I had the privilege of experiencing Tumi Mogorosi at the newly opened Hugh's Jazz Club. Throughout the night, Tumi paid homage to “The Rebel” in both tone and intention, weaving resistance and reverence into every note. It truly felt like stepping into a 1960s jazz club, low lighting, intimate energy, and that exclusive, sophisticated lounge atmosphere (minus the cigarettes). 🎷✨
Do yourself a favour and head over to @hughs_jazz_club to see what they have in store for the rest of February and 2026 — this is one for the culture.
Vocalists are vessels, a bridge between the physical and the spiritual. Every note ripples through the body before it even reaches the ears. As someone who studied vocals, I deeply appreciate artists who understand sound, structure, and vocal emotion. Who treat their voices like sacred instruments.
These artists embody that intention. Each of them, in their own unique way, is beautifully rooted in Southern African vocal technique, disciplined, expressive, and spiritually charged.
May the vocal gods continue to bless them, so they can keep blessing our souls with their melodies. 🎶✨
PS: Slide 19 - Lady Zamar not Lamar
Who is your favourite vocalist?
Who was your favourite child star growing up?
These are just a few child stars that inspired me when I was a child trying to break into this industry. They motivated me to keep going, seek better opportunities and take myself seriously as a practitioner at a very early age.
Amapiano is a powerful, spiritual force, the vehicle that carried South African sounds, rhythms, melodies, and traditional dances onto the world stage 🌍✨
Built by the youth, for the youth, it reshaped how we consume local music and how we see our own artists.
In my opinion, These are some of the pioneers and changemakers who defined the movement: unmatched stage presence, spiritual vocals, timeless dance, and undeniable star power, all deeply rooted in Southern African identity.
Who are some of your favourite Amapiano artists?
In case you didn’t know… music has had me in a chokehold my whole life.
It started when I was a kid in Children’s Theatre and Musical Theatre — just pure love and curiosity. That love grew into formal training through Trinity College London, where I studied music theory, classical composition, piano and vocals, while still performing on stage with Tshwane Youth Theatre and other spaces that shaped me.
At university, I found my way back home through African music. I learned new vocal techniques and instruments that spoke to something deeper in me — marimba, talking drum, djembe, setinkane. That shift changed how I felt about music and about myself.
I did step away for a while. Classical training left me carrying more doubt than confidence, and I needed time to heal from feeling like I wasn’t enough.
Now I’m in a different place. This year, I want to share my musical thoughts more openly and give myself permission to experiment, to play, and to discover what my sound really is.
Who knows? An album might be loading.
Who is your favourite Nigerian Artists?
PS: Oiza x Meyi sing in Hausa NOT Igbo
Over the years, these artists have quietly (and sometimes loudly) captured my heart. Each one carries their roots with pride, tells their story without apology, and reminds me why music matters — it reflects us, heals us, and moves us forward. From the streets to the soul, from youth to legacy, they represent greatness in real time. I’m grateful to witness their journeys and to feel seen, inspired, and alive through their sound.
LOVE LETTER TO MYSELF ❤️
So.... I have multiple names that I use interchangably. Each name representing very distinct parts of my life and people who have an affiliation with it.
Whats the story behind your names? 😉 I'll start...
Thibogang is my Family named, given to me by Ramakala Otto Colonel Maboe (My Maternal Grandfather). A Setswana name that means "get out of my way". This is a name I used for majority of my child and teen years. Its reserved only for my family members and those that have known me since childhood.
Hloniphile is my "true friends" name, given to my by John Thembani Phike (My Paternal Grandfather). A IsiXhosa name meaning "the one who shows respect". This is a name i mainly used in my Varsity and mid-20s. Mainly reserved for those that knew me during my transitional years - but I am open to new people in my life using it.
John-Otto is my professional name, given to me by both my Parents as it represents both my Grandfathers. A Hebrew/German name meaning "God is gracious" & "Wealth, Prosperity or Fortune". This is a name I have always used for my acting work and a name I ultimately chose to represent my adulthood and career going forward.
I believe I am a true reflection of my names and I will always strive to manifest these names in my life.
2026 is the year I dedicate to experiencing life to the fullest and one goal I have is to attend as many concerts of local and international artists.
These are my local musician top picks. I obviously have way more like Internet Athi or Muneyi, to name a few.
I would like to know which local artists you would like to see in 2026. Comment your artist and your favourite song from them ✨️
Special shout out to @tumicreative for the content resizing
Not one to jump on trends but this one I HAD to do it.
2016 was honestly one of the best years of my life! Lived a hundred different lives but man it was all worth it. From lecture halls to late night tennis court sessions, from theatre rehearsals straight to the club, from day mares to posties, it was a year where everything felt like it was possible.
If I am keeping it a buck, this was the year that made me who I am today. I will forever be grateful for 2016 JO! You did me a solid bru
PS: I am sorry to people that I didnt consult about these pics, they will be gone soon 🤪
From August 2024 to September 2025. This production took an entire year of prep before execution. Multiple client meetings, multiple edit requests, multiple quote requests, multiple production timeline changes and the list goes on.
Going through the process felt like hell but the reward post the show was unimaginable. Shout out to everyone who was part of the team and made this come to life.
Old Mutual 51 Club 2025! Sands of Time ⏳️
