural voice

  • Library
7 min read
Blended sound: Apiwe Bubu and Andile Yenana’s performance is a dialogue between mastery and emergence. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: Apiwe Bubu joins his mentor Andile Yenana live at Afrikan Freedom Station, K.O Marks 20 Years with 20 Summers and Viwo Kulati tours Gauteng

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Eyaaz
2 min read
Intimate: The Moth will feature African storytellers sharing true, personal 10-minute stories about forging new paths. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: The Moth returns to Johannesburg, Zu’s 20 years in music and the Maison Martell residency arrives in Johannesburg

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Eyaaz
2 min read
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

  • Eyaaz
7 min read
Mahindra Fusion Fest 2026 returns to Pretoria this March, transforming the SunBet Arena into an immersive collision of music, fashion and art that celebrates the bold future of South African creativity

Mahindra Fusion Fest Returns: Bigger, bolder and unapologetically South African

Mahindra Fusion Fest 2026 returns to Pretoria this March, transforming the SunBet Arena into an immersive collision of music, fashion and art that celebrates the bold future of South African creativity

  • Eyaaz
3 min read
Resonance: Long before China was thinking about crowds, gigs or longevity, he was thinking about emotion, about what happens beneath the surface when sound interacts with the human spirit. Photo: Supplied

China’s 20 year journey in sound

China isn’t chasing trends, he’s building legacy, one intentional set, one emotional transition and one timeless story at a time

  • Eyaaz
9 min read
Soulful: Freshlyground’s single Take Me Home is a heartfelt anthem for anyone craving belonging. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: Freshlyground return with Take Me Home, The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music presents The Gatherers with Sbusiso Ncube and  BASE Pulse to launch soon to DStv Channel 322

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Eyaaz
2 min read
Smooth ’90s: Boyz II Men’s tour promises an unforgettable night of romance, rhythm and vocal brilliance. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: Boyz II Men return to South Africa, Giselle makes its way to the State Theatre and Rubicon showcases fashion with a purpose

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Eyaaz
2 min read
Power duo: Coco and J’Something host the festival that blends culinary artistry with soul culture. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: Ben Rodrigues releases Hazel Eyes, Coco & J’Something’s ‘Lovers Rock’ returns this Valentine’s Day and catch The Rise by Kgethang Konese this Easter

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Busi Lethole
2 min read
Protégé: Nomabotwe’s story is shaped by patience and long pauses over 20 years.

Nomabotwe and the quiet work of survival

Nomabotwe reflects on endurance, emotional honesty and the power of listening in an industry that rarely rewards softness

  • Eyaaz
6 min read
Inspired by legends: DJ FAHD blends global and local influences, crafting sets that move crowds and hearts alike. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: McCoy Mrubata to Launch Children On The Frontline at Makotopong, DJ FAHD Unveils Your Love and LEGACY returns to Cape Town

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Busi Lethole
2 min read
For years, Naak has existed in that uncomfortable but necessary space between local expectation and global ambition.

Naak’s Noba Yintoni moves hearts and the dance floor

Naak transitions to Afrohouse with Noba Yintoni

  • Eyaaz
4 min read
Tenderness: At its core, Born To This reflects on devotion and resilience. Photo: Supplied

Diary: Verra Lake arrives with confidence on Born To This,  Xowié returns with ALLO Deluxe and The Africa Rising Music Conference returns to Constitution Hill

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Eyaaz
3 min read
Style: For more than three decades, Trompies have deliberately maintained their signature township boy attire of takkies and sporties. Photo: Supplied

Kwaito isn’t dead, it’s evolving

Trompies’ story reveals how true legends endure by evolving without losing their cultural centre

  • Eyaaz
6 min read

Reading resistance: Books that archive courage, dissent and institutional memory

South Africa’s fragile freedoms are recorded in classrooms, songs and satire. These books archive courage, dissent and institutional memory

  • Eyaaz
5 min read
Quartet: The group creates music that feels both grounded and exploratory. Photo: Supplied

Diary: A Million O Clock Live at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Vumaala releases Show Me and Live Music Lab 2026 calls for entries

Your essential dose of art and culture

  • Eyaaz
3 min read