Cotton Fest has officially released the highly anticipated Cotton Fest Mixtape music video, bringing together 12 songs into one seamless visual experience. 🎬🔥

 

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The project continues Riky Rick’s vision of creating opportunities for young creatives while pushing South African hip hop culture forward.

Produced by Bianca Naidoo and Lindsay Gray, the video was creatively directed by Chelsea Pitt of ByNine Agency and styled by Boogy Maboi, capturing the raw energy, fashion and creativity that define the Cotton Fest movement.

The mixtape also features major collaborations including MashBeatz, Wordz, PEGG and Risky T RSA, blending music, storytelling and culture into one cinematic release.

More than just a music video, the project celebrates youth culture, collaboration and the future of SA Hip Hop.

The official Cotton Fest Mixtape music video is now available to watch online.

Big Zulu has officially released his latest album uMkhulu, and this is easily one of his most personal and introspective projects to date. Known for his strong presence and storytelling, this time he steps back from the usual bravado and leans fully into honesty, vulnerability and lived experience.

 

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From the jump, uMkhulu makes it clear that this is not a celebratory album. It’s reflective, heavy and intentional.

The album opens with “Unyaka Wam”, where Big Zulu speaks on the frustration of constantly believing each year will be his breakthrough, while feeling stuck watching others progress. It’s a painful and honest introduction that sets the tone for what follows.

On “Ngangino Mngani,” he dives into friendship, loyalty and loss. Coming from the mud, he reflects on how truth has cost him relationships, with the standout line “Mlomo wami thula, mehlo ami buka” capturing a mindset of silence and awareness in difficult situations.

The emotional depth continues on “Angilaz’ Uthando” featuring Mawelele, where Big Zulu questions his ability to love. He links it back to childhood trauma, referencing how both his parents left him at a young age. Mawelele complements this with his own perspective, reinforcing the emotional weight of the track.

“Bengifisa” featuring Boohle brings a softer moment on the album. Big Zulu expresses his wishes for a better future while Boohle’s smooth vocals add warmth and emotion, touching on healing and moving forward.

On “Ang’lali Ebusuku,” Big Zulu opens up about sleepless nights and the mental pressure he carries. It’s a raw and relatable moment that adds to the album’s emotional tension.

The energy shifts slightly on “Nkofu” featuring NKabi Nation, where Xowla opens with a catchy XiTsonga hook. The track brings a sense of unity and cultural blend, showing another side of Big Zulu’s sound.

One of the standout moments comes with “Induku Enhle” featuring Cassper Nyovest. Inspired by the proverb “Induku enhle igawulwa ezizweni,” the song speaks about growth, resilience and finding value beyond familiar spaces. It’s a culturally rich and meaningful collaboration.

On “Langa Phuma” featuring Siphiwe Black, the album leans into hope. Siphiwe Black’s vocals bring a sense of light, while Big Zulu speaks on breakthrough and new beginnings, offering a shift in tone from the earlier heaviness.

Tracks “Intaba Zangakith’,” “Ngizohlala Nawe,” and “Ngitshele X Yam” continue to build on the album’s themes of identity, pressure and personal growth, keeping the storytelling consistent throughout.

The album closes on a high note with “Bars” featuring Zakwe, Maraza and Maseven. No hook, just bars. The track carries the same aggressive, lyrical energy as 200 Bars, delivering punchline after punchline and standing out as the purest Hip Hop moment on the project.

Overall, uMkhulu is a deeply personal body of work that prioritizes truth over image. Big Zulu doesn’t try to impress, he expresses.

Johannesburg-born artist Money Badoo is entering a defining phase of her career with the release of her latest single “RUDEBOI,” out 17 April via Paradise Sound System. The track marks a bold step forward, positioning her as part of a new generation of South African artists expanding beyond local boundaries into global spaces.

“RUDEBOI” was created in Berlin during her first visit to the city in 2025, a period that played a key role in shaping the sound and direction of the record. Working alongside Berlin-based producer Lisa Kida, Money Badoo crafted a track that captures the energy of exploration, new environments, and creative freedom.

Sonically, the single blends alternative R&B, trap, and hyperpop into a cohesive sound that feels both experimental and accessible. It reflects her ability to move between styles while maintaining a clear artistic identity. The track carries a confident, playful tone, rooted in themes of self-expression, connection, and the freedom to exist without limitation.

Money Badoo describes “RUDEBOI” as an ode to Rihanna, drawing inspiration from her influence, confidence, and unapologetic presence. At its core, the record celebrates good energy, personal growth, and the idea of finding your place anywhere in the world.

 

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The release also sets the tone for her upcoming EP 4PLAY, scheduled to arrive on 5 June. The project is positioned as an introduction to a broader creative vision, exploring themes of desire, identity, and evolution across both sound and visual expression.

Alongside the release, Money Badoo is preparing for a major career milestone with her UK debut at The Great Escape Festival on 15 May. The performance places her on an international stage at a time when her global presence continues to grow, following previous appearances in Europe.

As she continues to move between continents and creative spaces, Money Badoo is establishing herself as more than just a musician. Her work sits at the intersection of music, fashion, and culture, driven by a commitment to authenticity and creative freedom.

 

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With “RUDEBOI” as the starting point and 4PLAY on the horizon, this moment signals a new chapter. One that reflects growth, confidence, and a clear intention to create without boundaries.

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