Celebrity News
Focalistic Becomes First African Musician to Collaborate With Adidas South Africa
Focalistic has become the first African musician to co-design an Adidas South Africa sneaker collection. The partnership was announced through the launch of the “FocaForum 2000,” an event which will take place on April 24,2026.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Focalistic and African music culture. Adidas Originals has previously worked with Beyoncé and Kanye West. This makes Focalistic’s inclusion historic partnership.
Photo: Instagram
The sneaker is based on the Adidas Forum silhouette, originally released in 1984 as a basketball shoe. Focalistic’s version introduces black premium leather and gold accents connected to Pretoria and Ga Rankuwa. One of the standout design details is a map of Ga Rankuwa embedded into the sneaker design, while other features include the Union Buildings and his “Straata Nation” movement.
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The collection also includes graphic T-shirts designed around Focalistic’s personal branding and identity. Some of the shirts feature street map graphics from Pretoria, while others include adidas Trefoil branding mixed with “18” and “Focalistic” graphics. The clothing pieces follow designs inspired by South African street fashion and amapiano culture.
Photo: Instagram
Focalistic described the project as an extension of his long running “Pitori to the World” message. He said he wanted people from townships and local communities to feel pride in their background.
‘Pitori to the world’ has always been about exporting our culture and showing where we come from. The FocaForum 2000 is an extension of that vision. Something people can physically experience. It’s about taking something personal and turning it into something the world can hold. I want people to feel luxury in where they come from. To know that their story is valid.” ~ Focalistic“
The release highlights how amapiano artists are influencing global fashion. Since breaking into the mainstream with songs like “Ke Star,” Focalistic has risen from Pretoria rapper to international amapiano figure. This has made him one of the genre’s most recognisable artists worldwide.
Bonang Matheba will receive the Trailblazer Award at the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards to recognise her contribution to South African entertainment.
The ceremony will be hosted by Anele Zondo, Moozlie, Unathi, and Lerato Kganyago. This 2026 ceremony marks the fifth edition and is now a two-night celebration. The Vanguard Circle and Main Awards are part of the event.
Artists that will perform at the event include : Lira, Kelly Khumalo, Nothando Hlophe, MaWhoo, Thatohatsi, and Makhadzi. For Artist of the Year, Tyla, Ayra Starr, MaWhoo are among the top nominees.
Photo: Instagram
Responding to the award, Matheba said;
“Thank you to the Basadi in Music Awards for this incredible honour. To be recognised alongside women who’ve shaped this industry is a privilege I don’t take for granted.”
Matheba became the first South African celebrity to launch an online reality show and was named one of Forbes’ 50 Most Powerful Women in Africa.
Read Also: Bonang Matheba Makes a Statement in Pink Gucci at the 2026 Zeitz MOCCA Gala
Matheba has attended various international events. Some events she attended are the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (2026) and Miss Cosmo Grand Finale in Vietnam (2025)
The organisers have introduced a Pan-African expansion for the fifth edition. Selected categories allow artists, creators, and other professionals beyond South Africa to participate.
Photo:Instagram
The main awards feature 28 categories covering different areas. Public voting for the competitive categories has closed, with the results verified before the ceremony.
According to the Basadi in Music Awards rules, the organisers can give additional honorary awards through a special committee. The award will be presented during the ceremony at Joburg Theatre on August 8. The theme is Rewind and the campaign Africa to the World.
Tems has become the first female Africaartist to be credited on an RIAA Diamond-certified single. The achievement came through Future’s hit song “WAIT FOR U,” featuring Drake and Tems.
The RIAA confirmed the certification as part of its latest list of award updates. Released in April 2022, Future single became a hit. The track includes Tems’ 2020 song “Higher,” The song gave Future his first chart-topping single as a lead artist.
The Diamond certification is one of the RIAA’s highest recognitions. It is awarded only after a song reaches at least 10 million certified units in the United States.
Photo: Instagram
Tems’ gained wider recognition with her 2019 single “Try Me” before achieving global success through Wizkid’s “Essence.” She has since collaborated with artists including Drake, Beyoncé, Future, and Brent Faiyaz.
Read Also: Tems Launches South Africa Edition of Leading Vibe Initiative
Her success is not just tied to streaming numbers alone. She won several international awards. She has a Grammy in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category and also four BET Awards. Her talent has earned her praise from different artists including Rihanna.
Photo: Instagram
While several African musicians have received multi Platinum certifications in the United States, Diamond status remains rare. Tems becoming the first African woman to earn the certification.
The RIAA Diamond certification shows how African artists continue to break barriers. As Tem’s international profile grows, this latest milestone will inspire more female artists to aim for global success.
Didintle Makobane will play the lead role of Nthabiseng in the upcoming South African film Nthabiseng, which is scheduled to premiere on Women’s Day. The film cast includes Mme Lillian Dube, Kamo Modisakeng, and Dumisani Dlamini.
Makobane has been in Splintered Pieces among other movie productions. Nthabiseng is a young woman who joins the household of a widower named Zamani and his daughter Mbali.
Photo :Instagram
The story of Nthabiseng is about a woman whose journey revolves around sacrifices. According to promotional information released about the film, the project honors the women who help families find healing during difficult moments. The themes shown in the film makes it a fitting release.
With the talented casts featured in the movie, this could be a film to watch-out for. While full plot details have not yet been revealed, there are suggestions that viewers can expect a drama that they can relate with easily.
Photo: Instagram
According to producer Tebogo Tebxa Mabaso, the story was created to feel original. She said;
“We wanted audiences to recognise themselves in these characters, their struggles and their triumphs. Nthabiseng is ultimately a celebration of resilience, family and the quiet acts of kindness that have the power to change lives, and we are proud to bring this story to audiences,”
Nthabiseng provides an emotional story while giving audiences an opportunity to celebrate local talent. If Makobane’s past movies are anything to go by, adding Nthabiseng to your movie list will be a good idea.
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