King Wanda is expanding his career with the release of his debut EP, iCulo. After introducing himself to millions of viewers on Big Brother Mzansi with his humour and outgoing personality, the reality TV star is now shifting his focus to music. The project marks a significant milestone for an artist who says music has always been his first passion.

The eight-track project is far from a celebrity side venture. According to King Wanda, music has been part of his life for nearly 18 years, long before television brought him into the spotlight. He says the EP draws from his personal experiences, including love, heartbreak, faith, family and his long journey in music.

Photo: Instagram/@King Wanda

The title iCulo carries special meaning. The EP is named after his young daughter, whom he describes as his greatest source of inspiration. She also appears on the closing track, giving the record a personal ending. King Wanda says the project allowed him to share the personal experiences behind his songs instead of being seen only as a reality TV personality.

Several collaborations add variety to the project. Poet Lethu Nkwanyana features on Zanele, blending spoken word with music, while Big Brother Mzansi season six winner Liema Pantsi joins King Wanda on Mangwane. Instead of relying on a long guest list, the EP keeps its focus on stories linked to growth, relationships and fatherhood.

Photo: Instagram/@King Wanda

For many viewers, King Wanda became known through his appearance on Big Brother Mzansi, where his lively personality made him one of the season’s memorable contestants. However, he has made it clear that television was never the final destination. He believes the experience helped him adjust to the entertainment industry by teaching him how to handle both praise and criticism without losing sight of his goals.

That perspective also shapes his approach to music. Speaking about his career, King Wanda has said that his responsibility is to continue creating honest songs and releasing them, while accepting that success often arrives on its own timeline. He has remained patient after nearly two decades of working towards becoming a recognised recording artist.

Photo: Instagram/@King Wanda

The debut EP is only the beginning. King Wanda revealed that he already has more than 150 unreleased songs and hopes to release another, even more personal project before the end of the year. He describes iCulo as the start of his plans as a recording artist rather than a once-off release linked to his television fame.

For fans who followed his journey on Big Brother Mzansi, iCulo shows another side of the entertainer. Instead of competing for votes or navigating life inside the house, King Wanda is now sharing personal stories through his music. The EP signals that he is ready to be recognised for more than reality television.

South African rappers Cassper Nyovest and Nasty C have joined forces for a new single titled “Lil Mama”, bringing together two artists who have played important roles in the country’s hip-hop scene.

The collaboration brings together two different generations of South African rap. Cassper Nyovest rose to prominence in the 2010s with charting albums, major live performances and a catalogue of songs that helped establish him as one of the country’s most commercially successful hip-hop artists.

Photo: Instagram/@nastyc

Nasty C, who emerged as one of the leading voices of a younger generation of South African rappers, has built his career through acclaimed projects, international collaborations and a sound that blends traditional hip-hop with melodic influences.

“Lil Mama” arrives as another release from two artists who have consistently remained part of conversations around South African rap. Their collaboration highlights the different styles they bring to the genre, with Cassper’s commanding approach meeting Nasty C’s precise lyricism and adaptable flow.

Photo: Instagram/@casspernyovest

The track also reflects the changing nature of South African hip-hop, where established artists and newer voices continue to collaborate across different sounds. Both rappers have built strong individual identities over the years, making their first joint release a notable moment for fans of the genre.

Photo: Instagram/@nastyc

For listeners who have followed their careers, “Lil Mama” offers an opportunity to hear two recognised names in South African rap share the same track. The single adds to the ongoing story of a genre that continues to evolve through new collaborations and creative partnerships.

Tyla has released her highly anticipated second studio album, APOP. The 14 track project arrived on July 24, 2026, through FAX Records and Epic Records. The album follows several weeks of teasers and singles. 

APOP* features 14 songs, including “CHANEL,” “IS IT,” “IS IT LOVE,” and “SHE DID IT AGAIN” featuring Zara Larsson. There are collaborations with South African artists MaWhoo, who appears on “Crazy of Me,” Babalwa M on “I Don’t Care,” and kwaito group Liquideep on “Fairytale.” 

Other tracks in the album are;

• THATGIRL 
• KISS
• IS IT
• FAIRYTALE
• DOUBLE 
• BLIND 
• FEEL SOMETHING 
• RIGHT NOW
• MR. NONCHALANT
• HOT TUBS

Photo: Instagram

Read Also: Tyla Drops ‘Is It Love’ Ahead of Upcoming Projects

Ahead of the release, Tyla says APOP is not just an album title. She has used the phrase to define her own musical identity, especially amapiano. The singer presents the album as a reflection of her own sound and music direction. She said ;

“A*POP, African Pop … is literally me trying to extend the idea of what an African pop star looks like and what an African pop star sounds like,” she says. “I think that sometimes when you’re from somewhere you’re expected to look a way or sound a way. I’ve seen things where they’re like, ‘Oh, Tyla’s not African enough,’ and I’m like, what is African enough?”

The album has international and African producers. While pop remains key to the project, amapiano log drums, Afrobeats percussion, and R&B melodies were obvious. This combination supports Tyla’s goal of creating a unique style. 

Photo: Instagram

To celebrate the release, Tyla hosted a fan listening event in New York City before making promotional appearances. The launch campaign featured fashion inspired by early 2000s pop culture. The visuals and performances have helped introduce the APOP era to fans around the world.

Since winning a Grammy Award, expectations for her second album have been high. With a mix of global collaborations, APOP positions Tyla to strengthen her place in the international pop market without neglecting her African roots.