Last week, we had the privilege of sitting down with one of South Africa’s most decorated artists, sjava_a.t.m, to talk about his upcoming tenth-anniversary tour and a brand-new project that promises to leave fans wanting more.
Born on the East Coast, Sjava has built a reputation for intention, depth and consistency — and this moment is no different.
In true pioneering fashion, he curated the album experience for his die-hard supporters long before its official release date, shifting the way projects are traditionally rolled out in the country.
It’s a bold move that speaks to his understanding of community, loyalty and the evolving music landscape.
This isn’t just a tour. It’s a year-long celebration of growth, storytelling and a decade of shaping the sound of modern South African music. From intimate reflections to full-circle milestones, Sjava is inviting fans into a carefully crafted journey that honours where he’s been — and where he’s headed next.
Your music-and-culture-forward scribe takes you behind the scenes of what’s set to be one of the most intentional celebration tours of the year.
Back in May, I had the honour of writing the cover story on @kwestadakar for @gqsouthafrica .
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect—it came just before he dropped The Big Bro Theory.
At first, the album felt like a departure from what we’d always known about South Africa’s best-selling hip-hop artist.
But as I dug deeper, both in conversation and through the music, it became clear: Kwesta wasn’t changing—he was becoming more himself.
What stood out to me was how much he values authenticity. He told me that every project is a chapter, and every verse is a timestamp of where he is in life.
That honesty echoes throughout The Big Bro Theory, which he described not as a sermon but as “sharing experiences.” Listening to it now, I hear that balance of darkness and light he spoke about—the vulnerability in “Out of Love” with Amanda Black, the lyrical fire in “The Throne,” and the celebratory spirit in “Khilimu.”
Writing his story reminded me why I love this work. It’s not just about the music—it’s about the people, their journeys, and what they leave behind for the next generation.
Kwesta has embraced his role as a mentor, a “big bro” not by choice, but because the culture needed him to.
This was more than a cover story for me. It was a chance to witness a legend honouring his craft while making space for others to shine.
And as someone who has walked his own journey in storytelling, it hit me: authenticity is the thread that keeps our legacies alive.
#Kwesta #MadeInSA #HipHopMentor #Authenticity
Every Story Deserves to Be Told — That’s Why Young and Gifted Matters
At my core, I am passionate about storytelling—especially when it comes to people-driven stories.
These are the stories that spotlight the everyday heroes, the ones working quietly behind the scenes to uplift and serve vulnerable communities.
Giving these individuals a platform—a mic to speak into—is one of the most fulfilling parts of this work. It’s a responsibility I carry with pride.
But truthfully, there are still so many powerful, untold stories out there. Stories that live in silence, waiting for someone to see their value.
I often think about the voices we haven’t heard yet, the lives we haven’t documented, and the inspiration we haven’t tapped into.
That’s the dream: to tell all of those stories one day.
That dream is what makes the return of @gqsouthafrica ’s Young and Gifted series so meaningful.
This series is more than just a spotlight—it’s a platform for rising stars and unsung talents who are shaping the future of South Africa in art, fashion, tech, culture, and beyond.
It's our way of celebrating innovation, passion, and purpose, particularly from voices that are often overlooked in mainstream media.
With Young and Gifted, we’re not only curating style and excellence—we’re honouring the people behind it. It’s a small but powerful way of giving back. A way to say, “We see you. Your story matters.”
We’re proud to share our latest features from the series. These are the stories of individuals who inspire, disrupt, and lead in ways both bold and beautiful.
Stay tuned, because we’re just getting started. The future is gifted—and it’s here.
Sundowns fans are excited about winning the league and Caf Champions League! But, some coaches are in a different kind of race... the one for survival and seeing others compete for league titles! 😂😬 #FootballFun
Last night we were invited as friends of the brand, Jameson Irish Whiskey and damn, what a night it was, it's about craftsmanship and a whole lot more. #Asiye
Just a year ago, we stood together in sorrow as we laid our brother Sbu to rest. I never imagined that so soon, we would be preparing for your farewell too.
My heart is heavy, my spirit unwell. This feels too sudden, too unfair.
The pain you’ve left behind runs deeper than words can carry. It lingers in my chest, a constant ache, a silence louder than any sound.
The sadness and heartache have become a shadow that follows me, and I can’t escape it.
Losing you so soon after Sbu feels like life has torn away pieces of me that I will never get back.
I am left with memories, with love that has no place to go, and with the unbearable task of learning how to exist without you.
🚀 Meet @thecoolsa , the visionary behind Nine80 Digital Media — recently spotlighted in GQ’s Young & Gifted series.
Bruce isn’t chasing clicks; he’s reshaping how African youth experience media — building platforms that inspire, educate, and create real opportunities.
From @sahiphopmag to @theyanosmagza , Youth Village, and Farmers Mag, Nine80’s network of 20+ platforms reaches 80M+ young Africans, proving that homegrown media can flourish on a global scale.
With partnerships spanning @spotifyafrica , @samsungmobilesa , Budweiser, Vodacom, Bacardi, and @dstvza , Bruce is showing the world what it means to dream bigger — and make it count. ✨
#ýoungandģifted #AfricanExcellence
Tuning into the beat – one album at a time
About two weeks ago, @shornkhumalo sent me an unreleased album to preview — and wow, what a ride.
The project comes from Chinese Cold Food, a rising collective that’s about to take South African hip-hop by storm with their debut album dropping end of this month.
Their sound isn’t my usual go-to, but this body of work had me locked in from the start — raw, fearless, and sonically refreshing.
A reminder that the local scene is evolving in all the right directions.
And since it went online this morning, the response to my review for GQ South Africa has been nothing short of incredible.
So many of you reached out — sharing kind words and encouraging me to keep pushing in the music review space.
Honestly? I’m deeply grateful. Thank you for seeing the heart, ear, and honesty behind my work.
Over the past few years, I’ve immersed myself in soundscapes across genres — from Mr Thela’s “Tronics 2”, a thunderous celebration of Gqom’s roots, to an introspective look at upcoming Cold Chinese Food’s bold storytelling.
Each piece has been a journey into the beats and bars shaping modern African music.
So here it is — an open invite:
If you’re an artist, publicist, label, or distributor looking to tell your story or share a new release, let’s connect. Whether it's through an in-depth review, a profile feature, or collaborative content, I’m here for the music — and the meaning behind it.
📩 Drop me a line — let’s amplify your sound.
#SouthAfricanMusic #AlbumReviews #LuthandoListens #SoundStories #OpenToCollaborate #AfricanCreatives
The Handmaid’s Tale is one of those series that I really have enjoyed.
And as the curtain closes -- we did an article about it, and I hope you've also enjoyed it as much as I did.
Read the article on the @gqsouthafrica website.
Despite the challenges we often face, we have been fortunate to remain steadfast on the path we embarked on four years ago.
We are grateful for the grace that has allowed us to reach this point, and we continue to look forward with hope for what lies ahead.
