Latest news with #Blxckie
TimesLIVE
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
‘Betway Presents Scorpion Kings with Friends' unveils star-studded pre-show lineup
As anticipation builds for one of the year's most epic musical events, Betway Presents Scorpion Kings Live with Friends has turned up the heat with the announcement of a massive pre-show experience. In partnership with Metro FM and Converse, the show's organisers are promising fans a full-day celebration of South African music and culture at Loftus Stadium starting before the main event kicks off. From 2pm a pre-show stage will set the tempo for the night with a mix of some of Mzansi's hottest musical talent including DBN Gogo, Blxckie, 25K, Venom, Dlala Thukzin, Dinho, Christos, Vinny Da Vinci, Ba Bethe Gashoazen and Banques. 'This is not only an amapiano show, it's a full-day experience,' said Scorpion Kings duo DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small. 'We're inviting fans to come early, soak in the vibesand discover some of the freshest talents the country has to offer. The pre-show stage is all about celebrating music and making the day at Loftus unforgettable.'
IOL News
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
The beat of a generation: South Africa's Gen Z playlist unplugged
Gen Z isn't just listening to music - they're actively shaping it. Image: Pexels/Rdne South Africa's Gen Z is the first true digital native. They grew up with the internet in their pockets, communicating in memes and TikToks, and when it comes to music, their tastes are borderless, genre-blending, and often delightfully unpredictable. But in 2025, one thing is crystal clear: Gen Z isn't just consuming music - they're curating culture, dictating trends and reshaping the industry from the inside out. So, what exactly is SA's Gen Z listening to right now? Amapiano still reigns - but it's shifting Let's start with the obvious: Amapiano remains the heartbeat of the youth. But this isn't the same Yanos that erupted from taxis and township parties in 2019. In 2025, it's darker, slower, more introspective - yet still infectious. Mainstays like Young Stunna and Tyler ICU are still beloved, but a new wave of Gen Z producers is steering the genre into experimental territory. Subgenres like Private School Amapiano - with its jazzy flourishes, ambient synths and minimal vocals - are gaining serious traction. This is music for studying, for night drives, for solo unwinding. Gen Z isn't just dancing to Amapiano - they're living in it. The beat still bangs, but now it breathes. Hip hop gets softer - and realer Hip hop hasn't disappeared, but it has evolved. While trap beats and bravado still have their place, South African Gen Z is tuning into a more emotionally honest side of rap. The biggest surprise of 2025? The rise of lo-fi rap - think diary-like lyrics over chilled boom-bap beats. Artists like Blxckie, Usimamane, Tony Dayimane, Lucasraps and Dee Koala have helped shift the narrative. It's not about 'who's the hardest' anymore. It's about 'who's the realest'. Vulnerability is in, and the youth are here for it. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 3-Step sound: Fast, fun and viral-ready Not just millennials - Gen Z is fully on board with the 3-Step wave. This infectious, energetic genre is tailor-made for digital life. Why does it work? Because it's fun and thrives on virality. Perfect for TikTok challenges, street dance videos and high-energy playlists. Artists like Dlala Thukzin, as well as the duo Jazzworx and Thukuthela, are dominating youth-driven trends both online and in real life. If it bangs on TikTok, you'll hear it in the streets the next day. R&B still hits - if you know, you know Not everyone's into beats and basslines all the time. Some Gen Z listeners are soft at heart - and they've got the playlists to prove it. Take Kamogelo Makhura, for example. Her daily rotation? 'Burning Blue' by Mariah the Scientist 'Kusazokhanya' by DJ Zinhle, Thabsie & Brenden Praise 'Is It' by Tyla 'These are songs I need to hear every morning. 'Kusazokhanya' gives me hope - it makes my dreams feel reachable. 'Is It' is my go-to mood booster. And 'Burning Blue' is like my coffee - it's how I start my day,' she told 'Independent Media Lifestyle'. TikTok: Gen Z's new A&R Speaking of TikTok - it's not just a social platform; it's the new music discovery engine. A single viral clip can launch a track from obscurity to chart-topper in hours. And while TikTok's global influence on music is well documented, its real local impact in SA kicked off around 2020 during the pandemic. Yuvir Pillay, TikTok's music operations lead for Sub-Saharan Africa, told "Independent Media Lifestyle": 'In 2020, Amapiano was just starting to rise. But when artists like DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, and even hip hop stars like Cassper Nyovest began posting Amapiano tracks on TikTok, the genre exploded. "Our users started to shift from hip hop to Amapiano - and we amplified it.' No genres, just vibes Trying to box Gen Z into genre categories? Good luck. This generation doesn't do labels. They're not loyal to any one genre, but to a vibe. The shuffle button is king. So, what does it all mean? Gen Z in SA isn't just listening to music - they're actively shaping it. They're breaking down genre boundaries, embracing emotional honesty, championing local talent alongside global stars and using social media tools to amplify voices that speak to their realities. In 2025, music isn't a one-way experience. It's a conversation - and Gen Z? They're leading it, headphones on, playlists full of protest, pleasure and possibility.
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Wake up to love: Samthing Soweto's 'Touch is a Move: Good Morning' explores nostalgia
Samthing Soweto's new album captures a day in Soweto and a collection of love songs. Image: Instagram. After a five-year hiatus, Samthing Soweto, real name Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba, makes his return to the music scene with the release of his highly anticipated second album, "Touch Is a Move: Good Morning". The album is deeply rooted in his personal philosophy, echoing a rule from games played in childhood: once you touched a piece, you had to make the move, no hesitation, no take-backs. The second phrase, "Good Morning", echoes a ritual Soweto initiated in 2023, a daily greeting to his online audience that has fostered community ties. Together, these themes frame an album dedicated to exploring the weight of words and routines in our lives. The journey of "Touch Is a Move: Good Morning" unfolds like a day in Soweto, beginning at dawn's early light and gracefully transitioning into the evening. "Told through a blend of interludes and songs, it follows a day in the life of five-year-old Samkelo in the early 1990s. We are introduced to uMama, uGogo, bhut' Lungisa, sis' Amina, and sis' BhiBhi through his eyes. We hear his thoughts, see his world and witness the wonder of living across different generations in his home," read a statement. With tracks such as "Ama Get Down" featuring Blxckie, 'Amagents', "Deda" and 'Indandatho' among others, the album captures the wonder of a community woven together across generations, evoking nostalgia and reverence for days gone by. The album gracefully concludes with "GoodNight", featuring a prayer led by uGogo as young Samkelo reflects on his day and family. "As young Samkelo drifts off to sleep, he reflects on his day, his family and his ultimate wish to belong. The day ends and so does the album - gently, intimately and joyfully," read the statement.
The South African
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Cassper Nyovest to light up BAL Playoffs in Pretoria
The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs and Finals are set to electrify Pretoria from 6 to 14 June. A star-studded lineup of South African musical talent is taking centre stage during halftime shows at the SunBet Arena. This marks the first time the BAL playoffs and finals will be hosted in South Africa. This is a milestone that promises to blend thrilling basketball action with vibrant cultural celebrations. Award-winning hip hop sensation Cassper Nyovest will ignite the opening night on 6 June. He will perform during the seeding game between Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), led by former NBA player Jaylen Adams, and Al Ittihad (Egypt). They will be led by ex-NBA player George King according to the NBA . Cassper's high-energy show is expected to set the tone for the entire tournament. Other top South African artists will light up the stage throughout the playoffs. Ch'cco, Aymos, Blxckie, Bassie, Maglera Doe Boy, and Focalistic will all perform during halftime. This ensures that every game is a feast for both basketball and music lovers. Blxckie will perform on 7 June during the US Monastir vs Rivers Hoopers game. Aymos will take the stage during the second semifinal on 11 June. The finals on 14 June will feature Maglera Doe Boy and Focalistic, promising a grand closing celebration. BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall expressed excitement about this new chapter. 'The league has seen tremendous growth over the first four seasons. Hosting the playoffs and finals in Pretoria will build on that momentum and further showcase the level of talent and passion for basketball in Africa.' He emphasised how the event will be a celebration of African excellence on and off the court. The BAL Fan Zone at SunBet Arena will offer a lively atmosphere beyond the games. Fans can enjoy official BAL merchandise, delicious food and drinks, DJ performances, and interactive entertainment. This will create a full-day experience for attendees. The 2025 BAL season features 12 club teams from across Africa, including South Africa's own Made by Basketball (MBB). Sam Vincent, the 1986 NBA champion, coaches the MBB team. The playoffs will showcase the continent's best, with teams such as Al Ittihad (Egypt), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), US Monastir (Tunisia), and Petro de Luanda (Angola) competing for the title. For South African fans, this is a celebration of culture, music, and basketball coming home. As Cassper Nyovest put it, 'Bringing my music to the BAL playoffs in Pretoria feels like a full-circle moment. It's where sport meets culture, and I can't wait to share that energy with my people.' With basketball thrills and unforgettable halftime shows, the 2025 BAL Playoffs and Finals promise to be a landmark event in South Africa's sporting and entertainment calendar. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Kwesta drops 'The Big Bro Theory', a powerful tribute to his artistic journey
The offering, which Kwesta has proclaimed be his "homecoming" album, consists of 12 tracks and features an array of collaborations with notable local artists, including the exciting track 'Ghost' with Blxckie, 'Out of Love' with Amanda Black, and ' Joy ' with Nkosazana Daughter, which was released a month ago. The album not only marks a new chapter in his illustrious career but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to his lasting legacy and influence within the hip hop landscape of South Africa. Having carved his name in the industry for over 15 years, Kwesta embraces an esteemed role as a Grootman (big brother), taking pride in the narratives he has shaped and the lessons he has learned along the way. As he puts it, 'I've grown, I've led, I've learned. This album is me owning that journey, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It's the theory of what it means to be a Big Bro, musically and personally.' Kwesta expressed his excitement about the release, stating: "Thank you to everyone that's been riding with me for all these years, it's not a short time, it's been 18 years and you've shown me nothing but love and I appreciate every single one of you. He elaborated on the depth of this project, saying: "This album, 'The Big Bro Theory' is really a culmination of all these years, all these sounds that we've built up as we were going, that you've loved, that you've supported. "This is, you know, 'OG Kwesta', this is 'new-ish Kwesta', this is 'try something new Kwesta', but all in the hopes of moving the culture forward.
