Fresh from winning the award for Best Music Composition at the National Institute for Human and Social Sciences (NIHSS) at the Javett Arts Centre in Pretoria, popular musician, composer, singer, and academic Dr Mercy Masakona Madzivhandila has achieved yet another milestone. She was recently appointed as the new presenter of the popular gospel programme “Delight in the Lord” at Univen FM.

A hip-hop artist popularly known as 2kan RSA is quickly making a name for himself in the entertainment industry. His real name is Kanakana Nkhumeleni, and he is 42 years old, hailing from Tswinga village outside Thohoyandou.

A young township girl has become the toast of her community after producing homemade chili sauce. Ms. Avhaandi Muofhe Mafenya, from Golgotha in Thohoyandou, started planting different chilies initially meant only for her household use. Today, the N5 electrical-engineering student at North Tech in Thohoyandou has turned her passion into a business. She now produces chilies that she transforms into sauce sold to locals.

A local movie that was shot at Mphego village, called “Street Life,” recently aired on SABC1. The producers of the movie hope to shine a spotlight on the harsh realities faced by the urban youth. The film depicts young people who are compelled to navigate the perilous world of drug dealing and criminal activities to survive.

Hip-hop artist Junior Marius (27), known as Salvester47_SA from Mutale, Tshilamba, has made waves with his latest mixtape, “Only 23 Mixtape,” which was released on Wednesday, 19 June. On this mixtape, packed with six songs, Salvester47_SA shares tracks that hold significant meaning for him, touching on themes of gratitude, love, motivation, and resilience.

Radio is said to embody immediacy, and radio listeners worldwide always prefer presenters who are ahead of their time in current affairs and soothing music. One such presenter is Takalani Jeffrey Thabo, a former herd boy from the rural village of Tshaulu in the Vhembe District.

Afro-house musician Shudufhadzo Muofhe, also known as DJ Makhanthi on the Deck, remains steadfast in his commitment to producing high-quality music. His latest album, “Mali,” released on 7 June, has garnered an enthusiastic response from fans, affirming his continued success. Collaborating with Misstwaggy from KwaZulu-Natal and Zocarah from Malawi on this album further demonstrates his versatility and collaborative spirit.

The recently founded Muphirimia Foundation has launched a campaign to discover hidden music talents among the disabled in Vhembe. The foundation was initiated by Humbulani Nengovhela, a disabled presenter at Phalaphala FM, known as Muphirimia.

Local gospel-music singer Cedrick Nepile has been nominated for the Royal Gospel Music Awards (ROYMA) for his album “Ndi Ndila na Mafhungo Ngoho.” The Buluni-based artist received nominations in two categories, Best New Upcoming Album and Best Worship Song, for his track “Ndi Ndila na Mafhungo Ngoho.”

Well-known gospel sensation Takie Ndou says the Worship Around the Fire Revival Concert is like a homecoming for him. The free concert is the brainchild of legendary sound engineer Hulisani Mavhutha of the Journey Worship Network and is hosted by Khumbe Independent AFM Church’s founder, Dr Athalia Mavhutha, on 29 June from 14:00 to 20:30.

Ray Mukwevho, the grandson of the late Tshivenda music pioneer Christopher Mukwevho, is set to release his new album on 28 June. Christopher Mukwevho, the founder and leader of the internationally acclaimed band The Thrilling Artists, left a significant musical legacy that Ray has carried forward.

Fhatuwanini Dzhadzhi, better known as Queen Popoo in music circles, has become a classic example of an artist who does not just sing for the sake of singing but whose music brings change to society.