• Tšeliso Monaheng

Stories by Tšeliso Monaheng

The Songs You Need to Hear This Week
Latest

The Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best African music of the week featuring SPINALL, Ice Prince x Chopstix, Kwesta, Simi x Kizz Daniel, and more.

South African artist Yugen Blakrok poses in a black-and-white promotional photo.
Latest

Yugen Blakrok on Going Global Without Selling Out

After six years in Europe, the South African rapper returns with The Illusion of Being, a new album forged from displacement, discipline, and defiance.

You Need to Watch This Cinematic Exploration of Immigration
Music

You Need to Watch This Cinematic Exploration of Immigration

DJ Snake’s striking seven-minute video for “Patience” features actor Omar Sy and is fueled by a classic Amadou & Mariam song.

Rashid Lombard, director and co-founder of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, wearing a checkered shirt and Irish cap, gesticulates as he speaks.
News

Rashid Lombard, Visionary Jazz Promoter and Cultural Icon, Passes Away At 74

The acclaimed photographer and founder of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, who documented the realities of apartheid, leaves behind a legacy of cultural activism and community upliftment.

The Songs You Need to Hear This Week
Music

The Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best African music of the week featuring Kizz Daniel, Seun Kuti, Zuukou Mayzie x Baaba Maal, Ugaboys, Mereba, and more.

Donawon on Building With Tems: “It Can’t Break”
Music

Donawon on Building With Tems: “It Can’t Break”

From trade secrets to tough lessons, Donawon reflects on the journey that shaped Tems’ global rise.

The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now
Music

The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now

OkayAfrica rounds up the best amapiano songs out right now, featuring Kelvin Momo, De Mthuda, Sfarzo Rtee, and more.

Presley Chweneyagae, Star of Oscar-Winning ‘Tsotsi,’ Passes Away at 40
Film + TV

Presley Chweneyagae, Star of Oscar-Winning ‘Tsotsi,’ Passes Away at 40

The multi-award-winning actor shone in productions such as The River, Kalushi, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Francis Bebey’s Archives Come Alive
Music

Francis Bebey’s Archives Come Alive

Newly discovered recordings highlight how the late Cameroonian composer anticipated today’s global African electronic music wave.

First Look: Thuso Mbedu's Latest Powerhouse Role in HBO’s Star-Studded Crime Drama ‘Task’
Film + TV

First Look: Thuso Mbedu's Latest Powerhouse Role in HBO’s Star-Studded Crime Drama ‘Task’

The South African actress returns to the small screen in the series set to premiere in September.

A photo of Timaya wearing a white shirt and black hat and smiling. The words "From backstage to Billboard - Timaya" are written beside him.
Editorial

Timaya Reflects on Legacy, Hustle, and Afrobeats’ Early Days on 'Afrobeats Intelligence'

The Nigerian music OG opens up to Joey Akan starting out, betting on himself with no Plan B, and longevity in the game.

Karabo Lediga’s Sabbatical Mines Old Memories to Make Treasure
Film + TV

Karabo Lediga’s Sabbatical Mines Old Memories to Make Treasure

In this feature-length directorial debut, the South African filmmaker goes back in time to move forward, unraveling a frail relationship between mother and daughter.

African Artists Shine in the 2025 BET Awards Nominations

African Artists Shine in the 2025 BET Awards Nominations

From Ayra Starr to Maglera Doe Boy, this year’s nominations highlight the global rise of African music across genres and borders.

Xduppy, South Africa's Rising Star, Thinks Amapiano Can Get Even Bigger
Latest

Xduppy, South Africa's Rising Star, Thinks Amapiano Can Get Even Bigger

With DJ Maphorisa by his side, the producer moves between genres and generations to deliver a defining statement on South African sound.

Burna Boy Releases a Seductive New Single “Sweet Love”
News

Burna Boy Releases a Seductive New Single “Sweet Love”

The Grammy winner swaps bravado for vulnerability on a reggae-tinged single that previews his eighth album, No Sign of Weakness.

Ayra Starr Drops Sultry New Single “Gimme Dat” Featuring Wizkid
Latest

Ayra Starr Drops Sultry New Single “Gimme Dat” Featuring Wizkid

With a Latin Diamond plaque, BET nods, and a film debut, 2025 is shaping up to be the singer’s biggest year yet.

Skyla Tylaa Drops a Cross-Continental Club Anthem with “Bombshell (Cheza)”
Latest

Skyla Tylaa Drops a Cross-Continental Club Anthem with “Bombshell (Cheza)”

The London DJ makes her producer debut with a genre-blending banger featuring Tyler ICU, Diamond Platnumz, and more.

The Return of Nakhane
Latest

The Return of Nakhane

With new work on the horizon, South Africa’s Nakhane reflects on artistry, mourning, and the beauty of sounds that refuse to behave in this exclusive interview with OkayAfrica.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

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