Style With Substance: Miné Gouws on Designing for the Now and Next
In an industry driven by speed and spectacle, Miné Gouws is choosing substance. The Johannesburg-based fashion designer and merchandiser has quietly carved out a space where intention, innovation, and identity take center stage. With over two years at the helm of design and product development at the Studio 88 Group of Companies, Miné is redefining…
Shaka iLembe Season 2: The Countdown Begins , With Zeno Petersen Behind The Lens
The countdown has officially begun. In just 28 days, South Africa will once again be transported into the gripping world of Shaka iLembe as Season 2 prepares to premiere, promising more drama, power, and visual mastery. The announcement was recently sparked by Zeno Petersen, the revered director and cinematographer behind the series, sending fans and…
From Pioneer to Powerhouse: Oskido’s “NEXT GEN” Champions the Future of SA Music
Oscar Sibonginkosi “Oskido” Mdlongwa, a name synonymous with South African musical excellence, is not just riding the wave of change, he’s the tide itself. With a career spanning more than 26 years, Oskido has remained an unwavering force in shaping the nation’s soundscape. From being a Kwaito trailblazer to co-founding Kalawa Jazmee Records, home to…
Master Jay Rises with “Ta Jay”: A Monumental Amapiano Moment on the Horizon
As South Africa continues to birth genre-defining sounds and cultural powerhouses, few artists have navigated the Amapiano wave with the finesse, soul, and precision of Master Jay. The acclaimed DJ and producer unveils his much-anticipated album, Ta Jay, a 14-track autobiography that positions him not just as a key player, but as a cornerstone in…
What’s On The Menu : Khaeda Serves A Soulful Re-release With “DREAMS”
This week, we’re warming things up with a soulful dish straight from the heart—KHAEDA’s re-release of “Dreams”, arriving on all digital platforms May 31st. Originally shared on YouTube, this neo-soul ballad is now getting a second life and broader reach. “Dreams” feels like a memory from another lifetime—rooted in yearning, spiritual alignment, and the pursuit…
SABBATICAL: A Cinematic Homecoming You Didn’t Know You Needed
What happens when a high-powered life built on ambition crumbles overnight, and you’re forced to return to the one place you swore you’d outgrown? That’s the starting point of Sabbatical, the emotionally layered, darkly funny, and fiercely relatable feature debut from South African filmmaker Karabo Lediga. At the heart of the story is Lesego Tau,…
UMngomezulu Channels Heartache Into Harmony With New EP ‘Turning Pain Into Music’
UMngomezulu, the KwaZulu-Natal-born producer and DJ known for his emotionally immersive deep house sound, is set to release his much-anticipated 7-track EP Turning Pain Into Music on 16 May 2025. The poignant lead single, Ndizokulinda, featuring the soulful vocals of Cnethemba Gonelo and Brandon Dhludhlu, debuted on 9 May 2025, offering a heartfelt preview of…
Bassie Steals the Show at 2025 Metro FM Awards with Kwelanga 2.0
South Africa’s music royalty has a new queen, and her name is Bassie. The powerhouse vocalist lit up the 2025 Metro FM Awards, walking away as the night’s biggest winner with not one, but three major accolades, all for her groundbreaking hit, Kwelanga 2.0. The Amapiano anthem, a bold, high-energy project featuring M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza,…
Busiswa Closes Honey & Grace with “man2man” — A Stirring Reflection on Vulnerability, Legacy, and Sound
With Honey & Grace, Busiswa has carved out a space that embraces complexity, emotional clarity, and artistic daring. Now, the acclaimed South African vocalist draws the curtain on the project with a final offering, “man2man” a textured, heartfelt meditation wrapped in hypnotic rhythm and soul-stirring charged artistry. Released on May 9th, “man2man” is less of…
Amapiano Heavyweights Tyler ICU & Visca Unite For Powerful New EP, ‘Ke Wave ’
When two titans of the Amapiano movement collide, the result is nothing short of groundbreaking, award-winning producers and cultural trailblazers Tyler ICU and Visca release their highly anticipated EP, ‘Ke Wave’. Following their individual chart-topping successes, Tyler ICU with the global smash Mnike and Visca with the street anthem Ba Staata, Ke Wave marks a…
Kwesta Reclaims His Throne with ‘The Big Bro Theory’: A Powerful Return from South Africa’s Hip-Hop OG
After nearly two decades in the game, South African rap icon Kwesta makes a triumphant return with his latest album, The Big Bro Theory, a sonic manifesto that solidifies his position as both a mentor and mainstay in the ever-evolving hip-hop landscape. With over 225 million streams, 8 million followers, and a massive 185 million…
Marcus Harvey: A Rising Star in the SAMA Spotlight
The South African Music Awards (SAMA), hosted by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), are more than just a celebration of musical achievement, they’re a vital stage where new voices are heard and rising stars are cemented. Among this year’s most compelling talents is Marcus Harvey, a multi-dimensional artist emerging from Alexandra, Gauteng. As…
The Value Chain in the Clothing Business: A South African Perspective Post-USA-ChinaTrade Wars
The fashion industry is a complex network of interconnected sectors, from farming raw materials to retailing finished garments. In South Africa, this value chain is a vital economic driver, employing thousands and showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. The US-China trade wars, escalating through tariffs and supply chain disruptions since the late 2010s, have reshaped…
Visca Steps into the Spotlight with New Amapiano Single “Ngizojabula”
After years of crafting some of the country’s biggest anthems from behind the scenes, Ba Straata hitmaker Visca is stepping into his own light with the release of Ngizojabula, with Zee_nhle featuring Cuba Beats. A refreshing blend of nostalgic house influences and the vibrant pulse of Amapiano, the single reimagines Spirit Chaser’s These Tears with…
What’s On The Menu: Leandra.Vert’s Ithemba’Lam Sets the Tone for an electrifying Single
After stunning audiences on Groove Cartel and earning her place as “The Lioness Lighting Up Amapiano” in our previous Control Magazine feature, Leandra.Vert returns with a powerful, soul-rooted offering , “Ithemba’Lam” (UNRELEASED) . Featuring Mawhoo, FKA Moses, and Native Tribe, the single is a deeply personal prayer wrapped in rhythmic layers and ancestral echoes. Born…
Kane Keid Drops Not Famous EP, and It’s Already Making Waves
There’s something special about watching an artist’s dreams take flight, and right now, all eyes are on Kane Keid. The soul-infused rap artist, known for seamlessly blending trap and R&B elements into his music, has just dropped his latest project, Not Famous, and it’s already causing serious buzz. In an emotional social media post, Kane…
Uncool Angels: Dancing Into a New Era of Entertainment
In a world where artistry is often boxed into singular definitions, Uncool Angels refuse to fit any mold. Formed in May 2023 by the electric pairing of Nnana Nthangeni and Refrieca Consent Chiloane , this duo has taken South Africa’s nightlife and festival circuits by storm, one dance move and DJ set at a time.…
Style Meets Sound: Stylaholic Styles Groove Cartel Hosts
Magic happens when music meets fashion. Control Magazine linked up with style curator Stylaholic to dress the hosts of Groove Cartel, one of South Africa’s leading YouTube music channels , Ash Mopedi and Tumilemang MC. Known for their sharp ear for sound, Groove Cartel now adds a visual punch to their on-screen presence, thanks to…
Miona’s “Inganono” Is a Bold and Beautiful Debut That Speaks to the Soul
With the release of her deeply emotive debut album Inganono, rising Afropop singer-songwriter Miona solidifies herself as one of South Africa’s most promising new voices. The 10-track offering is a raw, intimate diary of love, pain, healing, and cultural pride, wrapped in warm melodies and poignant lyrics. Fresh off the buzz of her heartfelt single…
Skyla Tylaa Drops Bombshell with Diamond Platnumz, Tyler ICU, Khalil Harrison & DJ Exit
The wait is finally over. Today marks the official release of “Bombshell”, the high-voltage project that’s been causing a stir across the globe before it even hit streaming platforms. Brought to life by the genre-blending brilliance of Skyla Tylaa, Diamond Platnumz, Tyler ICU, Khalil Harrison, and DJ Exit. Uniting sounds from South Africa, Tanzania, and…
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Whoever writes these articles is so seamless, really enjoyed this flow. Wonderful work Control!!!