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Bruno Mars Set to Release First Solo Album in 10 Years

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Photo Credit - Instagram

Bruno Mars is set to release his first solo album in 10 years, ending a long wait for fans across the globe, including South Africa. The Grammy-winning artist confirmed that the project is complete on January 5 via X (formerly Twitter), simply stating, “My album is done.” This marks his first solo studio album since 2016’s 24K Magic, which produced chart-topping hits and earned multiple Grammy Awards. The announcement has already generated excitement among South African music fans eager to hear new material from one of pop and R&B’s most influential performers.

Bruno Mars – Instagram

Although he has not released a solo album in this period, Mars has remained active in music. In 2021, he collaborated with Anderson .Paak to form Silk Sonic, releasing An Evening With Silk Sonic, which received critical acclaim and won several Grammys. He has also featured on high-profile collaborations, expanding his reach beyond solo projects. These activities have kept him relevant while building anticipation for his next full-length release.

Details about the upcoming album remain limited. Mars has not revealed a title, tracklist, release date, or featured collaborators. However, given his past work, the album is expected to attract attention both locally and internationally. Fans have expressed excitement on social media, reflecting the artist’s enduring influence in the pop and R&B landscape.

Bruno Mars – Instagram

The ten-year gap between solo albums is unusual in contemporary music, where frequent releases are common. Mars’ approach has been measured, allowing each project to carry more weight and creating anticipation for his return. Observers note that this strategy has kept his music in public consciousness without overexposure.

Although the release date and promotional details are yet to be confirmed, industry patterns suggest that a lead single may precede the album, followed by performances and media appearances. Based on his track record, the album is likely to make a notable impact on charts and streaming platforms worldwide, including South Africa, where Mars has a strong following.

Bruno Mars – Instagram

Fans and music enthusiasts in South Africa and across the continent have been eagerly awaiting this announcement. Mars’ ability to produce commercially and critically successful music has established him as one of the few artists whose return can generate widespread attention after a long hiatus. The new album promises to be an important addition to his catalogue and a major moment for pop music in 2026.

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Tyla Opens A*POP Tour in Paris

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Photo credit: Instagram/@tyla

Tyla has launched her A*POP World Tour in Paris on October 12. The Grammy-winning artist opened the 34-date tour at Zénith Paris–La Villette. This marked the start of her first full-scale headlining world tour. The show supports her second studio album, A*POP, which was released on July 24, 2026, through FAX and Epic Records.

The opening night introduced the visual style of Tyla’s new era. The singer wore bright outfits that matched the album’s colourful aesthetic. 

The production drew on early 2000s pop culture, a recurring influence in Tyla’s fashion and visual presentation. The segment brought a nightclub atmosphere to the stage, with industrial scaffolding and black lights creating the setting for the performance. Tyla also performed “That Girl,” a track from A*POP, during the opening night.

Photo credit: Instagram/@tyla

The setlist also included favourites such as “Water,” “Truth or Dare,” “Jump,” “PUSH 2 START” and “CHANEL.” She ended the main set with ‘MR. NONCHALANT’ before returning to perform “SHAKE AH” as the encore. 

Read Also: Tyla Adds Second Pretoria Date to A*POP World Tour

The concert also featured South African DJ and producer Royal MusiQ as a support act. After the Paris show, he shared footage from the performance on social media and thanked the singer for including him.

“Paris got the first chapter. Had to leave my mark,” Royal MusiQ wrote in a post reflecting on the experience.

The opening night included moments when members of the audience began chanting “Macron démission,” a French political slogan calling for President Emmanuel Macron to resign. Tyla was seen vibing to the chants. 

Photo credit: Instagram/@tyla

The Paris concert marked the beginning of a tour spanning Europe, the United Kingdom, North America and Africa. Following the opening date, Tyla continued to Amsterdam before heading to London and other European cities.

The African leg initially included a Lagos date scheduled on December 22, 2026, but the date was subsequently removed from her tour itinerary. The singer and her management have not publicly clarified the concert’s status. Her South Africa tour will start in Cape Town on January 4, 2027, and Pretoria for January 9. 

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Orchid MusiQ Drops Debut Solo Single “Hambe”

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Photo: Instagram/@Orchid_musiq

Orchid MusiQ has released her debut solo single, “Hambe,”. The song is available across major streaming platforms and introduces Orchid MusiQ as a lead artist.

“Hambe,” also listed as “Hambe (Endleleni),” was released on September 4, 2026. The six-minute track is classified as Amapiano and credits Orchid MusiQ alongside Megamind Nova and Kenton Lee. The single was released through The T Effect and distributed through Believe.

Photo: Instagram/@Orchid_musiq

The title carries a connection to the song’s message. “Endleleni” is a Zulu expression that means “on the path” or “on the road.” The track brings together Orchid MusiQ’s vocals and elements. 

Read Also: De Mthuda Drops New EP, ‘Noise

The release follows several years of work as a collaborator. Orchid MusiQ has recorded with artists including Sam Deep, Da Muziqal Chef, Sino Msolo and Nasty C. Her catalogue includes collaborations such as “Woza” with Sam Deep and “Dlala” with Da Muziqal Chef.

Her contribution to “Uyadlala” with Sykes, Zeh McGeba and GL_Ceejay has also surpassed one million Spotify streams. Orchid MusiQ’s connection to Cotton Fest has also been part of her career development. In 2023, she became the first woman in Durban to win the Cotton Fest Open Mic competition. She later joined the University of Cotton Fest Class of 2026, a programme connected to the creative legacy of the late rapper Riky Rick.

Instagram/@Orchid_musiq

This results in a MashBeatz and features Orchid MusiQ on several tracks, including “Listen To The Kids,” “Mali,” “This Is Home” and “Everybody Stay Shining.”

Her musical style draws from African genres like Amapiano and Pop. This has allowed her to work with artists from different backgrounds while developing her own musical identity. 

With “Hambe,” Orchid MusiQ has shown her musical skills. The single introduces her sound as a solo artist while building on the experience she has gained through previous collaborations, performances and creative programmes.

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Dr Smama and Nhlanhla Mafu Join Forces on New Love Song ‘Isifiso Sami’

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Photo: Getty Images

Dr Smama has teamed up with Mafikizolo vocalist Nhlanhla Mafu for Isifiso Sami, new love song that combines Afro soul with the sound of Maskandi guitar.

The song title means “My Wish,” and talks about love and commitment despite pressure from others.

This marks the first time Dr Smama and Mafu have recorded a song together. According to Mafu, they did not want to rush into a collaboration simply because of their friendship.

“We have been friends for over two decades, so working together was always inevitable, but we wanted something that is distinct and honest.”

 

Photo: Getty Images

Simama, whose  real name is Sindile Simama. The SAMA-nominated artist is known as a performer and songwriter. He has written for artists like Berita, Nokwazi and the late Lundi Tyamara.

The Maskandi influence was one of the main reasons why Dr Smama loved it. The traditional guitar sound takes him away from the gospel and soul style that has featured in his work. 

Read Also: Cassper Nyovest and Nasty C Release New Single ‘Lil Mama’

The song’s message also moves beyond the usual themes of romance. According to Dr Smama:

“When I heard Isifiso Sami, I was sold instantly. You simply do not hear people express devotion or declare love like this anymore.”

Mafu believes the depth of traditional lyricism can sometimes get lost in the music industry. “Isifiso Sami” takes a slower approach by placing the story and meaning of the lyrics at the centre of the music.

Photo: Getty Images

Smama is a medical doctor and holds an MBChB from the University of Cape Town. His work as a songwriter has connected him with several South African artists, His own music has also earned him a SAMA nomination.

“Isifiso Sami” was released on September 4, 2026, on major digital streaming platforms.

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