Spotify hosted its first Johannesburg Podcast Live Sessions at Workshop 17 in Rosebank, marking a major moment for the local creator community. The event, hosted by Bheki Ndamase, brought together guests and podcasters for a full day of authentic storytelling. The recordings from this event are available on the podcaster’s Spotify platform, allowing a wider audience to experience the discussions and unique narratives that unfolded.

The day featured three standout live recordings from some of South Africa’s fastest-growing video podcasts: What in the 20s, Still Uncaptured, and Sibling Thrivalry. Each session showcased a different layer of South African experience, from navigating adulthood and identity to confronting political disillusionment and celebrating family ties.

“Podcasting is a growing medium for storytelling, and fans are coming to the platform to connect with the creators they love,” said Ncebakazi Manzi, Spotify’s Podcast Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. “Events like these give audiences a chance to deepen that connection, hearing, feeling, and engaging with the voices that move them.”

What in the 20s

What in the 20s opened the day with a candid discussion about friendship breakups and personal transformation in your twenties. Host Zama Mkhize spoke about what she refers to as the season of the “cocoon” – a period of isolation and self-rebuilding. She challenged the audience to consider what it means to maintain growth once you re-enter the world. Her insights into self-discipline, boundaries, and the “dopamine trap” of goal-setting resonated deeply with the audience.

Still Uncaptured

Then came Still Uncaptured, which engaged the attendees of the session in a raw and unfiltered conversation about political cynicism, corruption, and accountability. Hosts Kgomotso Matsunyane and Ndumiso Ngcobo unpacked South Africans’ complicated relationship with democracy and power, openly sharing their own experiences. Their honesty challenged listeners to engage with the political system from a place of self-awareness rather than idealism.

Sibling Thrivalry

Closing the event, Sibling Thivalry celebrated its 100th episode with a heartwarming and humorous Q&A between hosts Talitha and Zuko Ndima. The brother-sister duo reflected on childhood memories, the growth of their bond, and the lessons they learnt from growing up together. Their reflections on discipline, faith, and individuality highlighted the power of vulnerability in strengthening relationships.

Spotify’s first Podcast Live Sessions highlighted not only the platform’s commitment to amplifying diverse African voices but also the growing appetite for in-person engagement between creators and listeners. By combining digital storytelling with real-world experience, Spotify continues to build spaces where stories can breathe and audiences can belong.

Maintaining incredible momentum this year,Gunna uncovers a sultry and visually captivating music video for his rising single “wgft” featuring Burna Boy out now. Watch HERE.

Of course, the track adorns his acclaimed chart-topping sixth full-length studio LP, The Last Wun, available everywhere HERE!

Shot in London and helmed by frequent collaborator and director Spike Jordan, the visual might just be his most seductive to date. It intercuts close-ups of snakes with scenes of pole acrobatics and visions of a veil-wearing Gunna at the whim of various models. Burna Boy makes an appearance in the club as the energy overflows by the end of the clip. It mirrors the lusty ebb and flow of the track itself with a high fashion aesthetic and cinematic scope.

“wgft” has caught fire as a standout from The Last Wun, as it remains on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for 12 consecutive weeks. It took flight as his 19th career Top 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart, giving Burna Boy his first Top 10 entry on the chart too. It netted his sixth consecutive Top 3 debut on the Billboard 200 in addition to clinching #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for five consecutive weeks.

Thus far, it has logged six straight weeks in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, Gunna continues to make headlines worldwide. Just a few weeks back, he crossed the pond and partnered with NFL UK and YouTube for a flag football game in London. Not only did he make his presence known at Paris Fashion Week, but Ebony also championed him on its coveted “Power 100” for 2025 among “Music Innovators,” calling him “One of modern hip-hop’s most intriguing voices.”

Bringing the album on the road, he launches the Wun World Tour this month. Marking a milestone, he notably headlines New York’s Madison Square Garden (sold out) on November 22 for the first time! The international trek resumes in January with festival appearances at South Africa’s Milk & Cookies Festival, followed by sets at Rolling Loud in Sydney and Melbourne in March.

Finally, he will embark on a headline stretch across Europe and the UK, with shows in Paris, Berlin, London, and beyond, before closing out the tour on March 28 at AFAS Live in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

CONNECT WITH GUNNA:

INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK

There’s a new adventure zone in Cape Town and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. The first XSHOT GAMES Arena has officially opened at The Bloc in Melkbos, bringing the global blaster craze to South African shores.

The new outdoor activity arena is a collaboration between XSHOT GAMES, founded by Anthony Pye, and international toy innovator ZURU, the creators of the award-winning XSHOT blaster range. Designed for adrenaline junkies and fun-seekers alike, the arena delivers epic blaster battles in a safe, high-energy environment, perfect for birthday parties, corporate team building, kids’ entertainment or just a day out with friends and family.

“Blasters are taking the world by storm, it’s paintball’s cooler, safer, mess-free cousin,” says Anthony Pye, founder of XSHOT GAMES. “We wanted to create a space where anyone can jump in, have fun, and experience that rush of tactical gameplay without the pain or bruises. The Bloc was the perfect location, it’s social, active, and family-friendly.”

“At ZURU, we’re all about creating play experiences that spark connection and excitement,” says Glenn Ambrose, ZURU’s Country Manager for South Africa. “Partnering with XSHOT GAMES is a natural fit, it brings the XSHOT brand to life in the most immersive way possible. This arena gives fans a chance to experience our gel and foam dart Blasters first-hand, it’s fun you’ll want to come back to again and again.”

What Makes Gel Ball the New Outdoor Obsession

Blaster games are the latest global phenomenon in outdoor entertainment. Using ZURU’s state-of-the-art XSHOT Blasters, players fire gel-filled pellets or foam dart blasters, leaving no mess, no bruises, and no cleanup required. The result? Adrenaline-pumping tactical play that’s completely safe and suitable for anyone aged 6 and up.

Each game session includes a full briefing and gear-up: players receive a ZURU XSHOT Gel or Foam Blaster, protective mask, and ammo, with a Field Marshall guiding teams through a series of games and challenges.

The venue features two dynamic arenas, each accommodating up to 20 players at a time, with private bookings available for larger groups. Between rounds, guests can relax and refuel at The Bloc’s pool, bar, braai area and mini putt-putt course, making it a full day of fun for everyone.

Book Your Battle

Bookings are now open at www.xshotgames.co.za. Whether it’s a birthday bash, a bachelor showdown, or a family weekend adventure, XSHOT GAMES at The Bloc is where competition meets connection and where everyone leaves smiling.

With the release of his highly anticipated EP Imbewu, celebrated producer and DJ Yumbs opens a new chapter in his artistic journey, one that reflects growth, grounding, and the evolution of sound. Translating to “The Seed” in isiZulu, Imbewu is both a metaphor and a mission: the seed represents Yumbs’ career, carefully nurtured through intention, patience, and consistency as it grows and blossoms into something meaningful.

Soulful, spiritual, and rooted in the refined rhythm of “private school” Amapiano, Imbewu showcases the maturity and emotional depth that have come to define Yumbs’ production. Each track on the project captures a stage of creative and personal growth, from self-discovery to collaboration, forming a sonic garden of lessons and lived experiences.

The EP features a star-studded lineup of collaborators who embody the spirit of Yumbs’ musical journey. Among them are Kailey Botman and Zwayetoven, both of whom previously joined forces with Yumbs on his breakthrough hit “Izimangaliso”. Their return marks a full-circle moment, highlighting the authentic chemistry that continues to drive Yumbs’ signature sound. Also gracing the project is the enchanting Nkosazana Daughter, whose ethereal voice brings emotional resonance and producer Stixx, who brings soul to the collection, a perfect pairing with Yumbs’ textured, elegant production style.

Another standout from Imbewu is “You Try” featuring Simmy, which has already become a viral phenomenon. The snippet gained traction on TikTok, inspiring over 60,000 user-generated videos in just one week and climbing its way onto national radio chart shows. A visualiser for “You Try” is set to drop soon, giving fans an intimate look at the heart behind one of the year’s most talked-about Amapiano tracks.

Further extending the project’s message, Yumbs has created a short documentary filmed in his childhood home in Kagiso, where he reflects on his roots, his inspirations, and the meaning behind Imbewu. The visual story ties his beginnings to his blossoming artistry; a testament to the belief that everything great starts small, with faith and intention.

With Imbewu, Yumbs plants a marker in Amapiano’s growing legacy; proving that when creativity and purpose intertwine, something truly timeless takes root.

Yumbs’ EP, Imbewu (The Seed), is available on all major streaming platforms.

Follow Yumbs Journey here: 

Instagram | Tik Tok | Twitter | Youtube

Australian DJ/producer CYRIL puts a new lens on Ed Sheeran’s track “Camera” with an all-new remix – listen here. CYRIL is the Australian-born artist behind two of the world’s hottest records of 2024 – his own song “Stumblin’ In”, and his remix of Disturbed’s “The Sound of Silence”.

Sheeran’s song “Camera” — co-produced by ILYA (Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello), Andrew Watt (Post Malone) and Louis Bell (Justin Bieber)— reinforces Sheeran’s mastery of balladry and lyrical depth. Directed by longtime collaborator Emil Nava, the official music video for the original song – starring Sheeran alongside Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor – portrays the early stages of a romantic relationship. Shot entirely on iPhone from the characters’ perspectives, the video depicts the raw spontaneity and thrill of new love as they explore Croatia’s picturesque Old Town, cruise on a moped, bar-hop into the night, and even share the stage at one of Sheeran’s stadium shows.

Following the release of his global No.1 album Play in September and his ‘Play – The Remixes EP’ earlier this month, Sheeran is gearing up for the release of ‘ONE SHOT with Ed Sheeran’ on Netflix, dropping 21 November. Produced by Ben Winston and directed by Philip Barantini (Emmy Award-winning creator and director of Adolescence, who shot each episode in one continuous take) brings the same captivating film making technique to this music experience. Ed will take viewers along as he spends one afternoon traveling the streets of the Big Apple while performing his greatest

hits — playing impromptu gigs on sidewalks and the subway, interacting with fans and unsuspecting passersby, and much more.

Golf is steeped in tradition. Its manicured greens, precise routines, and historic courses evoke elegance and refinement. Yet the modern-day golfer seeks more than technique; they crave balance, enjoyment, and experiences that complement the sport itself. The Steenberg Classic embodies this duality, combining the prestige of a timeless tournament with moments of connection, joy, and mindful pause.

This year, PURA Beverage Co. brought a new dimension to the event. Known for its low-sugar, full-flavour sparkling sodas, PURA Beverages represent modern refreshment that is as thoughtful as it is vibrant. The brand’s presence at the Classic was more than a drink on the side, it was a celebration of balance, a reminder to savour life in between swings, and a reflection of the art of joyful moderation (take a breath, live a little).

The contrast between the historic elegance of Steenberg and the contemporary energy of PURA Beverage Co creates a compelling visual and experiential narrative. While the course exudes timeless sophistication, PURA Soda introduces a lively, fresh perspective, inviting players and spectators to embrace modern refreshment alongside tradition. Each sip of PURA Soda becomes a moment to pause, reflect, and connect, whether with the game, the company, or the serene surroundings.

In a world where experiences are increasingly as important as outcomes, this partnership highlights how modern refreshment can harmonise with classic sport.

The Steenberg Classic, with its refined atmosphere, sets the stage for tradition, while PURA Soda adds the spark of contemporary lifestyle, creating a story that resonates with a new generation of golf enthusiasts who value both sophistication and the joy of living a little.