Hayden Manuel – The Connect
Hip hop and urban culture isn’t averse to the concept of the powerbroker. Where artists tend to get the lions’ share of the spotlight and attention in an industry that favours the flamboyant, the role of the “connect” is one that is largely overlooked. Hayden Manuel is one such role-player that has kept the cogs […]
Zaid Osman – The Architect
Zaid Osman is quietly unassuming. His modest demeanour a stark contrast to the magnitude of his entrepreneurial achievements at age 25, Zaid is the founder of the Lost Property Store, Sneaker Exchange in South Africa and his newest streetwear venture, Grade Africa. On how he got into sneaker culture, he says “Almost feel like I […]
Episode 3 of Notes & Noise
Episode 3 of “Notes & Noise” is here. This episode sees Menzi Mzimela and Sipho Muchindu hosted in studio as we discuss the fluidity of the genre; when is it hip hop and when isn’t it hip hop, and to what degree are artists allowed to play around with the music without dipping out of the […]
MUZI And DEAD. Launch Pop-Up Store
Today, globally recognised South African Producer / DJ, MUZI drops his much anticipated 4-track EP, Stimela Segolide. A WE.THE.BUNDU release, the EP is a sonic commemoration of the historic gold mine migrations in Apartheid South Africa. The EP is released in conjunction with a 4-day pop-up store in Braamfontein (02-05 May 2019), Johannesburg and a 4-day mobile pop-up tour around […]
The Future of Influencer Marketing in SA
Words by Mercia Tucker The Cambridge English dictionary defines an influencer as “someone who affects or changes the way that other people behave, for example through their use of social media.” By definition, this could extend to any person whose paths we cross on social media whose opinion has swayed us in a particular aspect. […]
Episode 2 of Notes & Noise
Episode 2 of “Notes & Noise” is here. A podcast hosted by Mercia Tucker, it sees her waxing lyrical about all things South African hip hop once a month as she attempts to separate the noteworthy from the noise. This episode sees Azizzar Mosupi and Precious Nkadimeng hosted in studio as we talk about artists who […]
Notes & Noise is here
Episode 1 of “Notes & Noise” is here. A podcast hosted by Mercia Tucker, it sees her waxing lyrical about all things South African hip hop once a month as she attempts to separate the noteworthy from the noise. This episode sees Sabelo Mkhabela and Tseliso Monaheng occupying the hot seats in a cornucopia of thoughtful analysis, witty […]
Budweiser Presents Maria McCloy
Words by Mercia Tucker If your interest in urban youth culture started to take shape between 1996 and 2009, chances are you were touched by the influence of Black Rage Productions. A media company formed by three Rhodes journalism graduates with a passion for urban culture, one third of the company’s ownership, Maria McCloy, reflects […]
Top 20 Game Changers in Marketing and Media
Words by Sanele Mawisa The spheres of marketing and branding in South Africa have seen a mixture of results both good and bad and actually a whole lot of in between. The landscape has evolved whereby consumers are smarter and more demanding than ever before and the growing importance of representation is a debate that […]
Budweiser presents Austin Malema
Words by Mercia Tucker Austin Malema has grown to become one of the most revered photographers in SA. Coined by Khutso Theledi late last year, the hashtag #EverybodyDeservesAnAustinMalemaPicture has become a testament to the calibre of artist he is and the esteem that he’s held in the South African entertainment landscape. The lens that he […]
The Rise of Artist Owned Festivals
Words by Zee Ntloko In 2015, Cassper Nyovest embarked on the seemingly audacious task of hosting a concert at The Dome and attempting to fill up the 20,000-capacity venue. What was first met with scepticism and even ridicule, the premiere Fill Up event surprisingly succeeded and ushered in the high-profile artist’s festival in South Africa. […]
Flavour Odyssey Lights Up Joburg
South Africa’s premium flavoured beer, Flying Fish, gave Johannesburg a much-needed burst of flavour on the 25th of November at their highly anticipated Flavour Odyssey experience. The lush gardens of Victoria Yards were brought to life by the vibrant sounds and stylistic flow of American rapper J.I.D who performed alongside local superstars Moonchild Sanelly, Kitchen […]