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Mail & Guardian
Shingai Darangwa

Creator

Shingai Darangwa

Touch My Blood cover, is the third and final studio album by South African rapper AKA before his death, released on 15 June 2018 through Beam Group in partnership with NYCE Entertainment.

‘I want my flowers while I’m still alive’ – AKA, Kiernan Forbes

Considered one of the greatests of all time in SA hip hop, AKA was on the long road to redemption that sadly got cut short

Anatii lights up a joint as he regales us with the story behind Iyeza’s uncertain and exhilarating release week. Photo: Supplied
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ANATII IS BACK OUTSIDE

Five years on from his sprawling sophomore album Iyeza, Anatii is ready to embark on his next sonic journey

Designer and illustrator Masonwabe Ntloko. (Supplied)

Masonwabe Ntloko’s bold artistic vision

Masonwabe Ntloko has evolved into a revered multi-hyphenate designer and illustrator by being selfish about his time and talent

After several years out of the limelight the veteran rapper, born Senzo Brikka Vilakazi, “Kwesta”  is preparing to finally drop a new album.

Bringing sounds together: How Kwesta and Kabza De Small formed an unlikely union

After several years out of the limelight, Kwesta hopes to rediscover his flair with an experimental new collaborative project.

International star: Musa Keys won Record of the Year for Vula Mlomo at the 2022 South African Music Awards. (Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images)

The Tsonga Michael Jackson

Musa Keys, who makes music that’s timeless, is charting his own path in the music world locally and internationally

23-year-old Johannesburg-based photographer Maverick Seizure. Photo: Supplied

It’s lights, camera, action for prolific young photographer Maverick Seizure

How the 23 year old went from listening to Bas in matric to being the Dreamville protege’s go to photographer

The late rapper Takeoff of The Group Migos at Pierre ‘Pee’ Thomas’ Birthday Celebration at Gold Room QC Grand Casino on June 6, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Prince Williams/WireImage)

The Migos legacy – Takeoff’s death marks a tragic end to hip-hop’s most prolific group

Gun violence claims the life of yet another of hip-hop’s ascendant stars

Sad note: Hip-hop artist Riky Rick committed suicide. Many black men find it hard to talk about their emotions and hip-hop’s abrasive culture makes it worse. (Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images)

The lives of Riky Rick and HHP reveal hip-hop’s hard-knock mentality

Not only is this Mental Health Awareness Month, it also marks four years since we lost HHP to suicide. Shingai Darangwa looks at the effects of the hip-hop mentality

After two years of showcasing virtually, the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival is set to return to the Constitution Hill Museum and national heritage site for its 10th anniversary from 25 to 29 October.

Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival returns to Constitution Hill for its 10th anniversary

Creative talks, classes and business workshops lead up to the main Sounds of Freedom Festival, headlined by Msaki, Big Zulu and Blxckie

The film, a story about pain and abandonment, won the Best International Film and Best Director at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema

Thabo Khambule speaks about his award-winning film, Margarine

The film, a story about pain and abandonment, won the Best International Film and Best Director at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema

Mlindo The Vocalist would be the first to say he wasn’t ready for the mammoth success of his debut album, Emakhaya. Imgae: Supplied

Mlindo goes back to basics

After losing himself in the success of his debut album, ‘Emakhaya’, Mlindo The Vocalist went back home and found himself. Now he’s back with ‘Lindokuhle’

DJ-Khaled-God-Did-Album-artwork. Photo: Supplied

One Show, Two Takes: DJ Khaled – God Did

Even Jay-Z’s legendary verse on the title track can’t save this album from mediocrity

Multi award-winning South African entertainer J’Something today announced his upcoming INDOOR Tour, launching in Cape Town mid-September, before moving on to Durban and Johannesburg in the later part of the year. Photo: Supplied

10 years in, there’s still Something about J

From Stimela’s ‘Zwakala’ to ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ by Bill Withers’, J Something’s new Indoor tour promises to be a nostalgic thrill.

American rapper, songwriter, and actor (1971-1996) Tupac Shakur poses for a portrait during the 1994 Source Awards on April 25, 1994 at the Paramount Theatre in New York, New York. (Bob Berg/Getty Images)

Remembering Tupac Shakur, 26 years on

The top hits of the rapper who was assassinated on this day in 1996 at just 25 years old

The amapiano star speaks about his music journey, JazziDisciples’ early days and his new album.

Mr JazziQ is hungrier than ever

The amapiano star speaks about his music journey, JazziDisciples’ early days and his new album

One Album, Two Takes: ‘Honestly, Nevermind’

Is Drake’s new album hip hop or house? Nobody knows but it’s provocative

Tokollo Magesh Tshabalala-Instagram

Remembering Magesh, a kwaito star who was ahead of his time

This week South African music lost a legend – TKZee member Tokollo ‘Magesh’ Tshabalala

Careers of note: The Mahotella Queens perform in Holland in 1987. (Frans Schellekens/Redferns)

Gallo celebrates 95 years

The history of Africa’s first record label is studded with successes — and controversies

Usher

Looking back at Usher’s best songs

Usher’s ‘My Way’ turns 25 this year. We count some of our favourite songs from the R&B superstar

Good clean fun: After having shared a bath with Khanyi Mbau, Mpho Popps says he’s ‘comfortable to go places where no man should venture’ on ‘Comedy Central Roast’.

Popping and roasting

Mpho Popps on tackling mental health issues, Dave Chappelle and the upcoming Roast of Khanyi Mbau