Music

  • Money Badoo goes global with ‘RUDEBOI’ ahead of UK debut this May

    Money Badoo goes global with ‘RUDEBOI’ ahead of UK debut this May

    South African alt-pop disruptor Money Badoo is entering her global era with the release of her latest single RUDEBOI , a bold, playful and genre bending anthem that signals a major new chapter for the rising star.

    Created during her first trip to Berlin in 2025 alongside producer Lisa Kida, RUDEBOI blends alternative R&B, trap and hyperpop influences into a track that feels both experimental and effortlessly cool. Inspired by the fearless energy of Rihanna, the single celebrates freedom, confidence and finding your people wherever you go.

    The release also sets the tone for her upcoming EP 4PLAY, dropping on 5 June via Paradise Sound System.

    But the music drop is only the beginning.

    Money Badoo is set to make her highly anticipated UK debut at The Great Escape Festival on 15 May, marking a huge milestone in her rapidly growing international career. Supported by the SAMPRA Development Fund, the showcase places the South African creative on one of Europe’s biggest stages for emerging talent.

    Following her performance at Reeperbahn Festival, Money Badoo continues to cement herself as one of SA’s most exciting boundary-pushing artists — merging music, fashion and culture into a world entirely her own.

    With RUDEBOI already turning heads and 4PLAY on the way, one thing is clear: Money Badoo’s moment has officially arrived.

  • Corona Never Ending Sunsets chases the final golden hours

    Corona Never Ending Sunsets chases the final golden hours

    As the temperatures begin to dip and Johannesburg slowly trades late summer evenings for crisp winter skies, Corona Never Ending Sunsets continues to deliver the perfect golden-hour escape — and we’re not ready for it to end just yet.

    The first edition kicked off at Epicure Rooftop in Rosebank on 25 April 2026, bringing together music lovers, creatives and sunset seekers for an unforgettable daytime-to-night experience, followed by another sun-soaked gathering at Rockets Bryanston on 2 May 2026.

    Now, Corona Never Ending Sunsets heads into its next chapter on 16 May 2026, with the venue still under wraps.

    The Rosebank edition turned the rooftop into a dreamy sunset soundtrack as music lovers gathered for an afternoon that effortlessly flowed into nightfall. Sino Msolo, Kitchen Mess, Pravicii and Karyendasoul kept the energy alive from daytime grooves through to golden hour.

    Closing out the evening was Thee Buhle, whose smooth hour-and-a-half set perfectly matched the skyline as the city turned shades of amber and gold.

    Now, anticipation is building for the 16 May edition — which also lands on In The Know Media’s birthday weekend — making the next Never Ending Sunsets installment feel even more special. While the location remains a mystery for now, one thing is certain: sunset chasers will be showing up ready for another unforgettable experience.

    The series will officially wrap up on 30 May 2026 in Pretoria, bringing the season to a close with one final sunset celebration before winter fully settles in.

    Among those spotted enjoying the atmosphere was artist and musician Money Badoo, who shared why Corona remains her beer of choice.

    “I don’t really drink beer like that, to be honest,” she said. “I don’t like to feel bloated. But I drink Corona. It’s actually one of the only beers I drink because I love tequila, I love lime, I love that sour taste. And the fact that you can drop and roll the lime and it’s refreshing — yeah, Corona is the only beer. My only exception, actually.”

    With only two editions left before the series signs off for the season, all that’s left to do is grab a lime, find your people and watch the sun go down one more time.

  • Ella Mai set for two exclusive South African shows this April

    Ella Mai set for two exclusive South African shows this April

    The chart-topping R&B star brings her signature sound to Sun City and Cape Town for a limited live run.

    Award-winning British R&B singer-songwriter Ella Mai is heading to South Africa this April, with just two highly anticipated performances lined up for fans. The “Boo’d Up” hitmaker will take to the stage at the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday, 25 April as part of the Konka Kulture Weekend, before heading to Cape Town’s GrandWest on Sunday, 26 April for a second and final show.

    Known for her smooth vocals and emotionally charged songwriting, Ella Mai’s return to the stage promises an immersive live experience, blending fan favourites with newer material. Audiences can expect to hear hits like “Trip” alongside tracks from her latest studio album Do You Still Love Me, which has already resonated with listeners through songs such as “Little Things” and “Tell Her”.

    The Sun City performance forms part of the wider Konka Kulture Weekend, a three-day music-led experience delivered in partnership with Konka and Vertex Events, while the Cape Town show offers a more focused evening curated solely by Vertex Events. Both promise an atmosphere tailored to R&B lovers, with a strong emphasis on connection, nostalgia and live performance energy.

    Since emerging onto the global music scene in 2014, Ella Mai has built an impressive catalogue and collaborated with industry heavyweights including Chris Brown, Usher, H.E.R. and Nicki Minaj, cementing her place as one of modern R&B’s defining voices.

    With anticipation building, organisers are positioning both shows as standout moments on the local live music calendar — the kind of nights designed to linger long after the final encore.

  • Montreux Meets Africa: Franschhoek Set to Host First African Edition of Iconic Jazz Festival

    Montreux Meets Africa: Franschhoek Set to Host First African Edition of Iconic Jazz Festival

    Franschhoek, South Africa, 19 February 2026 – Prepare for a musical collision of continents as the Montreux Jazz Festival lands in Africa for the very first time. Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA), presented by Nedbank from 27–29 March 2026, has unveiled a stellar line-up that promises world-class artistry, intimate performances, and cultural exchange like never before.

    This inaugural African edition will unfold across two distinctive hubs: The Arches Main Stage, located at the historic monument, and the cosy, atmospheric Jazz Village, housed within Franschhoek’s iconic church. Together, they set the stage for a festival that balances global heavyweights, pioneering African voices, genre-defying innovators, and rising talent.

    Mark Goedvolk, MJFSA’s founder, explains: “Bringing the Montreux Jazz Festival to Africa has never been about replication – it’s about re-imagining what this legendary platform can become when rooted in African creativity, excellence and storytelling. Franschhoek provides the perfect canvas for an intimate, meaningful and globally resonant experience.”

    The Arches Main Stage – Friday

    The festival opens with The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience, led by South African drummer and composer Kesivan Naidoo. Other highlights include:

    • Brother Kujenga (SA) – a fusion of Afro-futurism, soul, spoken word, and experimental rock, delivering a politically and spiritually charged performance.
    • Wet Wet Wet (UK) – the Scottish pop legends behind hits like Love Is All Around, bringing timeless, melody-driven pop anthems.
    • Róisín Murphy (Ireland) – acclaimed for her avant-garde art-pop and electrifying stagecraft.

    The Arches Main Stage – Saturday

    Saturday promises a thrilling mix of local and international talent:

    • The Ploemies and Friends (SA) – Cape jazz groove collective opening the night with joyous improvisation.
    • Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence, Mandisi Dyantyis and Salif Keita
    • Thandiswa Mazwai (SA) – cultural icon blending Afro-soul, Xhosa traditions, funk, and electronic textures.
    • Ezra Collective (UK) – Mercury Prize-winning UK jazz ensemble celebrated for explosive live energy and Afro-diasporic groove.
    • Robert Glasper with special guest Bilal (US) – modern jazz and neo-soul architects delivering a landmark collaboration.

    Jazz Village – Friday

    In the intimate Jazz Village, audiences can look forward to:

    • Madala Kunene & Sibusisle Xaba (SA)
    • Kesivan & The Lights ft Swiss Africa Horns & BONJ – showcasing a distinct repertoire from the big band, highlighting Kesivan Naidoo’s versatility.
    • Stacey Kent (US) – Grammy-nominated vocalist renowned for her elegant phrasing and timeless jazz interpretations.
    • Ramon Alexander Trio ft Buddy Wells (SA) – a blend of classic and modern jazz, featuring Stellenbosch pianist Ramon Alexander and saxophonist Buddy Wells.

    Music curator Lindsay Rhoda emphasises: “Every artist has been chosen to move audiences emotionally, spiritually, and musically. From intimate Jazz Village performances to the grandeur of The Arches stage, this line-up offers discovery, celebration, and connection.”

    Jazz Village – Saturday

    Saturday continues with a celebration of legacy and innovation:

    • Kwanti Leeh!
    • Home at Last: A Tribute to Bheki Mseleku (SA) – presented by Gareth Lockrane and Bokani Dyer, paying homage to the late South African jazz visionary.
    • “A Kind of Blue” (US) – Miles Davis centenary celebration featuring Eddie Henderson, Javon Jackson, Donald Harrison, George Colligan, Buster Williams, and Lenny White.
    • Msaki presents ENTROPY: The Heart as an Echo Chamber ft Jesse Clegg (SA) – an intimate, soul-stirring exploration of love and renewal.
    • The Kyle Shepherd Trio (SA) – Cape Town pianist Kyle Shepherd and collaborators Benjamin Jephta and Jono Sweetman delivering modern jazz infused with African resonance.

    Sunday Slowdown – 29 March

    The festival concludes with a relaxed, un-ticketed Sunday Slowdown along the Montreux Mile on Huguenot Street. While the main stages will be silent, the town will hum with music, public bars, food vendors, and a ‘wine down’ featuring local vignerons. A perfect day to soak up the cultural and culinary delights of Franschhoek.

    Buli Ndlovu, Nedbank Executive Head of Personal and Private Banking Marketing, adds: “Nedbank is proud to support a festival that places African artistry at the centre of a global cultural conversation. Music has the power to unite, inspire and uplift, and MJFSA embodies this spirit.”

    Tickets for the Jazz Village are live on Ticketmaster. For premium hospitality packages, contact: hospitality@mjfsa.com. For more information, visit www.mjfsa.com.

    Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek promises an intimate, premium experience where global legends and African icons meet, creating a unique cultural and musical journey.

  • Donald and Amanda Black release powerful new single ‘Amanga’

    Donald and Amanda Black release powerful new single ‘Amanga’

    When it comes to timeless love songs with depth, few artists deliver quite like Donald. The platinum-selling Afro-Soul star has joined forces with the ever-soulful Amanda Black for Amanga — an emotionally rich ballad that unpacks the complicated layers of love, truth and accountability.

    Meaning “lies”, Amanga sets the tone from the very first note. The track explores the emotional fallout of broken promises, with Donald opening the conversation in a place of disappointment and confrontation. He reflects on a relationship that has unravelled, questioning how things fell apart. But this isn’t a one-sided story.

    Amanda Black enters with poise and vulnerability, offering her perspective and challenging the narrative. Her verse shifts the energy, adding depth and nuance as she highlights the shared responsibility behind the relationship’s demise. The result is a compelling musical dialogue — raw, relatable and beautifully layered. It’s the kind of storytelling that feels personal yet universal, allowing listeners to see pieces of their own love stories reflected in the lyrics.

    Speaking about the collaboration, Donald describes Amanga as a love song that intentionally shows all sides of a relationship — the effort, the misunderstandings and the emotional weight that comes with both. Judging by the response, it has clearly resonated. With over 282,000 YouTube views and more than two million social media impressions, the track is fast becoming a modern love anthem.

    Amanga leads Donald’s latest three-track EP, Close The Door On Your Way Out, which also features Awunandaba Nam and Ngikhulule. The project continues his exploration of love, closure and emotional growth — themes that have long defined his artistry.

    For over 15 years, Donald Moatshe — known simply as Donald — has remained one of South Africa’s most recognisable voices in contemporary Afro-Soul and R&B. From his early days singing in a church choir to launching his career under DJ Cleo’s Will of Steel Productions in 2008, he has steadily built a brand rooted in emotional storytelling and vocal excellence.

    In 2011, he founded his own label, D-Exclusive, taking full creative control of his sound. His breakout hit I Deserve and the platinum-certified album Train of Love cemented his place in the industry, while his 2017 project Something More made history as South Africa’s first visual album — proving his ability to innovate beyond the music itself.

    Today, Donald continues to evolve while maintaining a polished, sophisticated image that resonates across audiences. With Amanga, he once again reminds listeners why vulnerability, honesty and strong storytelling remain at the heart of truly memorable music.

  • Africa Rising Music Conference 2026: Johannesburg Gears Up for Two Days of Global Sounds and Homegrown Talent

    Africa Rising Music Conference 2026: Johannesburg Gears Up for Two Days of Global Sounds and Homegrown Talent

    Africa Rising Music Conference returns to Johannesburg this May with global names, bold ideas and a spotlight on homegrown sounds

    Johannesburg’s cultural calendar is about to get a serious upgrade. The Africa Rising Music Conference is back at Constitution Hill on 22 and 23 May 2026, bringing two days of big conversations, boundary-pushing innovation and cross-continental collaboration to the heart of the city.

    Now firmly established as one of the continent’s leading music industry gatherings, ARMC connects African and global players across music, media and tech. Female-led and future-focused, the conference champions leadership, artist and executive exchange, and real-world collaboration that stretches far beyond panel discussions.

    Founder and Conference Director Sarah Jane Nicholson says the 2026 edition is rooted in building tangible pathways between artists, executives, markets and ideas. The first wave of speakers and genre spotlights, she explains, sets the tone for a programme centred on cultural relevance and long-term impact, with much more still to be revealed in the months ahead.

    First headline speakers announced

    This year’s early headline names span music, technology and media, reflecting ARMC’s cross-industry ethos.

    Confirmed speakers include chart-topping artist Elaine, Nkosiyati Khumalo of Billboard Africa, singer-songwriter Filah Lah Lah and Rofhiwa Maneta from Meta.

    International voices already confirmed include Steffen Holly of Fraunhofer IDMT in Germany and Alex Jukes of Jukebox PR. More global artists and executives are set to join the line-up in the coming months.

    A strategic partnership with RISA

    ARMC 2026 also announces a strategic partnership with the Recording Industry of South Africa, the organisation representing the country’s major and independent record labels. The collaboration aims to strengthen dialogue around rights, sustainability and long-term industry growth at a time when the African market is rapidly evolving.

    Genre spotlights: Lekompo and Maskandi

    This year’s programme turns its attention to two powerful expressions of South African identity: Lekompo and Maskandi.

    Lekompo, a fast-rising genre from Limpopo, is translating grassroots momentum into serious digital scale. Artists such as Shandesh and Kharishma have amassed tens of millions of cumulative streams, with strong growth across platforms including Spotify. It is a case study in how regional sounds can build national audiences through streaming-led discovery.

    Maskandi will also take centre stage, with sessions exploring how this deeply rooted, community-driven genre continues to expand its mainstream reach through digital platforms, all while holding firmly onto its cultural identity.

    Four pillars shaping 2026

    ARMC 2026 is built around four core pillars: Live and Entertainment, Innovation and Music Tech, Education and Employment, and Export and Building Bridges.

    A major highlight will be the expansion of the AI Think Tank Roundtable to Johannesburg for the first time. Originally launched in Berlin by Paradise Worldwide alongside partners including Association For Electronic Music and MusicTech Germany, the initiative brings together music and technology leaders to debate ethical AI use, fair attribution, creator protection and the future of Pan-African independent ecosystems.

    The 2026 theme song

    True to its collaborative spirit, ARMC also drops its 2026 theme song, 3NRGY, by Money Badoo and Bony Fly. The track was born out of the conference’s annual studio sessions and captures the kind of cross-border creative exchange ARMC actively facilitates.

    Supported by headline partners Paradise Worldwide and MintDigital Services, ARMC will once again spill into a curated night-time programme of showcases and live performances across Johannesburg. Further details on venues and partners are set to follow.

    Early bird tickets are now available via Quicket, with demand expected to rise as more names and programme details are announced. For artists, executives and music lovers alike, Africa Rising Music Conference 2026 promises two days where ideas meet action — and where Africa’s next chapter in music takes shape.

  • Hey Neighbour Festival moves back to December

    Hey Neighbour Festival moves back to December

    Hey Neighbour Festival 2025, originally scheduled for August, will now take place in December. The move comes as organisers aim to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the event. The festival had promised a stellar lineup including Doja Cat, Central Cee, Black Coffee, and Leon Thomas, among others.

    Festival CEO Glen Netshipise shared, “We understand the disappointment this change brings to our fans, partners, and artists. Our communication hasn’t been as clear as it should’ve been, and for that, we truly apologise. We’re committed to being more transparent moving forward and delivering a world-class experience this December.” He added, “The continued support from our sponsors, artists, and fans is what’s making this all possible.”

    What This Means for Ticket Holders & Sponsors:

    • Tickets: All previously purchased tickets remain valid. New festival dates and the full lineup will be announced on 30 September 2025.
    • Refunds: Refunds will be processed by 10 October 2025 for those who can no longer attend.
    • Sponsors: Direct communication will be made with each sponsor.
    • Artists: Discussions are underway to re-confirm performances for the new dates.

    Organisers are actively securing additional funding, partners and headline acts to elevate the festival experience. Stay updated by visiting www.heyneighbour.co.za or following @HeyNeighbourFest on social media.

    Contact Info:
    tickets@heyneighbour.co.za
    +27 60 808 5252
    www.heyneighbour.co.za