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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

After pivoting the pioneering sound of Gqom into the mainstream to the point of award recognition, a slew of globetrotting singles, EPs, tours, and a Beyonce collaboration, all leading to the grand release of his debut album “Meeting With The King” with collaborators such as Lady Du, Mr Jazziq, Amanda Black and the late Mpura; congratulations are in order for DJ Lag who has won the prestigious South African Music Award (SAMA) for the Best Gqom album, cementing the album as a cornerstone in the legacy of Gqom music.

The 29th edition of the SAMAs, recognised as the most significant celebration of musical talent in South Africa, took place this past weekend, showcasing the best in the nation’s diverse and dynamic music scene in the past year.

DJ Lag stood out as an exemplary representation of Gqom’s evolution and influence among a formidable line-up of nominees in the Best Gqom Album category, namely Sizwe Mdlalose, Cairo CPT, DJ Sandiso & Newlandz Finest, all of whom contributed exceptionally to the genre.

The victory for “Meeting with the King” solidifies DJ Lag’s position as a dedicated, innovative trailblazer in the Gqom genre, known for its infectious beats and energetic dance floor appeal. The album, which captivated audiences and critics alike, showcases DJ Lag’s unparalleled talent, creativity, and ability to push Gqom music’s boundaries.

Reflecting on this momentous achievement, DJ Lag expressed his gratitude: “I am incredibly honoured and humbled to receive the Best Gqom Album award at the SAMAs. This recognition is not just for me but for the entire Gqom community and the vibrant music scene in South Africa. Thank you to my fans, collaborators, and everyone who has supported me on this journey.”

To celebrate DJ Lag’s well-deserved triumph, make sure to look out for his latest single release dropping this Friday, “Kwenzakalan”, teaming up with South African rap sensation Blxckie, along with emerging vocalists Leodaleo and Dezzodigo.

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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Off the back of announcing 20-years in the arts and entertainment industry, Relebogile Mabotja continues to prove her industry staying power and relevance with her latest nod from GQ Magazine South Africa as a contender for the GQ Men Of The Year (#GQMOTY23) People’s Choice Award.

The multi-hyphenated, multi-award-winning media personality and businesswoman’s latest nomination is benchmarked for personalities that “have made a significant, newsworthy contribution to culture over the last 12 months”.

Relebogile Mabotja’s #GQMOTY23 nomination comes as no surprise as they seek to celebrate and honour the champions who continue to shape the world we live in, paying tribute to the epitome of excellence, acknowledging and honouring the remarkable achievements of exceptional individuals across various categories.

Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen Relebogile Mabotja take on the role as Voice Director for Disney+’s original animated anthology “Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire”, receive two Radio Award nominations, win a SAFTA for Best Entertainment Programme for Miss South Africa 2022 Live Finale, Executive Produce Miss South Africa 2023, and launch a spin off series, Unpacked: The Second Chapter, for her highly rated TV show, Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja, just to highlight a few.

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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

At the age of 16, Dr Taz Emeran-Thomas fell pregnant and gave birth prematurely, instead of giving up on her dreams, she worked very hard to obtain her medical degree.

“I was born and raised in a disadvantaged community in Cape Town, where dreams normally fall on the way side. Before I fell pregnant I had fallen in with a bad crowd and given up on my dreams.”

“My son was born prematurely and spent two months in the neonatal intensive-care unit. It made me realise I had to take care of him. From that very moment I decided to turn my life around,” said Dr Taz.

“I immediately left for Joburg to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor, despite the disapproval in my community about being a young mother leaving my son behind. I am forever grateful to my mother and step-dad for supporting me through it all,” she added.

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A post shared by Dr Taz Emeran-Thomas, M.D 🇿🇦 (@thepeoples_dr)

Dr Taz applied for bursaries, scholarships and private sponsors, without success. She worked part-time jobs so she could pay her medical school fees at Wits University.

In 2020, few weeks before her graduation, she received an email from the University notifying her that she would not graduate until she had paid off all her outstanding debt, which amounted to R471 000.

Heartbroken, Dr Taz shared the devastating news with her Instagram followers in a five-minute video where she explained that she was in desperate need of assistance. The video went viral and garnered so much support, that she managed to fundraise the full amount and so much more in just 24hours.

“I am in complete awe and still speechless by the love and kindness shown to me by South Africa. I felt alone while struggling during the first years of my degree and now I feel like South Africa is my family,” she said.

Dr Taz Emeran-Thomas is a Medical Doctor at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and hopes to specialise in Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Image: Instagram

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Local artist, Una Rams, has released his much anticipated music project, “Hold Me When It’s Cold: The Cuddle Pack.”

This is not just a mixtape; it’s an audio universe, a time capsule, and a love letter to R&B’s most cherished moments. As Pr!nce, the suave maestro, Una Rams invites you to don your velvet robe of memories and embark on a journey to the golden era of R&B.

In the realm of “Hold Me When It’s Cold,” the 2000s come alive once again. Una Rams is your guide, leading you through the labyrinth of emotions, where every track is a chapter in the book of love. Nostalgia isn’t just a guest; it’s a resident here, painting the walls with hues of sweet reminiscence.

This mixtape is not just a collection of songs; it’s an anthology of emotions. Each note, each lyric, is a brushstroke in Una Rams’ sonic masterpiece, rendering love, longing, and life in vivid detail. The music is a warm embrace, inviting you to dive deep into the warm waters of soulful melodies.

“2AM,” the sweet ballad that opens the journey, is the result of a beautiful accident. Una Rams discovered Sandile M on TikTok, and in a whirlwind of creative frenzy, a masterpiece was born. It’s a bold declaration of warmth and connection, setting the tone for what’s to come.

“SOS,” short for ‘Sex On Sunday,’ is an electrifying dance of sensuality and emotion. Una Rams, along with Mikhalé Jones, crafts a sonic elixir that lingers long after the last note fades. Love is heightened, and it’s an experience in high definition.

“Body Party” takes the energy up a notch, driven by the outer-worldly influence of Timbaland’s sonic wizardry. Energetic and flirtatious, it feels like the crescendo of a party dedicated to love. “Bebe,” inspired by C-Tea’s term of endearment for his wife, is a journey through R&B bliss. Its creation was a tumultuous ride, but like all great tales, it has a happy ending. Tondi Rams’ enchanting piano melody and Una Rams’ artistry brought it to life.

“Possessed by an all-consuming beat, ‘Pull Up’ ushers in what might be the greatest outro of all time. Ammo Moses, with his soulful vocals, beckons us into a realm of fearless creativity, where Una Rams takes inspiration from his South African roots and infuses the spiritual chanting of his grandparents for a spellbinding sonic journey.

This mixtape isn’t just music; it’s a spellbinding experience, an ode to love and life, a testament to R&B’s enduring magic. Una Rams has raised the bar for the genre with “Hold Me When It’s Cold: The Cuddle Pack.” It’s not just a mixtape; it’s an invitation to surrender to the timeless magic of R&B.

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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

South African singer & songwriter Thando Zide announces the Pre-Add for her Debut EP UMvulo. Born Thandokazi Phanyaphanya ‘Thando Zide’, the 23-year-old singer who hails from Johannesburg, Soweto, was born into a musical family with chorister parents.

Given her musical lineage, Zide said her musical journey began before birth. Constantly surrounded by music and a music-loving family, she quickly assimilated into such a life. Exposed to her parents’ choir rehearsals and sonic family gatherings, Zide’s love for music was inevitable.

She attended the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, which she describes to be a place where the world of music opened up to her and her love for it was nurtured into a passion.

Inspired by rich indigenous sounds, through her music, by incorporating influences of jazz and contemporary sounds with indigenous African sounds from all over Africa, Zide aims to keep the African rhythm beating. She advocates for in-depth arts and culture education and exploration to aid self-expression as well as cultural pride and preservation.

In her five-track debut album, UMvulo, Zide touches on various themes that any ordinary person relates to such as love, heartbreak, faith, betrayal and healing. She goes on a storytelling and poetic journey through these themes inspired by personal experiences and the experiences of the people she’s encountered.

With this project, the artist went on an explorative journey, experimenting with different sounds and genres, where she introduced and concluded the body of work with African rhythms, having ballads and contemporary sounds sandwiched in between. UMvulo, taken from the artist’s home language, IsiXhosa, for “Monday”, is the artist alluding to the beginning of her journey into self.

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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

In the midst of an international breakthrough, Nigerian phenomenon Adekunle Gold recruits Major League Djz and Omit ST for a blockbuster Remix of his buzzing single “Party No Dey Stop” out now via Def Jam Recordings.

This summer, the original “Party No Dey Stop” [with Zinoleesky] catapulted into the Top 10 of the Billboard Top Afrobeats Songs Chart and peaked at #3 on the Official UK Afrobeats Chart.

Plus, it has generated over 32.8 million Spotify streams and 17 million YouTube views on the music video. Of course, it also graced his 2023 debut for Def Jam Recordings, Tequila Ever After.

Beyond piling up over 50 million total streams, the album incited critical applause. In addition to plugs from The FADER, amore, Variety proclaimed, “Nigerian superstar Adekunle Gold is experiencing a renaissance of sorts,” and Rolling Stone described his sound as “smooth Afropop” proclaimed, “Tequila Ever After is a love letter to the sounds of Africa that have recently taken the world by storm. It is also a showcase for Gold’s growth and experience.”

Adekunle just concluded a high-profile North American tour produced by Live Nation and Duke Concept, packing venues in major cities across the United States and Canada. He brought Tequila Ever After to life nightly in front of sold out audiences.

Tequila Ever After includes the singles “Party No Dey Stop,” “Ogaranya,” and the tracks from his EP Tio Tequila that came out earlier this year. The 17-track album features production from frequent collaborator Kel-P and Labrinth as well as features from Nigerian singer Zinoleesky, Texas superstar Khalid, legends Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers in addition to Gold’s wife Simi.

Tequila Ever After is a love letter to the sounds of Africa that have recently taken the world by storm. It is also a showcase for Gold’s growth and experience as the singer notes he has developed as an artist and human in the last few years since his last release. Speaking to that evolution, he shares “I’m not the Adekunle Gold who released my first album in 2016. I have a lot more confidence now.”

Integrating the South African genre of Amapiano, classic R&B, and a complex mix of Nigerian and American rhythms, Gold cements himself as one of Africa’s most essential contemporary musicians and the king of Afro-pop.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The Gauteng Growth Development Agency (GGDA), the dedicated implementation arm of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, continues to play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable job creation, inclusive economic growth, and development in the Gauteng City Region.

Through strategic partnerships and ecosystem-building initiatives, GGDA has consistently championed economic development and competitiveness in Gauteng. GGDA recognises the critical role of the creative industry and entrepreneurial endeavours in shaping the economic landscape of the province and South Africa as a whole. With an unwavering commitment to empowering creative talents and entrepreneurs.

Gauteng’s creative industry and entrepreneurial community have been a beacon of innovation, constantly driving economic transformation. GGDA’s support programs are designed to invigorate this ecosystem further, providing essential information, mentorship, and access to financial support provided by various partners to emerging businesses, startups, and creative projects.

In implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has highlighted the potential impact that could be realised through this sector in growing the economy of Africa.
“GGDA is committed to the sustainable economic development of Gauteng, and we recognise the pivotal role that creative industries and entrepreneurial endeavours play in our province’s growth trajectory,” stated Saki Zamxaka, Acting Group CEO at the GGDA.

“Our strategic partnerships with DFIs and Multilateral financiers provide various support mechanisms designed to empower these critical sectors with the resources and support they need to thrive and contribute to our region’s economic prosperity.”

GGDA is thrilled to highlight the economic spin-off that could be derived from the creative sector. This
campaign, provided through a social media roadshow, shines a spotlight on creatives who are not only
expressing their artistic talents but also sustaining themselves through entrepreneurship.

It celebrates those who exemplify the fusion of art and business.

Image: Instagram

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

PhD student in Physiology Itumeleng Zosela won first place in the in the Audio Category of the Young Science Communicator’s Competition 2022 edition, with her study focusing on using plant materials for colon cancer treatment.

The Young Science Communicator’s Competition challenges young scientists to tell their science story in a captivating, informative and interesting way.

The competition focused on natural sciences, under the theme of the “International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development,” and is an initiative of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).

Itumeleng’s research entails a possible treatment for colon cancer using gold nanoparticles synthesised from plant material.

Treatments currently available have severe side effects and do not only target the colon cancer cells but they also damage normal cells, she says.

These plant-synthesised gold nanoparticles have shown to only target and kill colon cancer cells and not normal cells which makes them a possible treatment with less side effects and cost-effective.

The award ceremony was held at the recent SACNASP Gala Banquet event in Pretoria and highlighted the profound impact of SACNASP’s 20 years dedicated to advancing professionalisation, scientific integrity, and inclusivity.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Redemption is a South African telenovela that portrays a family in conflict with itself, as there are many hidden secrets and lies that threaten to challenge their beliefs and tear them apart.

The story takes place in a mega church and centres around the Zikode family, who are closely knit and highly respected.

When the renowned pastor Simon Zikode (played by Themba Ndaba) goes missing under mysterious circumstances, his daughter Faith (Kwanele Mthethwa) – who is about to embark on an international music career – puts everything on hold to come to her family’s aid.

As Faith delves deeper into the church and the family’s affairs, she uncovers shocking truths about those closest to her and is forced to confront her own demons.

As the Zikode family grapples with the fallout from these revelations, they are faced with difficult decisions as they try to salvage their legacy. Will Faith’s discovery of her family’s dark past and present cause her to turn her back on them forever, or will she stay and fight to save their reputation?

The show’s tagline is “God for us all, Guluva for himself,” and it features a talented cast that includes Kwanele Mthethwa, Themba Ndaba, Tina Jaxa, Sparky Xulu, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Yonda Thomas, Pearl Modiadie, Zenzo Ngqobe, Seputla Sebogodi, Pakamisa Zwedala, Mmarona Motshegoa, Peter Mashigo, Helen Lebepe, Leera Mthethwa, Marjorie Langa, N’kone Mamejta, Toka Mtabane, and Sonni Chidiebere.

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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

In more confirmation of his incredible impact, Bongeziwe Mabandla won the Musician of the Year award at the annual Feather Awards at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre on November 9.

“I cannot tell you the happiness this brought me,” said Mabandla. “Thank you so much to all the voters.”

The musician also paid tribute to Thandiswa Mazwai, who was named the recipient of the prestigious Simon Nkoli Award this year. “I love you King Tha and am so thankful to have been there to celebrate with you,” said the amaXesha singer and songwriter.

Billed as a night “where our community’s extraordinary achievements and contributions take centre stage”, the nominees for the Feather Awards XV included brilliant stars, passionate activists and influential community leaders. The awards are held annually to honour outstanding individuals for their incredible contributions to the LGBTIQ+ community.

Mabandla was dressed by Fuego who, in October, paid tribute to Mabandla following his concert in St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town. “The visuals and sounds had me feeling like I was about to levitate … I found myself, eyes closed, speaking to my creator,” said the designer.

A symbol of unity, diversity, and empowerment, the Feather Awards XV saw Mabandla nominated in the Musician of the Year category, along with Tyler ICU and Lloyiso.

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