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H.B. Barnum was in South Africa for the first time for the Our Origin Festival, held at Kromdraai Impact Hub in Krugersdorp from 16 to 18 October.

‘There are no barriers in the music’: The Savoy Ellingtons and H.B. Barnum

Legendary arranger H.B. Barnum and The Savoy Ellingtons reflect on their debut South African performance at the Cradle of Humankind, Duke Ellington's legacy, and the unifying…

Upcoming: On 27 November, The Brother Moves On marks 13 years since debut album, A New Myth, with a concert at Untitled Basement in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Photos: Kagisano Seupe

‘There’s no such thing as apolitical music’: Siyabonga Mthembu on democracy, citizenship and Ngeke!

The Brother Moves On frontman Siyabonga Mthembu discusses why all music is political, the complexities of South African democracy, and why citizens must define the country's…

Classic: Mono T has released a remix package of the iconic track, bringing together a new generation of producers to reimagine a song that has remained an important part of South African dance music. Photos: Supplied

Mono T brings ‘Bashanyana’ back to the dance floor

Producer Mono T reflects on the lasting legacy of his 2010 dance anthem 'Bashanyana' with DJ Maphorisa, as he reinterprets the Afro Tech classic alongside a new generation of…

Musical influence: Singer-songwriter Nhoza describes her sound as traditional fusion. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide:Hluma Film Festival in PMB, Nhoza releases Umthandazo and NCX showcases emerging artists

Discover this week's arts and culture highlights, featuring Nhoza's new single 'Umthandazo', the Hluma Film Festival in Pietermaritzburg, and the Tiriparwendo exhibition in Cape…

Reflection: The single, Ndembathe Nkosi, is a reminder of the protection Lindokuhle Mgedezi has sought through the difficult moments of his career. The album appears to be an attempt to understand those moments and the person who has emerged from them. Photo: Supplied

Mlindo The Vocalist finds strength in faith

Mlindo The Vocalist reflects on his career struggles, spiritual growth, and his new gospel collaboration with Duduza Serenade ahead of his album Inhlawulo.

Behind the beat: Mkhonzeni Professor Langa’s music drew from familiar places, relationships and experiences, often exaggerating them for effect. Photos: Supplied

Professor is still telling our stories

Kwaito legend Professor reflects on over a decade in the music industry, his latest single 'Iskoqokoqo', and the enduring power of township storytelling in a changing digital…

Gig Guide: The weekend is for the 12th African Women Writers’ Symposium, Mimi Mtshali to perform Khaya Lami, ICA Live Art Festival returns, Our Origin Festival 2026 and Zoë Modiga returns with When The Rain Comes

Discover South Africa's top cultural events, featuring the Our Origin Festival in the Cradle of Humankind, jazz by Mimi Mtshali, Zoë Modiga's latest music, the African Women…

Sisonke Xonti finds his way back to the light

Acclaimed saxophonist Sisonke Xonti reflects on fatherhood, family loss, and finding resilience as he returns with his third studio album, uKholo.

Sunnier forecast: Langa Mavuso’s album Therapy was written in the wake of his partner’s death. Now, a year later, he releases Therapy: The Other Side, his progress report. Photos: Supplied

Langa Mavuso is on the other side of grief

Marking a decade in music, award-winning singer Langa Mavuso releases ‘Therapy: The Other Side’, shifting from mourning and heartbreak to joy, abundance, and theatrical stagecraft.

Image: Supplied

Ex-gang leader sentenced to 40 years to life for Tupac Shakur’s 1996 murder

Former gang leader Duane 'Keffe D' Davis has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for orchestrating the 1996 Las Vegas drive-by shooting that killed hip-hop icon Tupac…

Indelible storyteller: Pilani is a singer-songwriter, poet and TV presenter with seven albums behind her and an eighth on the way. She has a Sama on the shelf, four Netflix syncs to her name and performances in more than 25 countries across Europe and Africa.  She also founded the Folklore Festival. Photos: Supplied

Pilani Bubu is defying gravity

Award-winning musician Pilani Bubu has spent 15 years writing her own playbook. As she releases her introspective new single 'Caged Heart', she reflects on creative independence,…

Musical life: Miriam Altman started by playing classic music, opera . . . then corporate. Now she’s into jazz. Photos: Supplied

Miriam Altman is finding a voice beyond the boardroom

Known for her leadership in economics and business, Miriam Altman makes an unexpected pivot to jazz with her debut album, The Butterfly Project, exploring themes of renewal and…

Gig Guide: Sun Quintet return with Winter Sun, Olefied Khetha features Big Zulu on iStep Father Remix, 20 years of Back To The City and Vuyo Viwe is holding up a mirror of reflection

Back To The City marks 20 years with an all-star hip-hop line-up, alongside fresh releases from Sun Quintet, Olefied Khetha featuring Big Zulu, and Vuyo Viwe.

Freddie Jackson, R&B singer behind Rock Me Tonight, dies at 70

Acclaimed American R&B and soul singer Freddie Jackson, best known for timeless hits including 'Rock Me Tonight' and 'You Are My Lady', has died at the age of 70.

Finding her footing: Zolani Mahola says the joyfulness and sense of reclamation so evident in her upcoming album are the product of years of internal work, during which she investigated her own identity and purpose. Photo: Aron Halevi

Zolani Mahola wants to shatter your idea of her

Former Freshlyground lead singer Zolani Mahola opens up about her joyful upcoming album 'People Power', healing after divorce, reconnecting with her ancestors, and reclaiming her…