Music
Alexia Jayy Makes History as The Voice’s First Black Woman Winner in 15 Years
Alexia Jayy is the first Black woman to win The Voice in the show’s history. Since its 2011 premiere, the show has produced multiple winners, none of whom have been a Black woman.
A soul and R&B vocalist from Alabama, Jayy entered The Voice and was coached by Adam Levine. Her blind audition of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, a classic by Aretha Franklin, earned multiple chair turns. Her pre-show career also included serving as a backup singer for Muni Long. She also performed alongside Lauryn Hill in a Grammy Awards tribute to Roberta Flack.

Photo: Instagram
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In the finale, Jayy delivered two performances that secured her win. Her rendition of One and Only and her performance of Lady Marmalade highlighted her vocal ability
“It’s been a while, so I almost forgot what it felt like to win ‘The Voice.’ This is a beautiful reminder, and what better person to win it with than Alexia. She’s ridiculous, so insanely talented,” Levine told USA TODAY
The final lineup included teams led by Kelly Clarkson and John Legend, with Jayy advancing through consistent performances. Her win adds another victory to Adam Levine’s coaching record.

Photo: Instagram
The second-place winner was Liv Ciara, who received no chair turns when she auditioned last season. Third place went to Lucas West, a member of John Legend’s team. Clarkson’s Mikenley Brown finished in fourth place.
Before appearing on The Voice, Jayy had been building her music career. She has released original music, including the single Who Raised You and the EP Mixed Emotions, establishing her experience as a recording artist. She also received a recording contract with Universal Music Group and a cash prize of $100,000.
Music
De Mthuda Drops New EP, ‘Noise
De Mthuda has released his new eight-track EP, Noise, featuring collaborations with Sam Deep, Ntokzin, Zar Keys, Spumante, Mnqobi Yazo, Mpumyza, Mas Musiq, DJ Maphorisa and Acatears.
The EP arrived on August 7 following a staggered rollout, with several tracks released ahead of the full project. Speaking to IOL, De Mthuda said the approach was intentional, allowing listeners to hear the music gradually instead of receiving the entire EP at once.

The project includes tracks such as “Skuta”, “Sasingenjena”, “Skuta Reloaded”, “Noise”, “High Heels”, “Baleka” and “Ubuhle Bakho (Noise Reshuffle)”, with the songs bringing together different combinations of artists across the tracklist.
“Skuta” opens the project, followed by “Sasingenjena”, which features Mnqobi Yazo and Kabza De Small. “Skuta Reloaded” features Mpumyza, while “Noise” pairs De Mthuda with Zar Keys. “High Heels” features Spumante.

Photo: Instagram/@De Mthuda
The EP’s focus track, “Baleka”, brings together De Mthuda and Ntokzin, with Nobuhle on vocals. The project closes with “Ubuhle Bakho (Noise Reshuffle)”, featuring Mas Musiq, DJ Maphorisa and Acatears alongside De Mthuda.
For De Mthuda, the title Noise reflects freedom, particularly the freedom to think, create and express himself without being restricted by expectations.

Photo: Instagram/@De Mthuda
The release follows his 2025 album, Mthuthuzeli, and adds another project to a catalogue that includes The Landlord 2.0, Baba Yaga and Sgudi Snyc.
With Noise, De Mthuda continues to work with a mix of established and emerging names within Amapiano while keeping his production at the centre of the project. The eight-track EP gives listeners a concise look at his latest work and the collaborators shaping it.
Noise is available to stream now.
Music
‘Big Brother Mzansi’ Star King Wanda Releases Heartfelt Debut EP
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.
Music
Cassper Nyovest and Nasty C Release New Single ‘Lil Mama’
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.
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