Lyrical finesse, immaculate instrumentals, unapologetically Kaaps

There are elements of physical theatre in the way he embodies storytelling through music. Each word, beat, pause and emotion is intimated...

21 Jun

Warner Music buys French DJ David Guetta's music catalogue

The move will add the DJ's body of work to the world's third-largest recording label that is home to artists including Cardi B, Ed...

18 Jun

Remembering Pat Mokoka of the Malopoets – seminal South African music

The lack of archive around the life and music of bass guitarist Patrick Thabo “Pat” Mokoka is emblematic of how little South African...

15 Jun

‘Sho madjozi’s hit John Cena is my song, I want my share’

Music label boss Lloyd Ngavu wants a share of proceeds from international award-winning muso Sho Madjozi’s hit track John Cena.

14 Jun

R. Kelly loses members of legal team months ahead of his trial

His remaining lawyers, Thomas Farinella and Nicole Becker, said they will keep preparing for the scheduled 9 August 2021 trial.

10 Jun

Mabi Thobejane was a gentle giant of jazz

The master drummer from Mamelodi drew on his upbringing among BaLobedu drummers, playing solos in the moment and crossing over to genres...

09 Jun

The magnificent Mabi Thobejane, master South African drummer

Even though he was both master and a creator of South Africa’s indigenous sonic archive, Mabi, was also a showman and a collaborator.

09 Jun

Snoop Dogg takes on executive role at Def Jam

The rap superstar is joining the legendary hip hop label Def Jam Recordings as executive creative and strategic consultant, the U.S....

09 Jun

Iraq's last gas bottle delivery crooner dreams of stardom

In the Karrada district of Iraq's capital, residents awake to a gas bottle deliveryman's dulcet tones -- once a country-wide tradition,...

08 Jun

‘I’m coming out’: Why Diana Ross unknowingly came to sing a queer anthem

In 1979 Diana Ross commissioned Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards to write her a song. Together, they wrote I’m Coming Out to pay...

01 Jun

A Family Affair and other Mary J. Blige Walk of Fame worthy hits

Mary J. Blige has nine Grammy Awards, eight multi-platinum albums, two Academy Award nominations, and now, the singer songwriter has a...

31 May

'It means everything': Mary J. Blige inducted into NYC's Apollo Walk of Fame

This was a return home for the star. Mary J. Blige's career soared after her 1992 appearance on "Showtime at the Apollo."

31 May

I can’t stop listening to this seminal Miles Davis album

Not many artists in any medium get to recalibrate their field. Fewer still do so more than once. Miles Davis, by the end of the 1960s,...

27 May

‘What’s Going On’ at 50 – Marvin Gaye’s Motown classic is as relevant today as it was in 1971

Released on May 21, 1971, at the height of the Vietnam War, Marvin Gaye’s album became a monster, spawning three hit singles on its way...

27 May

‘I’ll never stop playing music to suit someone’s political agenda’ and other times artists declined calls to boycott Israel

Through open letters, online petitions, and social media-driven calls to action, the Boycott, Divest and Sanction movement has made...

25 May

Heavy metal rocks French President’s palace after YouTube bet

Millions of people tuned in on Sunday to watch France’s Emmanuel Macron at a private heavy metal gig in the gardens of his Elysee...

24 May

Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation jacket sells for more than $81 000

The military style jacket that Janet Jackson wore during her 1990 Rhythm Nation tour sold for $81 250 at a Beverly Hills auction on...

17 May

AKA’s endorsements in jeopardy

Major brands are revaluating their association with the prince of local hip-hop, following the release of images in which rapper AKA,...

17 May