Articles

In the streaming era, numbers are everything—until you look closer.

In an age of surprise drops and streaming-first strategies, the term “album rollout” might feel like a relic from the past to some. But in South Africa, where music still pulses through the streets, clubs, and kasi car washes, a good rollout is not just a marketing strategy — it’s a cultural moment. It’s a signal. A warning shot. A community call-to-action.

As a South African hip hop fan, there’s a certain pride that comes with watching the genre evolve on home soil. We’ve seen the rise of local legends who laid the foundation for what hip hop means in this country, from the days of PRO, HHP, and Skwatta Kamp to the commercial heights of AKA, Khuli Chana, and Cassper Nyovest. These were the artists who rapped in vernac with conviction, who told kasi stories with poetry, and who built this culture before the world paid attention.

South Africa's hip-hop scene is thriving in 2025, offering a diverse array of festivals that celebrate the culture through music, dance, fashion, and community. Whether you're in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or elsewhere, here are the top hip-hop festivals you won't want to miss:

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There’s something intimate and powerful about podcasts. You pop in your headphones, press play, and suddenly, someone’s in your ear—sharing their story, unpacking a topic, or voicing a hot take. Podcasts have become one of the most personal and persuasive forms of media out there. But with that power comes responsibility. Or at least, it should.