Latest news with #Focalistic
The South African
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
10 South African artists - and their REAL names
South Africa is home to a wealth of musical talent that has captured local and international audiences across genres ranging from Amapiano to hip-hop and gospel. While fans know them by their stage names, many may be surprised to learn their real names behind the fame. Award-winning rapper Cassper Nyovest was born Refiloe Maele Phoolo, and the late hip-hop star AKA was Kiernan Jarryd Forbes. These household names have become synonymous with South Africa's urban music explosion, yet their real identities reveal their personal roots and cultural heritage. Afro-pop sensation Makhadzi, whose energetic performances have won hearts across the continent, is officially Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona. Meanwhile, Nasty C, one of the country's biggest rap exports, was born Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo. In the realm of dance and house music, DJ Black Coffee – whose beats echo in clubs from Ibiza to New York – goes by Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo. Similarly, Master KG, known globally for the viral hit Jerusalema , is Kgaogelo Moagi. The Amapiano wave has brought new names to the forefront, including Focalistic ( Lethabo Sebetso ), Young Stunna ( Sandile Msimango ), and Lady Du ( Dudu Ngwenya ), who continue to dominate streaming platforms and local radio. On the gospel front, artists like Kelly Khumalo ( Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo ) and Nomcebo Zikode ( Nomcebo Nothule Nkwanyana ) blend spirituality with powerful vocals, contributing to the country's rich musical diversity. Cassper Nyovest – Refiloe Maele Phoolo – AKA – Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (late) – (late) Nasty C – Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo – Black Coffee – Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo – Makhadzi – Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona – Sho Madjozi – Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif – Boity – Boitumelo Thulo – Kwesta – Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi – Tyla – Tyla Laura Seethal – Focalistic – Lethabo Sebetso DJ Zinhle – Zinhle Jiyane – Big Zulu – Siyabonga Nene – Young Stunna – Sandile Msimango – Sjava – Jabulani Hadebe – K.O – Ntokozo Mdluli – Moonchild Sanelly – Sanelisiwe Twisha – Kelly Khumalo – Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo – Prince Kaybee – Kabelo Motsamai – DJ Maphorisa – Themba Sekowe – Zakes Bantwini – Zakhele Madida – Nomcebo Zikode – Nomcebo Nothule Nkwanyana – Master KG – Kgaogelo Moagi – Musa Keys – Musa Makamu – Lady Du – Dudu Ngwenya Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Mzansi's stars unite for Jägermeister Haus of Kühl tour
Jägermeister Haus of Kühl has announced its line-up for the upcoming tour featuring some of Mzansi's biggest stars. The tour will kick off in Johannesburg on June 15 at 1 Fox Studio, followed by Durban on June 21 at the Exhibition Centre and in Cape Town on June 28 at Botanik Social House. Each city will feature a unique line-up of talented artists showcasing the best of local music culture. The line-up is a curated blend of the continent's boldest sounds, featuring a mix of amapiano icons, cutting-edge electronic selectors and breakout stars. Focalistic, Young Stunna, Miss Shelly, The Workaholics, DJ Boogie, Brass Cartel, Thakzin, Dee Koala and Ziggy4X will take the stage in Cape Town. In Johannesburg, Uncle Waffles, Focalistic, KMAT, Kabza De Small, Maphorisa, Brass Cartel, Young Stunna, Omagoqa and 25K will grace the stage. In Durban, Nasty C, Drega, Focalistic, KMAT, Cam White, Brass Cartel, Dlala Thukzin, Goldmax and DJ Wobbly will perform. Haus of Kühl is a cultural movement that celebrates self-definition and pushes boundaries between street, style and sound. With three immersive stages — the Main Stage, Orange Dance Stage and Silent Disco — attendees can expect an unforgettable experience. The artists are buzzing with excitement about the event. 'Looking forward to connecting with the Haus Of Kühl audience for a great vibe,' Young Stunna said. 'Three cities, three nights — what better way to kickstart the winter. I am excited to play some amazing music and vibe,' KMAT said.
The Herald
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Inside Focalistic's surprise black-tie 29th birthday soirée
Leisure By KGOMOTSO MOGANEDI AND THABO TSHABALALA - 31 May 2025 In a star-studded affair in Midrand on Thursday, a black-tie surprise birthday soirée was held to celebrate musician Focalistic's 29th birthday. Colleagues, family and friends gathered to honour the artist affectionately known as ' president ya straat '. Upon his arrival at what he thought was a different engagement, Focalistic was greeted by a room filled with cheers and applause. Friends and team members planned the secret celebration meticulously, ensuring the star was unaware of what awaited him. See pictures of the star-studded affair: Inside Focalistic's surprise, star-studded, black tie 29th birthday soirée. Image: Thabo Tshabalala Inside Focalistic's surprise, star-studded, black tie 29th birthday soirée. Image: Thabo Tshabalala Inside Focalistic's surprise, star-studded, black tie 29th birthday soirée. Image: Thabo Tshabalala Inside Focalistic's surprise, star-studded, black tie 29th birthday soirée. Image: Thabo Tshabalala Inside Focalistic's surprise, star-studded, black tie 29th birthday soirée Image: Thabo Tshabalala Inside Focalistic's surprise, star-studded, black tie 29th birthday soirée. Image: Thabo Tshabalala Inside Focalistic's surprise, star-studded, black tie 29th birthday soirée. Image: Thabo Tshabalala Inside Focalistic's surprise, star-studded, black tie 29th birthday soirée Image: Thabo Tshabalala Inside Focalistic's surprise, star-studded, black tie 29th birthday soirée. Image: Thabo Tshabalala
ABC News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
DJ Tshegu
South African star DJ Tshegu lays down Amapiano rhythms ahead of her upcoming Aus tour! Loading Loading From getting her start in music at only four years old, to touring the world and dropping hit after hit, you're about to find out why you need to add DJ Tshegu to your party a DJ, producer and dancer she is known to weave stories through her performances and blends new and old school elements to create dancefloor experiences that transcend borders and Tshegu has blown up since her breakthrough year in 2023, working with artists like Focalistic on 'Tiya Mfana' and LeeMcKrazy & Zee Nxumalo on 'Chengu Shesha'. Check out both tracks here:Before she touches Down Under next month, DJ Tshegu joins us for a high energy guest mix that's stacked with Amapiano bangers. Turn it up and get down with us!
News24
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Galxboy takes on Africa's richest square mile with new flagship store
He's come a long way on his entrepreneurial journey. What began as a provocative slogan on a T-shirt in 2008 has transformed into a lifestyle brand worn by artists, influencers and fashion-forward youth across the continent and beyond. Acknowledged by the late AKA in his iconic lyrics for his contribution to the culture, Thatiso Dube has explosively redefined the success of streetwear. The creative brains behind the powerhouse brand Galxboy have officially opened his 14th store across the country. In support of the movement, the likes of Focalistic, Priddy Ugly, Lula Odiba, Hope Ramafalo, Juicy Jay and 25k The Plug are just some of the notable names that came out to launch the Sandton City store on Thursday, 15 May – the fashion brand's most prestigious store. Read more | BEHIND THE BRAND | 'Pitori to the world' - GalxBoy owner speaks about the ups and downs of creating a world-class brand Unlike the other stores, Thatiso admits that securing this 14th store was harder and it took about three years to close the deal. 'It's tough to get into one of the biggest malls in SA, it's very tough. It's not like we can just make a call. It doesn't matter who you are, you have to wait,' he tells Drum. 'Opening in the financial capital of South Africa is huge for the brand and our journey thus far. We're not just opening another store in another mall, we are creating a cultural destination, a space where fashion, identity and even ambition all collide. Galxboy has always stood for owning your truth, and what better place to embody that than the heart of Joburg's innovation and business scene, Sandton.' Despite the hassle, he adds that he will not stop pushing more from Africa's richest square mile. 'We're here to play the game; to bring more black people to this mall and make them look good. My aim is to make everyone look good, even though they're on a budget, that's the gap I'm filling. If we perform well, who knows? Maybe Sandton City mall management will tell move us to Diamond Walk.' There's no stopping Thatiso and his team anytime soon as he still plans to open two more stores in the country and even go beyond the South African borders, into Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho and hopefully internationally, in the UK and Dubai. Read more | 9 stores and he's only just getting started, says GalxBoy founder Thatiso Dube 'We want to dress the whole household, from the baby to the grandfather,' he laughs. While he climbs the global fashion ladder, he's bringing smaller local fashion brands up with him. 'We have an incubator/online store that's helping smaller brands. We're basically housing smaller brands and helping them produce and distribute their products and school them on the background of running a brand because most brands have good designs and good marketing, but the back office is where they struggle. And if the back office is not good then you will not go far. That's what we're helping the youngsters with.' Through it all, his biggest highlight of his journey is being able to hire young people, give them hope and empower them. 'We're here to build young people who are serious about life,' he concludes.
