Latest news with #Jerusalema
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.
News24
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Nomcebo Zikode quietly welcomes a baby and teases new music
Vocalist Nomcebo Zikode is now a mom of three. She prioritises her selfcare by praying, going to the gym and cooking with her family. Nomcebo chose to keep her pregnancy from the public eye to protect her peace. _____________________________________________________________________ Nomcebo Zikode's family just got bigger! The Grammy Award-winning Jerusalema vocalist has just given birth to a healthy baby boy and is putting her efforts into focusing on her newborn and spending time with her two older children and husband. 'I am so happy. It's as if this is my first child whatsoever, my first baby,' Nomcebo gushes to TRUELOVE. Many are familiar with Nomcebo folk hits and soulful vocals that have since resonated with South Africa and the world at large, earning her a Grammy Award in 2023 for her vocals on Zakes Bantwini and Wouter Kellerman's Bayethe. But she is intentional about protecting her and her family's peace through the highs and lows of being in the spotlight. She takes us through how she prioritises her selfcare. 'I am a praying woman, I pray a lot. Not really a lot, but I do take God very seriously. I know that in everything, I need to put God first. And also I do go to the gym because I understand that exercising will help me with so many things, like health-wise, also, with my mind.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nomcebo Zikode (@nomcebo_zikode) On how she chooses to spend time with her family, Nomcebo tells us, 'I always try by all means to have time with my family, even though sometimes I'm just forced to be outside the country for the longest time, but whenever I'm at home, I'll try by all means to maybe cook for them. 'Even though we do go out but I think it's more beautiful when maybe I'm together with them in the kitchen, I'm cooking for them.' The iZono Zami hitmaker is focused on her growing family, especially after dealing with a trying few months in the spotlight with the highly publicised court case against Open Mic Productions for unpaid royalties for her contributions to Jerusalema. Through it all, Nomcebo is intentional about putting her family first and protecting hers and their peace. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nomcebo Zikode (@nomcebo_zikode) Nomcebo shares, 'Now that I'm in the industry, I've noticed that sometimes you put things out there because you are trying to be genuine. But sometimes people will use that against you one day. So, I don't know whether I should say I'm private about it because it's not like I have a problem for people to know I've got a little one now. 'But also the way I see social media ... sometimes you put something out there thinking that you are doing the right thing and there's nothing to hide, you are pregnant or whatsoever. But sometimes silly people will just use that against you. So, I don't know whether I should say I'm keeping it private or what, but I just chose that, let me just keep it for myself, this is for me.' The 39-year-old singer still has plans to release new music, 'Even though there's some few things that I need to sort out,' Nomcebo reveals. While Nomcebo is keeping her cards close to her chest when it comes to future collaborations, she promises soulful tunes 'from the heart'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nomcebo Zikode (@nomcebo_zikode)
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: ULTRA South Africa celebrates 10 years of dance music
ULTRA South Africa is Africa's largest electronic music festival and is part of the ULTRA Worldwide family. The main stage at ULTRA South Africa which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied ULTRA South Africa marked a decade of dance with two monumental shows this weekend, kicking off in Cape Town on Friday, May 9, before heading to Johannesburg for a grand finale on Saturday, May 10. Together, they formed a euphoric celebration of music, energy, and unity — and a fitting tribute to 10 years of ULTRA magic in South Africa. Both cities turned up in full force, with fans packing out the venues from early afternoon to the final beat at 2 a.m. As expected, ULTRA South Africa's 10th anniversary was nothing short of spectacular, with an electrifying line-up of international headliners who delivered unforgettable performances across both cities. The main stage at ULTRA South Africa, which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied Martin Garrix closed the night incredibly, delivering a career-spanning set. The highlight: a jaw-dropping surprise appearance by American indie pop star Lauv and South Africa's own Lloyiso, who joined Garrix as surprise guests. Iconic trance legend Armin van Buuren kept the energy soaring with a flawless mix of massive hits and fresh new tracks, bringing South African fans an experience they won't soon forget. Making his South African debut, ISOxo brought his high-energy sound and genre-bending style to local fans, cementing his place as one of the most exciting new names in electronic music and KSHMR thrilled fans by putting his own dynamic spin on local favourites like 'Sister Bethina', 'Jerusalema', 'I Fink You Freeky' and even 'Nkalakatha', creating an incredible cultural crossover moment on the main stage. Armin Van Buuren playing on the main stage at ULTRA South Africa, which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied The ever-evolving RESISTANCE stage offered deeper, darker energy, delivering a pulsating soundtrack to ULTRA South Africa's more underground electronic fans. This year's line-up was a masterclass in melodic Techno, Progressive House, and Afro-house. International heavyweights like Mind Against and Massano captivated the crowd with their intricate performances, while South African titans like Shimza and Culoe De Song delivered transcendent sets that fused Afro-tech and Afro-house elements with a deep, spiritual resonance — a beautiful reminder of the country's influence on the global dance scene. Cape Town's show at The Ostrich kicked off the weekend, set against the picturesque Western Cape views. From Dean Fuel B2B Kyle Cassim to Gil Glaze, Niskerone, and a powerful opener by MIA, the day was packed with South African talent at its finest. KSHMR playing on the main stage at ULTRA South Africa, which took place at Nasrec Expo Centre. 10 May 2025. Picture: Supplied Johannesburg's ULTRA South Africa experience at the Expo Centre Nasrec was the larger of the two, featuring additional stages: The Groove Room and Clubhouse. Legends such as Kabza De Small, DBN Gogo, DJ Maphorisa, and Da Capo took the celebration to new heights. Celebrating and paying homage to South African electronic music and Amapiano, The Groove Room was an exciting addition to the ULTRA South Africa offering. Sets by Oscar Mbo, Dlala Thukzin, 2woBunnies, and Mörda drew massive crowds and proved to be an exciting new chapter for Ultranauts. Meanwhile, Clubhouse returned and kept things vibing with incredible sets from Kasango, Shamiso, and who all delivered unforgettable moments. Across both cities, the weekend was a powerful reminder of why ULTRA South Africa has become a cornerstone of the country's music culture, bringing fans together to celebrate the sounds that move us. ALSO WATCH: Tanker crash on N1 South causes major traffic delays in Roodepoort
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Nomcebo Zikode: 'I will keep on fighting through this pain'
Nomcebo lost a court case against Open Mic Productions. Award-winning singer Nomcebo Zikode says she will keep fighting for justice after losing a court battle against Open Mic Productions. Zikode and her company, Emazulwini Productions, issued a joint statement expressing disappointment following the Pretoria High Court judgment delivered on 9 May 2025. The court dismissed her application to declare parts of a 2022 settlement agreement unenforceable and ordered her to deliver two more albums to Open Mic before she can exit her contract. 'A song that once gave the world hope has, in turn, broken me. I still have not seen a single cent, and I am still fighting for my rights. 'But I will keep on fighting through this pain and exhaustion because we cannot continue excusing the exploitation of artists in this beautiful country. Aluta Continua,' Zikode wrote on Instagram. The Citizen sent questions to Zikode, but she had not responded at the time of publication. ALSO READ: Master KG to appear in court over 'Jerusalema' copyright dispute Legal battle over royalties and rights Zikode and Open Mic have been locked in legal disputes since 2022 over her and Master KG's global hit Jerusalema. However, the recent court case centred on her Grammy-winning track Bayethe. In her application, Zikode asked the court to compel Open Mic to meet its accounting obligations, including detailed disclosures of income from synchronisation licences, bookings, brand deals, physical sales of Jerusalema and royalty breakdowns. While the two parties settled out of court in 2022 — agreeing to a 50/50 joint venture for future releases via Africori — Zikode later returned to court, accusing the label of failing to uphold their end of the deal. Last week, the court ultimately ruled that she could not seek relief that contradicted or extended beyond the 2022 agreement. In the statement, Zikode and her record label describe the judgment as 'fundamentally flawed and deeply troubling'. 'While we respect the role of the court, we cannot ignore the bigger picture: this case represents more than a contractual disagreement – it is about the rights of an artist to be acknowledged, compensated and respected for their work. 'Nomcebo's battle is emblematic of the struggle faced by countless artists across the continent who are locked into unfair deals and denied their rightful earnings by powerful corporate entities,' the statement adds. Zikode's legal team is considering an appeal, according to the statement. NOW READ: 'Ma, are you crazy?': Helen Zille's sons react to Showmax Roast
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Unpacking the heartbreak of music contracts: Nomcebo Zikode's disturbing journey
Music contracts constitute the backbone of an artist's career, dictating crucial aspects such as financial arrangements and ownership rights. In a heartfelt message, she revealed a disheartening truth: she and her record label, Emazulwini Productions, have yet to see a single cent from the global hit 'Jerusalema', a song that propelled to international fame in collaboration with Master KG . Yesterday morning, as I scrolled through my Instagram feed, I stumbled upon a touching post from renowned South African singer Nomcebo Zikode . This revelation is particularly tragic, given the song's monumental success since its release in 2020. 'Jerusalema' became a viral sensation, uniting people across the globe during the Covid-19 pandemic with its infectious rhythm and inspiring dance challenges on platforms like TikTok. Yet, beneath this celebrated facade lies a disturbing tale of contractual disputes and unresolved financial obligations. In her statement, Zikode expressed profound disappointment following a legal defeat against Open Mic Productions, revealing that she had never received any payment for her work. She described the Gauteng High Court's judgment as 'fundamentally flawed and deeply troubling.' This legal tussle, which has been ongoing since 2022, has shaken the foundations of trust in the music industry and left artists questioning the fairness of their representation. As the public reacts to Zikode's woes, fans and fellow artists alike are voicing their concerns and seeking clarity on her contract agreement. Commenters on her post posed pointed questions, asking, 'What did your contract say?' and 'What kind of deal did you sign?' In response, Zikode clarified her situation, stating that while her obligation was to deliver two albums for the recording label, she cannot fulfill this until she receives pay for the chart-topping tracks 'Jerusalema' and 'Xola Moya Wam'. Zikode stressed that their initial agreement stipulated payments every three months, a commitment she believes has been significantly overlooked.
