SA360 NEWS

  Isaiah Rashad Makes South African Debut With Memorable Shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 9 October 2026 American rapper Isaiah Rashad has completed his first South African performances, bringing his distinctive hip-hop sound to audiences in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The Top Dawg Entertainment artist performed at The Ostrich in Cape Town on 3 October before taking the stage at Montecasino Outdoor Events Arena in Johannesburg on 4 October. The concerts formed part of the In The City event series, giving South African fans their first opportunity to experience Rashad's music live. Fans Welcome Isaiah Rashad to South Africa Rashad's arrival was a significant moment for local hip-hop enthusiasts who have followed his career for years. His music, known for introspective lyrics and Southern hip-hop influences, has attracted listeners around the world. Reports from the performances described enthusiastic audiences singing along to songs from his catal...

  South African singer-songwriter Pilani Bubu reflects on 15 years of musical independence as she releases her single Caged Heart and prepares her eighth album. Pilani Bubu Releases Caged Heart After 15 Years in Music JOHANNESBURG, 9 October 2026 — Award-winning South African singer-songwriter Pilani Bubu is celebrating 15 years of creative independence with the release of her introspective single, Caged Heart, a song rooted in a poem she wrote more than a decade ago. In an interview published by the Mail & Guardian on Friday, Bubu reflected on her musical journey, the challenges of remaining an independent artist and her commitment to telling African stories. A Song That Took 12 Years to Find Its Voice Caged Heart originated as a poem written in 2014, during a period when Bubu was questioning her professional direction. Having left a corporate career to pursue music, she found herself reconsidering the compromises involved in returning to conventional employment. The poem even...

  FAME Week Africa 2026 is scheduled to take place in Cape Town from 28 to 30 October, bringing together professionals from film, television, music, fashion and digital media FAME Week Africa 2026 Set to Bring Global Creatives to Cape Town CAPE TOWN, 9 October 2026 — Cape Town is preparing to welcome filmmakers, musicians, television professionals, fashion entrepreneurs and digital content creators as FAME Week Africa 2026 approaches. The three-day creative industry gathering is scheduled to take place from 28 to 30 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre's CTICC2 venue. The event aims to connect African creative talent with international buyers, investors and industry decision-makers. More Than 80 Industry Buyers Expected According to entertainment publication Bona, this year's event is expected to attract more than 80 buyers from the global creative industry. Their participation could create opportunities for African production companies, filmmakers and other...

  DJ Khaled Praises South Africa in Tribute to Mzansi Published: 8 October 2026 | Category: Entertainment American music producer and international entertainment personality DJ Khaled has attracted attention in South Africa after sharing a social media tribute celebrating the country. The Grammy-winning producer appeared in a photograph alongside South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, in a moment that gained coverage in the country's celebrity news. DJ Khaled Shows Love to South Africa According to a report published by The South African on 7 October 2026, Khaled expressed his appreciation for Mzansi with a message referencing his well-known motivational catchphrase. The tribute included the words: “They didn't believe in us South Africa did!” The message reflects Khaled's enthusiastic public persona and his connection with audiences around the world. Gayton McKenzie Appears in the Spotlight The photograph featuring DJ Khaled and Gayton McK...

  South African music stars Msaki and Elaine will join the award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir for a major celebration of African art, music, fashion and culture in Johannesburg this weekend. The artists form the headline entertainment lineup for the third edition of the Absa L’Atelier Art and Lifestyle Fair , which takes place on Saturday, 10 October 2026 , at Waterfall City Park at the Mall of Africa in Midrand.  This year's event carries additional significance as it celebrates 40 years of the Absa L’Atelier Art Awards , an initiative created to support and develop emerging visual artists from across Africa. Msaki leads a major South African lineup Singer-songwriter Msaki will headline the event, bringing together two sides of her creative career. While she is widely recognised for her music, Msaki also has a background in visual art, making her particularly suited to an event combining live performance with exhibitions and other creative disciplines. She will be joined by R...

  South African rapper Nasty C has responded to growing comparisons between his collaboration with Tellaman, “As Planned”, and Don Toliver’s “Secondhand” featuring Nigerian superstar Rema. Listeners began highlighting similarities between the two tracks following the release of Nasty C and Tellaman’s collaborative album, T’s & C’s Apply , on 1 September 2026. Some fans questioned whether the songs might share a sample, producer or another production element.  Nasty C has now addressed the speculation, saying the resemblance was not intentional. According to the rapper, the artists happened to use the same producer or sample, describing the situation as a coincidence. He also indicated that “As Planned” had already been sitting in his catalogue before the comparisons emerged. Nasty C dismisses intentional copying claims The discussion gained traction because Don Toliver’s “Secondhand” was released earlier. “Secondhand”, featuring Rema, appeared on Don Toliver’s OCTANE albu...

The long-awaited murder trial of South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has begun at the Durban High Court, more than three years after the pair were shot dead. Seven men appeared before the court on Monday, 5 October 2026, and pleaded not guilty to the charges relating to the deaths of AKA and Tibz.  The accused face 11 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder and firearm-related offences. The National Prosecuting Authority previously confirmed that all seven accused remain in custody.  Lynn Forbes attends emotional opening day AKA's mother, Lynn Forbes , was among the family members who attended the opening of the trial. She was joined by AKA's father, Tony Forbes, while Tibz's father, Sylvester Motsoane, was also present. Speaking about attending the proceedings, Lynn described the experience as emotionally difficult and indicated that she does not intend to sit throug...

  South African actress Khosi Ngema is expanding her creative career with the launch of a new podcast titled Speak and Heal . The Blood & Water star released the first episode of the podcast on 4 October 2026, marking another major step in her career beyond acting. The new platform is designed to create space for meaningful and honest conversations, with Ngema planning to explore relationships, personal experiences and other topics that encourage people to reflect, connect and heal. Khosi Ngema embraces a new challenge Ngema told TshisaLIVE that moving into podcasting feels like the right step at this point in her life. She described the experience as exciting but also vulnerable, explaining that having real conversations in public will challenge her to develop her own voice and express authentic opinions. The actress also believes there is a need for spaces where people can talk openly and work through their experiences. More than an actress Podcasting is only one part of Nge...