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.

Prince Kaybee has weighed in on the credibility of music awards after Zee Nxumalo snub at the Metro FM Music Awards 2026 held in Durban. His response came after Nxumalo failed to secure a single win. In a public reaction, Kaybee dismissed the importance of awards, stating that they “don’t mean anything.”

Nxumalo breakout single “Funk 55” achieved 5 times platinum certification in South Africa, while her releases maintained strong performance on streaming platforms. She secured seven nominations at the Metro FM Music Awards. She was nominated in the Artist of the year, Best female artists, Best styled artists, Best music video, Best Gqom, Best maskandi and Best Lekompo categories. Despite this, she did not win in any category.

Photo: Instagram

She wrote on her X page:

“God, you’re confusing me. I just lost 7 awards, but my new EP is doing WELL, what must happen?” 

Kaybee argued that artists who rely on awards for validation place their careers in systems they cannot control. Judging panels, internal processes, and voting structures, he suggested, are not always transparent.

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The Awards ceremony was meant to celebrate achievements in different genres. However, the aftermath has been dominated by questions of credibility. Meanwhile, Somizi Mhlongo, a media personality, encouraged Nxumalo to remain focused.

Photo: Instagram

“Two things, and I’m going to be honest with you. In life, there’s something called your journey. You need to keep your eye on the prize, and your prize is who you are now and who you’re going to become moving forward,” he said.”

Kaybee’s comments show a broader sentiment within parts of the music industry, where award outcomes are increasingly questioned. The Zee Nxumalo snub is now part of a larger conversation about transparency and evolving standards of success within the South African music industry.

Cynthia Erivo has been cast as Miriam Makeba in the upcoming drama The Road Home. This is an international production that looks at the political resistance during apartheid.

Directed by Bill Condon, the film uses true events from the lives of Makeba and Hugh Masekela during their years in exile.

“This is a powerful story about art intersecting with activism, a friction that’s only become more complex with time,” Condon said. “I’m honored to be a part of this extraordinary team.”.

Photo: Instagram

Erivo’s role as Makeba is expected to bring more attention to the film. Known as “Mama Africa,” Makeba used her music to campaign against apartheid.

Thabo Rametsi plays Hugh Masekela, who struggles with life during exile. His journey shows the dilemma faced by many South African artists during the period. Guy Pearce is Trevor Huddleston, an Anglican cleric who supported the cultural boycott.

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The screenplay is written by Michael Bronner, with contributions from Zakes Mda. Production is done by Studiocanal with support from the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation.

Photo: Instagram

With around R300 million budgeted for this film, The Road Home is a huge investment in African movie production. Filming will take place in South Africa, with locations showing Makeba’s early life. The soundtrack is expected to have versions of songs by  Makeba, Masekela, and the Graceland era.

The Road Home is a historical drama that explores music as a tool of resistance. By looking at the lives of Makeba and Masekela, the film explores how South African artists cope during apartheid. With Cynthia Erivo taking a lead role, movie enthusiasts are looking forward to a great time.