Latest news with #Afro-soul
eNCA
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Judith Sephuma celebrates young voices
JOHANNESBURG - The Mayibuye iAfrica Concern is returning to the iconic Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein at the end of June. This year's event is themed the Rebirth of Ubuntu. READ: Ladysmith Black Mambazo takes centre stage at Joburg Theatre And it's a tribute to South Africa's Youth Month and the resilience of South Africa's young people. It will be a 4.5 hour musical experience for fans of Maskandi, Afro-soul, Kwela and African jazz. One of the stars of the show is South Africa's Jazz and Afro-soul sensation, Judith Sephuma.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival pulls musical heavyweights for first showcase
The event will take place next month. Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival is a celebration of traditional music, culture, and fashion. Picture: Instagram/Screenshot The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), in partnership with Sun City Resort, is gearing up to launch the inaugural Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival—a celebration of traditional music, culture, and fashion. The event will take place next month, on Saturday 28 June, at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West. The festival is a collaboration between Sun City and all nine of the SABC's African Language radio stations. The SABC's General Manager for Public Service Radio, Thinasiphelele Sixaso, said this partnership reflects their ongoing commitment to celebrating tradition through music and media. 'The SABC is the custodian of the South Africa's cultural expressions and music heritage, therefore our role is to tell the creative industry story through our African Language stations, which are the perfect platforms to enrich the cultural heritage of South Africa,' Sixaso added. ALSO READ: R&B is alive and well: Sasha Keable and GoldLink join festival line-up in South Africa Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival: A weekend of heritage, sound and style The festival has pulled Mzansi's musical heavyweights for the line-up. From maskandi to Afro-soul and hip hop, the line-up includes some of the biggest names in local music: Mthandeni SK, Sjava, Qadasi & Maqhinga, Ringo Madlingozi, King Monada, Cassper Nyovest, Dr Nothembi Mkhwebane, Makhadzi, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Ntate Stunna, General Muzka, and the internationally acclaimed Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Beyond music, the event also promises a weekend of cultural and fashion celebration. Nombuso Buthelezi, Head of Events at Sun City, said this is not just a festival, but a curated cultural experience. 'This truly unique partnership will allow us to touch all corners of the country and reach lovers of traditional South African music who will experience this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration at Sun City Resort.' NOW READ: 'A faithful God': Oscar Mbo and partner welcome their first baby
TimesLIVE
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Ekurhuleni welcomes back Lira for the 10th Business Premium Jazz Festival
Ekurhuleni welcomes back Lira for the 10th Business Premium Jazz Festival. Multi-platinum selling and award-winning artist Lira is returning to the Ekurhuleni stage as the headline act for the 10th edition of the festival. Set to take place on August 2 at Carnival City, it will feature artists such as Lira, Thandiswa Mazwai, Amanda Black and Thembisa Jazz Masters. This year's edition marks a significant milestone for the festival, which has steadily grown into one of South Africa's premier music and lifestyle experiences. Themed as a celebration of women in music, the 2025 festival will feature an all-female line-up of some of the country's most accomplished and dynamic artists. This special edition not only highlights the strength and artistry of women in South Africa's music industry but also celebrates the resilience and evolution of the festival in its 10th year. What began as a niche jazz experience has become a staple on Gauteng's cultural calendar, attracting thousands of music lovers annually and showcasing the best in Afro-soul, jazz, and contemporary sounds. 'Our 10th anniversary is a tribute to all the artists, patrons and partners who've walked this journey with us,' said Richard Ramudzuli, founder of Thikho Events. 'Having Lira return to Ekurhuleni for this special occasion, with an incredible all-women line-up, is a full-circle moment and a powerful way to celebrate music, womanhood and 10 years of premium entertainment.' The event promises an evening of elegance, soul-stirring performances and a refined musical experience that caters to jazz lovers, mature audiences and fans of authentic South African talent. With meticulously curated production and a luxurious atmosphere, the festival remains committed to delivering quality entertainment and cultural enrichment.
TimesLIVE
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Jazz musician Billy Monama excited about hosting 3rd edition of Mayibuye iAfrika concert
Jazz artist Billy Monama will host the Mayibuye iAfrika concert in Johannesburg next month. The concert returns for its third electrifying edition, this time with a 'powerful youth unleash special' and legendary line-up. The musical experience takes place on June 28 and 29 at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein. The concert will feature artists such as Soul Brothers, Maleh, Berita and many more. Curated and directed by celebrated renowned guitarist, composer and author Billy, the 2025 concert will present a 4.5-hour musical journey that transcends generations. Backed by a 20-piece orchestra, masterfully arranged and conducted by Grammy Award-winning producer Joe Arthur, the soundscape promises to be nothing short of unforgettable, according to the organisers. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Billy said the event is aligning with South Africa's youth month and honouring the role of young people in their 'excellence, cultural diversity, resilience and optimism'. 'Mayibuye iAfrika celebrates South Africa's rich musical heritage, revives the spirit of ubuntu and unity. It's a call to preserve our stories, social cohesion and shape a progressive future through playing our part in community. This concert will be a feast for music scholars, aspiring and current musicians, as well as Maskandi, Kwela, Afro-soul, Mbaqanga and African jazz connoisseurs and fans,' he said.
TimesLIVE
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
5 minutes with ‘Best New Artist' Metro FM award winner Neo Dube
After taking home the Best New Artist award at the Metro FM Music Awards 2025, Neo Dube is poised to shake things up and cement her name in the music industry. With her latest single Indawenhle gaining traction, Neo's star is on the rise. She is a multitalented artist known for her dynamic presence as a musician, filmmaker, and PR strategist. TshisaLIVE spoke to the singer about her musical journey and more. What does winning the Best New Artist award mean to you? Winning the award is incredibly humbling. It's more than a personal achievement, it's recognition of the journey, the late nights, the self-doubt and the risks taken to be heard. It affirms that my voice and story matter. How does the recognition affect your music career and future projects? It motivates me to keep going, but with even more intention. The recognition opens doors, creates new conversations and invites collaborations I've only dreamed of. It also pushes me to be more courageous in my creative decisions. Tell us about your music style and what inspires your creativity? My sound is soulful, enriched with Afro-soul and shaped by cinematic storytelling. I'm inspired by lived experiences, my own and those around me and the spiritual and cultural rhythms of South Africa. How do you blend different genres or elements in your music? I approach music like a filmmaker would a script. Every element has to support the story. Whether it's a harmony, a jazz chord or a maskandi rhythm, I find ways to merge them authentically to evoke emotion and truth. What was the breakthrough moment in your music career, and how did it lead to the award? My breakthrough came when I released Indawenhle. The moment shifted everything. Suddenly the industry paid attention. From there, I committed to telling honest, vulnerable stories, which eventually led to the award. Can you share some highlights from your journey as a new artist? Performing at The Chairman, being featured on Vuma FM and curating my own unplugged sessions have all been highlights. But above all, connecting with people who tell me my music helped them heal, that's everything. What's next for you in terms of upcoming music releases and projects? I'm working on a debut EP that explores themes of belonging, hope and home. Each song is a conversation between past and present. We're also planning a mini-tour, with storytelling elements woven into the performances.
