South Africa

The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now
Music

The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now

OkayAfrica rounds up the best amapiano songs out right now, featuring Shakes & Les, Mellow & Sleazy, Skyla Tylaa and more.

Tyla has made it clear: she represents Amapiano, a genre as distinct and diverse as African music itself.
Music

Tyla Leads the African Wave at Coachella 2025

With Coachella kicking off today, Tyla and fellow African artists Amaarae, Rema, and others transform the desert into a showcase of the continent's musical diversity.

The frontman of South African band Internet Girl poses on the set of their music video for “Boss.”
Music

Internet Girl Wants to Be the Biggest Band Out of South Africa

Cape Town outfit Internet Girl is finding its sound and is dead-set on bringing it to you.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (R) addresses the 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Nigeria, with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu (L) at the South African Parliament in Cape Town on December 3, 2024.
Latest

Five Takeaways from the 11th Session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission

The Ramaphosa and Tinubu governments issued a number of resolutions following a recent session, but we’ll have to wait and see if they turn into tangible results.

Tyla performs on the runway for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 on October 15, 2024, in New York City.
Music

Tyla Wraps Up 2024 with Sabrina Carpenter Duet on Netflix

The South African singer is also performing in her home country for the first time since reaching global stardom.

South African rapper 25K poses in a red tracksuit and sunglasses in front of a red backdrop.
Music

25K Wants to Be Remembered As a Pioneer of Pitori Rap

With his latest album, Loyal to the Plug: The Life and Times of Don Kilograms, 25K is steadily cementing his place among the greats of South African hip-hop.

Chidimma Adetshina poses for a photo in a green embellished dress and a bright smile at The 73rd Miss Universe Competition at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on November 16, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Fashion

Chidimma Adetshina’s Path to Becoming First Runner-Up at Miss Universe 2024

The Nigerian representative beat several hurdles to the historic achievement for herself and her country.

A Mozambique soldier speaks with a protester after protesters clashed with police officers in Eduardo Mondlane Avenue in Maputo November 7, 2024.
South Africa

South Africa Partially Reopens Border With Mozambique Amid Post-Election Protests

Tensions continue to grow in Mozambique following the ruling party’s win in the recently concluded general elections.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa wearing a blue wool trench coat, white shirt and a red tie at the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 23, 2024.
South Africa

Ukraine Visa Waiver Deal Furthers Growing Divisions in South Africa's Unity Government

Opposition parties, the Economic Freedom Fighters and the uMkhonto weSizwe, are urging the President Cyril Ramaphosa-led administration not to complete the deal.

Tyla poses outside of her hotel in NYC, dressed up for the Met Gala.
Music

Opinion: Can Tyla Balance Amapiano Authenticity with Global Pop Dreams?

For the past year, Tyla has been rewriting the narrative for African artists on the global stage. But, in an industry still learning how to place her, who is she really for?

a black man in a blue suit with a red tie
Art

Can South Africa's Controversial Sports and Arts Minister Deliver?

In the almost four months since he assumed office, Gayton McKenzie’s tenure has been riddled with controversy, with industry stakeholders saying there’s lack of sustainable strategy from his department.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) smiles as South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen (C) shakes hands with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile (R) at the sitting of the South African Parliament for the swearing in of Cabinet Ministers, on July 03, 2024, in Cape Town.
South Africa

South Africa’s Unity Government Shows Cracks Over Education Bill

Critics argue that the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill gives the government unnecessary influence on language and admission policies in schools.

Here are 10 Recent Books from Black South African Women Writers That You Need to Read
Arts + Culture

Here are 10 Recent Books from Black South African Women Writers That You Need to Read

These 10 powerful books by Black South African women writers offer a compelling lens on Black women’s complex realities and triumphs in today’s world.

Women dance and sing during the Women’s Day commemoration at Silahla Sports Field on August 09, 2022 in Richmond, South Africa.
Culture

Why Does South Africa Celebrate Women’s Day on August 9?

South Africa’s Women’s Day honors the courageous women who led a monumental march in 1956 against the apartheid government’s oppressive “pass laws.”

A photo of Akani Simbine after winning the Men's 100m at SILESIA Kamila Skolimowska Memorial 2023, part of the 2023 Diamond League series, on July 16, 2023, at Slaski Stadium in Chorzow.
Sports

Akani Simbine Is the South African Olympic Flag Bearer With Renewed Focus

In Paris, South African 100m star Akani Simbine is hoping to continue his recent winning ways after a battle with depression.

A photo of Ofentse Pitse holding a conductor’s baton.
South Africa

What It’s Like To…Be the First Black Woman to Own and Conduct an Orchestra in South Africa

Ofentse Pitse, who also conducts an all-Black ensemble, aims to inspire many generations of Black women to take up classical music.

A photo of Nelson Mandela.
South Africa

How to Celebrate Mandela Day from Wherever You Are in the World

From walks to comedy shows and charities to donate to, here are all the ways you can celebrate Mandela Day this year.

A photo showing the five members of South African music group, The Joy.
South Africa

The Musical Brotherhood of The Joy

A guest performance during Doja Cat’s Coachella set introduced more people to The Joy’s acapella sound. OkayAfrica speaks to the group about their upcoming self-titled full length album.