Qhawekazi Mazaleni and Luyanda Zuma will host the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards in South Africa. According to reports, the awards ceremony is scheduled for April 25, 2026, at the Durban International Convention Centre. The event will bring together popular artists such as Big Zulu, Big Nuz, Mthandeni, DJ Sox, Mafikizolo, Babalwa M, Khuzani, LKG, and Simm.

Qhawekazi Mazaleni, who won the Miss South Africa 2025, will present the Song of the Year award. Mazaleni is among a new breed of women who many young South Africans look up to

Photo: Instagram

“I am looking forward to celebrating the incredible talent that exists within South Africa’s creative industries, while supporting and amplifying young voices, particularly those who are using their craft to lead, inspire, uplift, and drive meaningful change. It is through platforms like the MMAs that we continue to build a creative economy that is both impactful and sustainable,” says Qhawekazi Mazaleni.

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Luyanda Zuma will co-host the black carpet segment of the awards. She has worked in the past with Metro FM presenter and DJ Lamiez Holworthy, Zuma will interview stars during the event. Her experience as a media personality makes her ideal for the role.

Photo: Instagram

Their appearance at the event shows that pageants are trying to introduce celebrities into the entertainment industry. By stepping onto one of the country’s biggest entertainment stages, Mazaleni and Zuma contribute to the promotion of South Africa’s entertainment industry.

Youngblood Africa Gallery in Cape Town hosted a cultural showcase linked to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. The event celebrates dance arts, music and live performances, and visual arts

Held ahead of the main festival weekend, the showcase transformed the gallery into a space where fashion, jazz heritage and contemporary artistic expression. The evening  feautured some of South Africa’s emerging and established designers. Designers like Simply Mooi, Moira Hurungo, House of Lefane, Malusi Malefane, Aelahn, Feroza Webster, Ruff Tung, Jacques LaGrange, Cathy and Helon Melon presented various collections. .

Photo: Instagram

Since its launch in 2000, the festival has grown into a global cultural event. Over the years, it has contributed to Cape Town’s reputation as an international hub.

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The event highlighted pioneers of South African jazz, including Abdullah Ibrahim. Youngblood Africa Gallery also hosted “The Jazz Legacy Collection,” a photography exhibition running as part of the festival’s visual arts programme.The event formed part of a wider series of cultural activities leading up to the festival.

Photo: Instagram

One of the headline designers, LaGrange, shared why he came to the event.

There has been a show before, but there hasn’t been any in the last couple of years. When they approached me, I said, ‘Yes, of course I’m going to do it because I love promoting new designers, I love to show what this country has to offer,’” he said.

LaGrange believes fashion and music are the way forward. “There are only two major fashion, film, and music events showcasing these talents, and we have to make the best of it,” he added.

Photo: Instagram

As the Cape Town International Jazz Festival continues to expand its cultural footprint, events like the Youngblood Africa Gallery show how the festival functions

At MXS Kulture Festival 2026, multiple brand activations were present across the festival grounds, but Crème of Nature distinguished itself through direct audience engagement. As the official hair partner, the brand aligned its products with how attendees wear and maintain their hair in everyday settings.

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Instead of relying on static displays, the brand’s activation operated as a live styling station. Professional stylists worked directly with attendees, creating and adjusting hairstyles in real time. Hair styling was integrated into the wider festival environment, where music, fashion and street culture intersect.

The activation focused on textured hair across different styles, including braids, natural curls, protective styles and straight finishes. This reflected current preferences for versatility in hair styling, particularly among younger audiences who move between styles depending on occasion and maintenance needs.

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Within the haircare industry, brands are increasingly expected to show relevance through practical engagement. At the festival, this was demonstrated through continuous styling sessions and direct interaction with attendees. Visitors were able to select styles based on personal preference while also observing current trends in festival hair.

There was also a clear educational component. Stylists provided guidance on hair maintenance, product use and routines suited to different hair types. This included discussions on maintaining protective styles, managing natural hair and selecting appropriate products for long-term care.

Photo Credit – Instagram

Festivals such as MXS Kulture continue to influence style choices and consumer awareness, particularly among urban audiences. By participating as an official partner, Crème of Nature engaged directly with a demographic that actively shapes hair trends and purchasing decisions.

The brand’s presence at the event demonstrates how live activations can support product visibility through practical use. Rather than focusing on display alone, the approach centred on service delivery and direct interaction with consumers.