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Shy of 20 years in the music industry, it was not surprising that South Africa and the world are treated to an amazing blend of African spiritual inspired compositions and catchy urban hooks. Pleasant is, witnessing not only a generational artist with ancestral depth, captivating range but showmanship that commands the stage, without being loud or in your face.

Botwe left nothing to chance in her presentation, as she deployed Nelson Mandela Bay’s cream of the musician crop for accompaniment, she was intentional. With SAMA 30 award winning bassist, Edga Kaye Muzah charged with music direction, Tevin Solomon on drums, Mandilakhe Chaga on that “singing” lead electrical guitar and a lad whose talent and approach to artistry I am an aficionado of, Mthoko Mabuza whom I call “Dirty Keys”, the stage was set for a memorable presentation of Nomabotwe’s Hamba Ungemi album tour.

Unmistakable about MaRhadebe on stage and as part of her presentation, is the grace with which she takes on to the stage and remarkably, her amazing fashion sense wheather embracing her Xhosa roots through her majestically flowing traditional dresses or western leaning pieces, you can’t miss her. The traditional piece is a creation of Isintu Modern Traditional Boutique, from Gqebera. The second, an equally elegant rose red and silver beaded piece by Khosi Mkhize’s Johannesburg based Flavors Boutique. For an artist whose journey includes singing backing vocals for the late, great Stompi Mavi, she understands the importance of her image and rightfully claiming her place in this country’s musical landscape as well as fashion.

The album opens with a spiritual ode to uMvelingqangi with “Tarhu Hallelujah” is such a hybrid for a song, blending traditional gospel with African spiritual praise. The project is highly spiritual and draws deeper from ancestral rhythms and harmonies. “Nyanga” and “Bayandibiza”, are powerful testimonies of my assertion about the album’s African spiritual journey.

“Liziwe”, opens up with an acoustically treated electric guitar like solo, as the song unfolds into a mashup of South African greats like Letta, Dorothy and unmistakably a Hugh Masekela influenced, Mama Miriam Makheba. I feel I have digressed sufficiently enough for you to get the gist of the album and will leave the rest to you, to discover and not me to spoilt it.

Victory Theatre, in Houghton was filled to the rafters, as we anticipated, honestly little known to me, a refined Xhosa folk music singer, Kapi Gantsu. Gantsu has this electrifying energy about his songs, yet delivered by a calm yet intentional demeanor. He took us through songs from his two albums, Mkhenke and Nomatile. Mkhenke, a 2021 debut album dedicated to his later grandfather, who was Kapi’s inspiration and the men who spent his last just over R3000 for Kapi to register for his academic degree, features songs such as the catchy “Tshomi yeFake” to the politically charged Azania.

Kapi’s consistency and music maturity is witnessed in his sophomore, Nomatile. Ubomi Bobakho is a perfect example of his range… he once sang female alto lead and a member of a gospel group) but on this song and project, Kapi successfully pushes his vocal ability to rival some of the most soulful yet eclectic South African male vocalists. I will once again not spoil your personal exploration of his respective projects. They are both on all digital platforms.

The evening was hosted by iGqunukhwebe ngokwalo, a man whose bite-sized wisdom has me calling him King Nugget. He is Radio 2000’s afternoon drive co-host, comedian and lover of culture, Isaac Gampu. There is nothing surprisingly far more pleasing than a well prepared Master of Ceremonies, or host. King Nugget, ticked all the boxes while his humour certainly burst a few tight shirt buttons from the crowd.

Nomabotwe’s Hamba Ungemi Album Tour, supported by Kapi Gantsu, will certainly hit more South African stages and like me, you will be introduced and fall in love with the future of our country’s urban folk sounds, presented boldly, profoundly and professionally, by “the ones we have been waiting for”.

Written by: Sizwe Saliso – 24 August 2025

Did you know that some of the biggest a**h**s in your life are your closest & in most instances your family? They can’t phantom the better version of yourself that you embrace, the change, the restraint you practice to avoid them putting you down from years of looking at you a particular way.

It has its roots in the physicology of slavery, according to Dr Joy Angela DeGruy, an American, author, academic and researcher. In an interview with Brandi Harvey on Vault Empowers Podcast, she explains how Black slaves used to talk down about their children, when confronted by slave owners who would compliment their young strong boys, because they knew, if they concurred, they would almost be giving permission for slave owners to sell or trade off their children. To-date, a person would compliment a child’s sports or academic achievements and it would be the parent who laments “if only you knew how lazy they are at home… at gardening, washing dishes”. Can you imagine what this does to your child’s self-esteem?

This phenomenon found itself in research papers and most recently it’s been asserted that behaviours such as lack of boundaries, expectations and pressure, jealousy and competition, unresolved issues, differences in values and beliefs as people grow up, these contribute to family putting you down.

Most astounding for me and leaning towards agreeing with it, is how, usually older siblings, because you grew up a bit emotional or they always had to protect you, figure you are not fit for certain opportunities, equality or supposing them, because they just always want to protect you.

It actually leads me to believe that outside drugs and unbecoming behaviour, people who end up on the street, or wallow in underachievement are decent human beings who interact with the world and people with a great deal of empathy, so much that we ask, “but he is so smart… he is so resourceful… so educated, why are they living on the streets?”.

I would like to believe these are people with potential and self-esteem that was battered by their own family, so much that they feel inept when they grow into human beings that must interact with the world. They are so reserved, so unsure and even lack confidence in themselves at school, work and socially.

You see, we are raising kids that should not suffer this, some of us are adults who are living the unfortunate reality I have just explained above.

Let’s be pro-active parents who identify these pattens in ourselves, heal, seek professional help, (from a social worker, wellness officer at your place of work and private professionals if you can afford to). Once we learn how to cope and overcome this, teach it to our children.

We can’t relegate ourselves into giving up on ourselves and the potential to be functional human beings and members of society. We can’t throw our hands up and give up on our kids, from family traumas.

Our children are not the youth of ’76, the world has evolved so much. They can’t be allowed to wallow in destruction to make their voices heard, to be supported, to be loved, to be nurtured towards their progress.

Their enemy is not discrimination by a regime, it’s not a system that belittles their parents and demean their existence, their potential, ambition and freedom. it’s the pressure we impose on them to be equal with kids who look like them but had a head start in life. It’s the physical and emotional availability we starve them from being “busy”.

We are raising kids who are growing up in a far smaller world (thanks to innovations such as the internet, littered with information and knowledge at their fingertips). They are obviously far more advanced than our generation and often reason better than we did. Let’s sit them in boardroom-style settings, hear their voices, engage and help solve their challenges.

Like the youth of ’76, rebellion is the first form of retaliation when faced with unjust and sometimes, just complicated challenges such as teenage peer pressure. This is why you find them wallowing in drugs, alcohol and other unsavory means of coping and escapism.

I will, for the purpose of progress and seeking solutions from within, not colour this opinion piece with well documented failures of government, in areas such as education, health, sports and cohesion. If anything, that lack from government, means we have to be present in nurturing this lack, so that they navigate school and life better.

Let’s look inside ourselves, let’s find and use our traumas and triggers to heal and help our kids avoid and avert these.

It’s my belief that if we can do that, we can raise and unleash to the world, human beings capable of tapping into their true talents, into their immeasurable potential and highly functional individuals, capable of solving our society’s challenges, grow this country with pride and become outstanding global citizens.

As we commemorate Youth Day, this coming Monday the 16 June, let’s redefine the word and meaning of “family support”.

It further can’t be a coincident that Father’s Day falls on the 15th of June and Youth Day the following day… it simply means and begs of US as men, to stop using patriarchy and all kinds of excuses to put our kids down, abandon our families or relegate parenting to their mothers. Women can only do so much on their own.

Let’s fight for our place in our children’s lives. We can’t treat them like we were, let’s do better. Let’s be vulnerable in front of them, so that they know that life is sometimes unfair and it’s’ no one’s fault,  let’s tell them when we are weak, so that they learn that life is not always a walk in the park. let’s cry in front of and with them sometimes, so that they understand what emotion is, let’s compose ourselves in front of them, so that they know and understand “ukuvuka edastini” after a fall, chin up and give life another bash so that you emerge victorious in your pursuits is a necessity of life. In business, we speak of success being a series of failures. There is a lot that we are instructional about, which is often ineffective, while action can and will get to the wound and heal it quicker.

I hope this finds a place in your heart and might motivate you to take a stand as a man, to be present as work in progress and be courageous as a leader of your family. This piece comes from my own experiences, my shortcomings, people around me and what I learn and observe in the world outside, everyday. I hope it nudges you towards a positive direction. Don’t be that a**h** family member.

Written By: Sizwe “Slyso” Saliso (14 June, 2025)

On August 30th, the stage at Kings Kraal in Bryanston will become a sacred space where music and art collide, as MXO, the maverick of South African music, marks his 20th anniversary with a tour that defies boundaries and honors the legends who paved the way. This evening promises to be an unforgettable experience, steeped in nostalgia, cultural preservation, and forward-thinking artistry.

In a fitting tribute to his roots and influences, MXO will be joined by the legendary McCoy Mrubata whose mastery of jazz will intertwine with MXO’s genre-defying sound, creating a sonic journey that pays homage to the greats while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.

This celebration of art doesn’t stop at music. The iconic Nico Phooko, a legend in his own right, will bring his artistry to life on stage, painting live as the music unfolds. His brush will capture the spirit of the night, immortalizing the experience on canvas, turning sound into visual poetry.

Adding another layer to this rich tapestry, MXO will showcase a collection of his memorabilia through a special exhibition. This includes his art, his wine, and rum brands—ventures that underscore his commitment to creating sustainable revenue streams for artists in a changing industry landscape.

The band accompanying MXO and Bra Mccoy will be a vibrant mix of upcoming and Seasoned musicians @YonelaMnana on Grand Piano, Kgethi Nkotsi on Trombone, Lwanda Gogwana on Trumpet, Lsax on Alto Sax, Ntando on Bass and Bopha on drums, embodying the future of South African music and ensuring that the torch is passed to the next generation of innovators.

MXO’s 20th Anniversary Tour is not just a reflection on his journey but a bold statement about the future—a future where art, culture, and sustainability are celebrated and preserved.

This event is more than a concert; it’s a historical moment. Secure your tickets now at Quicket. https://www.quicket.co.za/events/269683-dinner-with-mxo-and-mccoy-mrubata/?ref=algolia-search#/

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration at Kings Kraal on August 30th.

Prepare for an experience of a lifetime. Be there.

The Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre was a hive of celebrations and partnership strengthening between the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) and the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), on Thursday the 15^th of August 2024.

At the centre of this well attended occasion, was a celebration of over 80, predominantly female students, which was described by esteemed industry speakers as a significant response to the automotive industry’s strides towards the 2030 National Development Plan deadline to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality, in South Africa.

Mr Andile Africa, CEO of AIDC described how the partnership with TASEZ was born out of the need to provide their facilities to automotive skills, education and training of future automotive practitioners and leaders. Mr Africa highlighted how a meeting with his TASEZ counterpart, Dr Bheka Zulu whose organization he described as having “…access to funding and markets…” led to this partnership aimed at advancing technical education and affording career opportunities in the automotive space.

The student programs, which include theory and hands-on experience, are overseen by AIDC’s Technical Skills Facilitator and qualified mechanical engineer, Ms Salome Mashishi. She outlined their intake criteria, student and community engagement as well as the need for the course to meet the highest and modern standards required by the evolving technological landscape of this sector. Ms Mashishi, during the delegate’s tour of the training facilities, highlighted the importance of the programme and strides towards a workforce that is ready to embrace the revolution from combustion engines to electric vehicles (EV).

During his speech, TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu, invited to the podium, TASEZ’s strategic partners which included the Provincial Department of Public Works and Brics Business Council to outline their respective objectives and roles in their strategic partnership with TASEZ.

While the department of public works committed to taking in a significant number of graduates from the academy, … a representative from the Brics Business Council’s Skills Development Working Group shared their vision of a concept called “skills passport”. This concept’s vision is to create opportunities for qualified partner country’s artisans, SMMEs and incubation programmes to work in Brics countries as well as tapping into Brics partners, for further skills development as well as business collaborations.

TASEZ board chairperson, Lionel October’s message drew from government’s National Development Plan targets as well as the Industrial Policy and Strategy Review, launched on 7 May 2024 to highlight the significance of TASEZ’s inception and vision.

The programme of the day ended with the awarding of certificates to students as well as a networking lunch.

The Slyso TV Podcast, as a multimedia company whose interest is deliberately to cover personal and skills development across different sectors of our society. Being part of this event has been an eye-opener, to see first- hand, the efforts that different government departments and organizations’ partnerships undertake to respond to skills development and economic growth. It speaks to our vision of using technology to create and document a positive narrative, that can be embraced by citizens, with emphasis on highlighting opportunities for South Africans to take part in the country’s economy and growth.

If you are interested in further information about Tasez & AIDC and opportunities in the automotive space, please visit their webistes on: tasez.co.za & aidc.co.za

Thobeka Msengana, an emerging female leader and psychologist with over a decade of experience in the field, brings diverse mental health solutions in a brand new feature on the Slyso TV Podcast. The East London based psychologist whose experience stretches from higher education, high school, private practice and NGO environments is also Administrative Coordinator for the EMC of the Southern African Association for Counselling and Development in Higher Education as well as Manging Director of the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation.

Thobs (as she is affectionately known) says, “being at the helm of “The Motivational Moment with Thobeka Msengana” feature, on the podcast will serve not only to reach her following consistently, but an opportunity to share her areas of interest, which include Mental Health and GBVF, Afrocentric Psychology, Student Development and Wellbeing”.

The Motivational Moment feature is a recent addition to the Umhlobo Wenene FM veteran presenter and 4ward Movement Entertainment owner, Sizwe “Slyso” Saliso.  Now, “abstract”, “out of the norm” and “unconventional” are some of the synonyms that could best describe The Slyso TV Podcast. The pod itself, takes a radio style format that is daringly broadcast live. The aim being a far more engaging format that is able to attract a diverse audience while creatively challenging both radio and television.

According to Slyso, “The aim of this venture is to be a “podcasts’ podcast”, where different, credible content creators, whose content speaks to The Slyso TV Podcast’s vision are partnered with. Our aim with Thobeka’s feature, for an example is to provide a platform that provides motivational mental solutions for a generation faced with a rapidly evolving world… this, stretching from personal to work challenges. We provide a virtual hub for people as motivated and committed to change as Tho to make a difference while growing her brand and practise”.

“The Motivational Moment with Thobeka Msengana” aka “The Mo-Mo” is a 15 minute feature, that will be split between Thobeka delving into topics that speak to our audience’s needs, engaging and answering their questions live, for everyone’s benefit.

This Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Rhodes University) amongst her academic achievements who is a fitness fanatic, will make her debuton the podcast, from Monday, the 29th of July 2024, from 19h30.

Thobeka has a private practice based in East London, while she does online consultations for those in need of her services. She currently manages the Student Counselling Unit at the University of Fort Hare. You can contact her on: 071 236 9316 and e-mail: Msenganathobeka@gmail.com and as well as all popular social media platforms under the handle: @ThobekaMsengana.

The podcast is broadcast every second Monday of the month between 7pm and 8pm on Slyso TV Podcast’s YouTube Channel as well as Facebook, with a presence on Instagram and Tik Tok. Slyso co-hosts the pod with content buyer as well as music and movie commoisseur.

It’s only fitting that a diverse hip hop DJ with over 20 years under his belt both drops something special to celebrate not only his birthday but 50 years of his favourite genre, hip hop. He delivers a compilation of works by his peers on “Zawadi”, which means “Gift” in Swahili features artists from Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The album has 13 tracks.

The offering kicks off with a collage of shoutouts collected from his local to international guest and resident mixtapes over the years. These, spanning from South Africa to the UK. The album takes flight with a prayer-some “Heavens Cry” featuring Samba Tha Prodigal Son. Grabbing about it, is the rawness of the production while the bars from all artists is reflective of the evolution of hip hop, which is rife with conscious and mature wordsmith. This is all while remaining evolved on the sonics front and making it relevant to latest hip hop sounds and consumers.

He came into prominence when he regularly mixed on a primetime show on Metro FM (SA), RB2 (Botswana), Oxford FM (UK) and has gone and co-hosted a Friday hip hop show on RB2. He has also contributed mixtapes from stations such as Bay FM, Eden FM, Tru FM, Umhlobo Wenene FM, Sydney 104.1 (Australia) and more.

Geespeezy says the project is mainly to reflect the ever-changing landscape of hip hop and music at large. Notable features are Zeus, Jbux, Apollo D, Epic, Lyrical Busta, J Dot and more.

The project is released under his Major Moves Music and available on all digital platforms. His social media footprint lives under @Geezpeezy handle on all platforms and booking details on 063 767 7212.

Here is Geespeezy’s Gig Guide:

Fri, 22, Sept, Gaborone (Bots)

Sat, 23 Sept, Windhoek (Nambia)

Sun, 24 Sept, Mafikeng (S.A.)

Sat, 30 Sept, Leeds (U.K.)

Impolo yabahlobo cemented itself in the hearts of thousands of Umhlobo Wenene FM listeners who graced the event held at Buffalo Park cricket stadium in East London over the weekend. Not only did patrons spend the day in the company of their new and old as well as favourite radio personalities, but were treated to some of South Africa’s best as and award-winning musicians and DJs. It was an event of a series of firsts. The first major event that the station hosted, post Covid-19 as well as the first that incorporated the entire family, which speaks to station’s unique mandate as a public broadcaster. The sold-out event proved to be what the listeners needed and had come to expect from their favourite station.

Speaking to Luthando Ngcizela who is the one half of Jaziel Brothers, he says, “…because of the long relationship we have with Umhlobo Wenene FM, this event feels like a reunion, where we share the stage with family than a client”. Ntando and Vusi Nova’s energy on stage was not only phenomenal but some of the most consistent over the years. Ayanda Jiya added a beautiful and soulful twist of the sophistication that speaks to the modern-day female listener.

The special tribute to the late great mama uMadosini was certainly a pleasant surprise that was lauded by many in the cultural and business space, which was housed in the VVIP section.

In another brief and casual conversation, Marc Mahambehlala of Mahambehlala Communications, who host different franchises of their Ebubeleni Music Festival, he lamented how “Covid-19 called on all of us in the media and entertainment space and essentially forced us to come up with creative ways to survive, grow our businesses and continue to give our patrons something compelling & Impolo Yabahlobo, captured exactly that for me”.

This event was preceded by a series of activations in different cities and towns and carried a milestone partnership between the station, and Footwear brand, Bathu.

Links:

JazielBrothers

ebubelenifest.co.za 

umhlobowenenefm.co.za

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No one understands the meaning of “baby-steps” like this proud rural girl and Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Afternoon Drive co-host, Zintle Mbusi. This owner of the clothing brand and online store, Own Body Goals says she secretly started taking DJ lessons after a former colleague encouraged her. Zintle says she is ready to share her skills and love for Afro- Tech House music with South Africa. Babe-Zee, as she is affectionately known says, “I am  comfortable and can play other genres, but Afro- Tech represents my high energy and often my companion when I am at the gym”.

She says she is both nervous and excited about joining Ziyawa KuMhlobo as a resident DJ and hopes that she will “inspire other ladies to take up spaces that are thought to be only for men in their chosen careers”.

Babe-Zee admits, she likes taking her time to learn and chase goals and this is evidenced in her journey to becoming a co- host on one of South Africa’s biggest stations, Umhlobo Wenene FM with Luks Gidana. Zintle, served community media in her radio infant years at Nkqubela FM (in Gqberha), Khanya Community Radio (Butterworth) as well as Unitra Community radio where she hosted a number of shows, worked as a reported, news reader and producer. It was when she landed on Umhlobo Wenene FM that she came to merge her media studies, personal experiences and interests that she embraced herself as a brand and influencer.

She has used her influence to benefit different communities. These range from school shoes and sanitary towel collection drives for schools in rural areas. In 2017, Babe-Zee started and continues to host her annual women empowerment seminar, simply called “Dadethu”. Her voice can be heard on a number of adverts as she works as a voice over artist. Babe-Zee says there is a lot that she still wants to achieve and baby-steps are her secret to achieving her dreams.

Catch her on Ziyawa KuMhlobo every first and last Friday of the month, at 8:30pm and follow her on socials on :

Twitter            : @djzeentle

Facebook        : Zintle Babe-Zee Mbusi

Instagram        : @babezeeee

YouTube          : Zintle Babe-Zee Mbusi

TikTok             : @Zintle_Babezee

www.ownbodygoals.co.za

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Sands’ “Tigi”, Brenda Fassie’s “Mamgobozi”, Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s “Umqombothi”and Lesego’s “Viva Tau” are just some of the songs that resonate with a quick scan of the HRH Wandile Funani ka Mnqanqeni composed & Imba’s latest single “Umgidi ka Boy”. So obviously, as a music curator, I give songs more than 3 listens before I can hatch an opinion about them. “Umgidi ka Boy” was no exception. As it turned out, I was “…not hearing things”, the song has a lot more to offer, musically.

I am particularly glad that Autotune was disabled to capture the beautiful natural vocal talents of Imba. The rich, unmistakable afro-bass, peppered with indigenous African instruments to deliver ancestral inspired melodies, sets this a par above the disguised Amapiano tempo, shakers and wooden drum patterns that almost autograph a uniquely South African genre.

Umgidi ka Boy is an urban dance song; a hit inspired by social media trend which started when Lonalinamandla Bawuti , a young actress from Mthatha whose heart was touched by a story of a young boy who needed help with umgidi wakhe(a joyous ceremony done for his passage to manhood).Within 12 Hours Lona with her huge Facebook following they raised up to R25000 for umgidi kaboy.

Tune in to #IQL, hosted by Slyso on Friday, 5^th October 2021 at 20h10, as he re-introduces Imbo, but finds out what this all arts movement is about and samples this future smash hit at traditional ceremonies, reminiscent of the Sands & Brenda Fassie classics on Umhlobo  Wenene FM.

Follow and contact them on:

Facebook        : ImbaSA

Instagram        : Imba.sa

Tweeter          : @imba_sa

Contact e-mail : imbasouthafrica@gmail.com

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IkatiEsengxoweni joins the long leniege of South African alternative outfits such as Masauko Chipembere and Neo Myanga’s Blk Sonshine and the recently revived Kwela Sekele’s Kwani Experience. This dynamic collective, made up of a choir master’s daughter, Lark Wantu and former Riebeek College Girls High School Choir member and film production, sound engineering as well as theatre experienced Anam Manyati hails from Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth respectively.

Like most alternative bands, Ikati Esengxoweni’s rise has been pleasantly and beautifully marred with an unconventional approach into the music industry. These range from intentional use of indigenous languages such as Xhosa, Bemba & Swahili fused with violins, bass and indigenous instruments to create a futuristic sound. Their journey which started via a chance meet at a Uitenhage event in 2013, includes being handpicked by IMEXSA (Independent Music Exporters South Africa) to perform, network and attend business conferences specifically at Primavera and Midem in France, in 2016.

These winners of the 2018 Afro Punk Battle of the bands competition which led to them being selected to perform on the main stage at the APF in Johannesburg will be speaking to Slyso on Umhlobo Wenene FM’s #IQL (Iqonga Labatsha) this Friday the 22^nd October 2021 at 21h15.

The interview will be around their latest single “The Cradle of Humankind” as well as their upcoming showcase at the Constitutional Hill on the 27^th November 2021. They will be joining some of South Africa’s music royalty, such as Thandiswa Mazwai, Stogie T (Tumi of Tumi and the Volume), Sampa The Great and more.

Connect with them on:

Twitter – www.twitter.com_ikati

Facebook – www.facebook.com/ikati

Instagram – www.instangram.com/ikati

YouTube – www.youtube.com/ikati

Bookings : ikati.esengxoweni@gmail.com 

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