While putting together this year’s Heritage issue, which serendipitously presented itself to me as a music edition along the way, I encountered divine intervention in the gospel of Solly Moholo. Astonishingly, on repeat on my playlist was Banaka Nako Ea Me E Haufi by the late gospel singer, which formed part of the soundtrack of my childhood. One of my fondest memories from the early 2000s is of my uncle, Isaac Maupa, blasting the tune loudly in the middle of the night from his navy Toyota Corolla 16V, waking up the neighbours. Presumably, he was drunk, at least judging by my mother’s visible exasperation. But Malome Ike, he didn’t care, he was at his happiest, dancing and singing along.
Apple Music’s autoplay algorithm was picking up on my nostalgic mood and feeding me tracks from one of my most-played artists, Tsepo Tshola. Songs like Ho Lokile, Lekunutu Le Morena, Beaulah Land, Oena Feela, and Ha Le Mpotsa Tsepo Eaka dominated my listening pleasures.
(Side note, aside from The Village Pope, my list of mostplayed artists on Apple Music is a chaotic mix of Frank Ocean, Amadodana Ase Wesile, Florence + The Machine, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Adele, Bongo Maffin, IPCC, Coldplay, and Mafikizolo. So, what does my musical taste say about my personality?)
Back to my listening pleasures and the calming effect of worship music. I would be the first to admit that I’m not the most obvious candidate for the genre. Certainly, if we are basing it on a self-identity and body-perception point of view, I present a very laid-back aesthetic. Topless, tattooed torso on display, and nipple-piercing freed — that was my sartorial choice at the beginning of the month at the outdoors event Galaxy 947 Joburg Day. Many kept calling it “brave” and “daring”, but to me it was just an ordinary Saturday afternoon under the sun. I guess I passed the vibe check!
Having been raised in a Christian family, hymns, praise, and worship music formed part of my childhood memories. I find inner peace in the soft hum and rhythmic clapping. The melody, harmony, and lyrics are beautifully soothing and relaxing to my soul.
THE EDITORFrom
Burberry BE4463D frames, R6 043, EssilorLuxoticca info@sinnamon.co.za; Thula Sindi Kimber bucket hat, R2 499; Zimkhitha shirt, POR, both Africa Rise africariseonline.co.za
Now, picture this: you are out at groove, the vibez are giving. The DJ is playing a fire mix of amapiano, kwaito, lekompo, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and house. Then, without warning, they switch it up by dropping a gospel tune. The moment is always met with 100% atmospheric thrill. “Unholy” would probably be my mother’s reaction. That combination of emotion, identity, and memory resulting in a dopamine release is called frisson by the French — tingles, goosebumps, shivers, and chills down the spine.
That’s why we are strongly bonded by music — no matter the genre, we all have experienced that incredulous frisson. So, to go back to my earlier question, what does my musical taste say about my personality? The answer? Frisson.
What does music look like in 2025? Our cover stars Focalistic, Shandesh, and Thabsie are the culture shifters defining and designing this generation’s soundtrack. The common thread is how they are impacting cultural trends and modern sound, which has seen the disappearance of genre-specific music. Our Heritage issue celebrates that fluidity in music and you, as the listener, don’t have to choose anymore — just marinate in the joy of frisson.
COME BACK TO YOU
Birkenstock
celebrates the joy of reconnection
In a world moving ever faster, slowing down is often seen as a luxury, an escape. But the real relief lies in coming back to yourself: reconnecting with your body and your joy.
This was the motivation behind Birkenstock’s campaign #ComeBackToYou, which explores how Birkenstock fits into those everyday moments and rituals of ease that make us feel more human, more present, and more ourselves.
Featuring four South African creatives — Bee Diamondhead, Celeste Jacobs, Phola Gumede, and Bathandwa Ngwendu (pictured) — and shot by Dan Carter, the campaign celebrates a storytelling journey rooted in personal style and the grounding beauty of being at ease with oneself.
Birkenstock is available online at bashafrica. com and in stores throughout South Africa.
S.Mag is published five times a year PRINTED by CTP Printers, Cape Town, for Arena Holdings, Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Empire and Hillside roads), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193
Wash Your Mouth
5X more of great oral care: Listerine inspires SMag’s Heritage issue
South Africa’s number-one mouthwash brand, Listerine, this National Oral Health Month has found the toolkit to upgrade your oral-care game from simple to 5X more. Think about it, SMaggers — when your oral health is in pristine condition, you feel unstoppable, ready to smile wider, speak bolder, and shine even brighter. Did you know Listerine has 5X more cleaning power when added to brushing?* When you feel good, you do even better. Being great is what you do for yourself. Being even greater is what Listerine gives you.
Confidence, transformation, and the power of small choices are at the centre of the Listerine campaign “Wash Your Mouth”™. South Africans can live 5X more with Listerine as part of their daily routine. Here’s how:
The office go-getter: Listerine Advanced White
Lebo is a sharply dressed, ambitious corporate professional in his early 30s. Always on the move, Lebo was crushing presentations, but something held him back — his self-consciousness about stained teeth. He’d tried everything, but the results were slow. His confidence was silently taking a knock in the boardroom. A colleague recommended Listerine Advanced White: dual-action whitening that removes and protects against future stains. Twice a day, he rinsed with the powerful, enamel-safe formula. In just one week, his smile was visibly whiter.
The student: Listerine Tartar Protect
Naledi is a student in her early 20s with braces, expressive eyes, and notebooks full of colour-coded notes. University life means late nights, caffeine overload, and the challenge of managing braces. Naledi struggled with tartar buildup and coffee stains dulling her smile. Brushing around braces wasn’t enough. Scrolling through oral-care tips, she found Listerine Tartar Protect, with 10-in-1 benefits and zinc chloride to reduce tartar build-up. She rinsed twice a day, letting it work between braces and below the gum line. It helped to reduce plaque and tartar while helping her maintain naturally white teeth.
The taxi driver: Listerine Total Care Gum Protect Sibusiso is a hardworking man in his late 30s with a friendly smile and a reliable presence. He loves food and family. Sibusiso’s day starts before sunrise
and ends well after dark. He began to notice tender gums and struggled to enjoy meals on the go. At a pharmacy, a pharmacy assistant pointed him toward Listerine Total Care Gum Protect, explaining its cleaning action and 12-hour germ protection. He committed to rinsing every morning and night. The formula worked below the gum line, cleaned between teeth, and promoted good oral health. His eating returned to normal — discomfort-free. In just two weeks he had healthier gums.
The date: Listerine Cool Mint
Mbali is stylish, radiant, and slightly anxious in the best way — prepping for a date. She’s thoughtful, well put together, and values meaningful connection. Mbali had a date coming up, but worried about bad breath and a cleaner-feeling mouth. Brushing and flossing weren’t enough and she found herself relying on mints that wore off too quickly. A beauty blog mentioned Listerine Cool Mint and, with just 30 seconds of rinsing twice a day, Mbali started feeling the difference. The Cool Mint formula worked in-between teeth, helping to reduce plaque. And her breath? Instantly fresher.
The mom: Listerine Total Care Milder Taste
Jade is a loving mom in her mid-30s with a calm, nurturing energy. She balances parenting with grace and a bit of organised chaos. Between juggling school lunches and bedtime stories, Jade rarely has a moment for herself and her oralcare routine was rushed. While shopping for the kids, she saw Listerine Total Care Milder Taste — offering 10-in-1 benefits with a milder taste. Jade began rinsing morning and night. The sodium-fluoride and zinc-chloride formula cleaned between teeth, reduced plaque, and helped maintain strong teeth. It only took 30 seconds twice a day and fit perfectly into her routine.
Visit listerine.co.za to learn more.
S.Mag content has always been fabulous but, taking our cue from the Wash Your Mouth campaign, our pages (see pp. 18-23) have had a makeover that has made our Heritage issue 5X more proudly Mzansi.
* Based on bad-breath germs
01
01.
It seems the best shade to wear this season is your lips’ natural colour — or something close to it. At Max Mara, lips took inspiration from freshly smooched pouts or blurred, “just bitten” mouths with a subtle flush of colour diffused into the skin. Keep an undone quality to lips by way of a lipstick, lip tint or gloss in pink, red or berry shades, lightly tapped onto the centre with the fingers.
TRY:
TRY: Benefit Plushtint Pillow Play Velvet Lip Tint in 28 Teddy, R495
If you’re a fan of feathered or soap brows, you’ll be happy to know that brows are only getting spikier. At Dior, brows took inspiration from romancefairy-tale and punk subculture, dramaticallygoingspikey when brushed up using a clear brow gel to create a laminated finish with faux hairlike strokes drawn into the brows.
03
CLOUD SKIN:
03.
Step aside, glass skin! The ultradewy, Koreanglazedstaple takes a backseat to the TikTok viral, hybridmatte-dewy “cloud skin”, as seen at Ermanno Scervino and Marco Rambaldi. Think luminous matte, softfocus, satin skin with a radiant, cloudy Minimizetexture. pore appearance with a primerblurring and apply a luminous-matte foundation. Finish off with a blurring setting powder.
Pretty pastels get a rebellious refresh for spring, as the runways show that these delicate hues can be ground- breaking. Bold and punchy, pastels are given an edgy treatment when paired with dark lips or bleached brows — or applied as a graphic liner. At Etro, baby blue and lilac looked futuristic when used as a wash over eyes, temples, and cheekbones. At Genny, lilac made a statement over the lids as a chunky graphic.
TRY: Huda Beauty Easy Blur
Primer Sheer Bronze, R620; Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 13.25, R1 250
TRY: Stila Liqua-Play
Matte Eye Shadow in Purple Peep, R475; MAC Dazzleshow
Eye Shadow i n Shine De-Light, R430
Laissez-faire bobs: If you’ve got an insatiable itch to get the big chop, take your cue from Ulla Johnson and go for it, as bobs are all the rage. And while you can’t go wrong with whatever bob style you choose, curly-textured ones in particular are having a major moment. Whether you choose to rock a wig or your own natural texture, go for lengths that skim the earlobe or hit just past the jawline and accentuate effortless texture with curl activators or a curling wand.
02.
Push back: There’s no time for “big forehead” insecurities this season, as the runways serve up push-backlacquered, styles that are just too good not to try. At Acne Studios, Dhruv Kapoor, and Ulla Johnson, models were sent out with hair combed away from the face, in varying lengths and textures, complete with drenched, wet-look finishes that screamed resort ease.
R170 5. The Perfect Hair Grow On The Go Waterless Cleanser 250ml, R99 1.
1.
04.
05.
New-wave headpieces: Dare we say it, but the flower crown, that nostalgic festival staple, is being replaced by cool artistic headpieces that give a nod to futuristic punk influences. Think Mad Max or the romantic, fairy-tale punk looks seen at Christian Dior. Models were sent out with sleek French plaits finished off with spiky, feathered adornments and twig-like headpieces woven into the braid. 03.
Chunky braids: When it comes to braids, we’re putting our money on “the chunkier the better”, as the runways of Dries Van Noten and Maison Sara Chraibi showed two ways to wear them. At Dries Van Noten, chunky braids gave a nod to the 1990s and were playful with bits of pink extensions woven into them. At Maison Sara Charaibi, they were futuristic, with models sporting chunky cornrows as though straight out of a Star Wars film.
Pixie illusion: The influence of the 1980s still has the runways in a chokehold, as seen at Viktor & Rolf, where styles gave a wink to the iconic pixie cut. If you’re hesitant about committing to a pixie cut, the show provided the perfect solve — a bit of hair illusion. Models were sent out with hair that looked like a pixie cut from the front but was actually a slicked-back bun or cornrows topped with a hair piece.
Laissez-faire bobs
Former SMag cover star
Nompumelelo Nkosi and sweetheart Ayanda Chiya’s umembeso was nothing short of magical
THE MEETING
Nompumelelo: I went to drop off my cousins at church last year February and, when I got there, the pastor asked me to stay for 10 minutes. When I entered the church, I saw Ayanda’s three-year-old son and said to myself, “Who is this cute boy?” When I looked up to see who was cheering him on, I laid eyes on Ayanda. I was like, “Oh damn, that’s my family.” I left without speaking to her because I had to come back to Joburg, but I kept thinking about Ayanda. Luckily, there was something happening at home that week and I had to fly back to Durban. When I got there, people from church came to my home, and there she was. After the service I asked for her number, but she told me to ask the pastor. I went to the pastor and he said no. Even my mom spoke to the pastor and he still said no. But I knew her name and searched for her on Instagram … the rest is history. Ayanda: It was the first time I was asked out by a girl. I remember telling a friend that a girl was asking me out, but she said, “You don’t know her.” So, I checked her out on Instagram. I saw that she cooks and has a huge following. Being the reserved person that I am, I wasn’t comfortable with that. I had my concerns — firstly, she’s a girl and, secondly, she’s in the limelight — but I told myself, “Let me try it out.” I don’t regret it one bit.
THE DATING LIFE
Nompumelelo: I think we’re still dating because during the first few weeks I told her, “It would seem so wrong to everyone if I were to marry you tomorrow, but that’s my plan.” I believed she was the one. I had never dated someone who was brave enough to tell their parents about me, especially given that Ayanda had never dated a girl before. She took that step in July last year — it solidified everything and made her stand out from everyone I’ve dated, which made me believe that I had to do right by her by marrying her.
text : MASEGO SEEMELA
THE LIGHTBULB MOMENT
Nompumelelo: I love how funny she is; we laugh until we cry — it’s a feeling that I want forever. We also pray together. Between the praying and the laughing, I knew that was my person. Ayanda: It was the way she reassured me. She tells me she loves me every day and I love how considerate she is. She’s very kind and her family is also loving. I knew she was the one.
THE PROPOSAL
Nompumelelo: As a Zulu person, lobola is technically the traditional way of proposing. Before I asked her to marry me, I had to go through her family. I sent a letter to her family in November. I knew I wasn’t going to propose
before our traditional umembeso because I am a very shy person and I didn’t want to kneel down in front of a lot of people. We had our ring fittings in Joburg. I started searching for different types of proposals on TikTok. I then lied and told her I had a dream of us praying on the beach. I asked a videographer friend to follow me and take footage of the whole thing. I went to the car to fetch the rings. She told me she wanted to take off her doek, but I convinced her to leave it on because I was thinking of the content. I knelt down but didn’t say, “Will you marry me.” She just started laughing and we both laughed. But she saw it was a serious moment since there was a videographer there. The following day we had our traditional umembeso.
UMEMBESO
Ayanda: I was stressed out most of the time, but I’m glad the day went well. My expectations were met, I loved seeing our families come together, and our friends were there. We both looked so beautiful that day and the décor was on point. Nompumelelo: We held the umembeso at Ayanda’s home. That day wouldn’t be as beautiful as you see it in pictures if it weren’t for our patience, love, and resilience. God was good and our ancestors were on our side because nothing was challenging leading up to that day, besides us being overwhelmed by the time apart, but when we finally saw each other, it was worth the wait. Our umembeso was so beautiful, people even think it’s our wedding but we are not done yet. I think we’ll have our white wedding in Cape Town or Joburg, with about 50 guests. Our umembeso had so many guests, so we’d like to keep the white wedding as intimate as possible.
THE DRESS
Ayanda: Wedding gowns are super expensive. So, I chose to hire a dress that I found at a boutique in Midrand. I went for my fittings with our son and was happy with it; I didn’t need a second fitting. I realised how beautiful the dress looked worn with an umhlonipho [shawl worn by brides] so, because I wanted to be respectful to her family, I chose to wear a veil that covered my shoulders. It turned out so beautifully and I loved it.
Swarovski Lucent hoop earrings, R6 300, Spilhaus; Class Act minidress, R499, Bras N Things; Tash Hardware halter minidress, R1 799, Forever New
p. 17:
Medium satin-bow hair clip, R129, Woolworths; Swarovski Lucent hoop earrings, R6 300, Spilhaus; Geraldine Fenn freshwater pearl and shell-bead necklace, R3 450, Tinsel Gallery; satin minidress with bows, R1 099, Zara; Dynamism gloves, R1 850, The Bam Collective; socks, stylist’s own; Stepper heels, R1 999, Steve Madden
Who is Sydney Seethal?
I’m a God-fearing woman. Beyond that, I’m a creator, model, and lifestyle influencer who is passionate about inspiring young people. I’ve come a long way, from having little confidence to now believing in the limitless potential within all of us. I love exploring different creative spaces, whether in front of the camera, through acting, or via my personal content. I value authenticity, creativity, and growth. I try to approach everything with curiosity and gratitude. At my core, I’m someone who is constantly learning, growing, and striving to make the most of life.
What kind of career do you want?
I envision a future encompassing a variety of career paths. I definitely want to remain in the creator and modelling space, since it started out as a passion, and I’ll be forever grateful that it has become my career. I see myself exploring the acting and business sectors as well, as I believe I have something unique to bring to those industries. It’s about testing my limits, constantly challenging myself, and bringing something that leaves a lasting impact.
Breakout STAR SYDNEY SEETHAL (megastar TYLA’S younger sib) SHOWCASES the art
You’ve been travelling a lot, what has that been like?
It can be very tiring at times, but it has also been a beautiful experience. Getting to explore so many different spaces and cultures, especially at such a young age, has opened my mind. It’s shown me what the world has to offer and inspired me to aim so much higher than I’d ever imagined.
What
is your favourite
city?
Definitely Joburg — it’s home. It’s where I grew up and where my family is, and will forever be where my heart lies. Outside of that, I’d say New York. It’s such a beautiful city in its own chaotic way and I’ve grown to love that energy because it keeps me moving. Now I live there, I’ve been able to create a sense of home away from home, which has been special.
What
do you miss about home?
I catch myself comparing a lot of the countries I travel to with South Africa; it’s a bit of a bad habit. But what I miss most is my family and friends. I also miss the energy South Africans have; we’re such friendly people. There’s something so special about being able to laugh with and talk to a stranger as though you’ve known them your whole life. It’s not always easy to find those kinds of random interactions elsewhere and it’s something I value about home.
What’s always in your handbag while travelling?
I’m quite organised and tend to prepare for the worst, so I usually have something for every possible scenario. But my travel basics are my phone, headphones, a power bank, lip gloss, wallet, a little snack, perfume, and moisturiser. If I’m travelling for a long time, I’ll also keep a book and my prayer journal with me.
What are some of your style tips and secrets?
I’m a firm believer in wearing whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and confident. For everyday basics, I usually lean toward oversized streetwear, which is what’s always felt the most natural to me. But when it comes to dressing up, I live by the idea that less is more. Elegance is something I love to incorporate into my style, and I value modesty. One of my biggest style secrets, though, is accessories. They can transform an outfit and take it from simple to standout.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve been meat-free for nine years. I woke up one day, made the decision, and just stuck with it. I also love de-stressing by painting, even though I’m definitely not a pro, and I use pole dancing as a mix of fitness and creative expression.
What are your future plans?
More than anything, I’m trusting the journey and leaving it in God’s hands. I believe that as long as I stay consistent and true to myself, the right doors will continue to open.
What was it like appearing in the H&M spring /summer campaign with your sister Tyla and others like FKA Twigs?
It was such an incredible experience. I enjoyed every moment of it. I still have to pinch myself when I think about it. To be part of something so global feels surreal — it’s one of those accomplishments that make me really proud of how far I’ve come.
Stockists
Bras N Things brasnthings.com
Forever New forevernew.co.za
Foschini bash.com
H&M superbalist.com
Spilhaus spilhaus.co.za
Steve Madden stevemadden.co.za
The Bam Collective thebamcollective.com
Tinsel Gallery tinselgallery.com
Viviers viviersstudio.com
Zara zara.com
An SMAG first: When LISTERINE called, CHALLENGING US to a “5X MORE” MAKEOVER this SPRING, WE accepted HERE ARE FIVE FABULOUS STYLES TO SHAKE UP YOUR WARDROBE WITH A FRESH TWIST
Night-out baddie
Since you work hard, you should party harder. A shimmering little number is never a bad idea for nextlevel sparkle at night. You will stay refreshed for hours. Whether it’s a metallic fabric or sequin ensemble, don’t forget to shine this spring.
Unleash your inner Rihanna and get your social life back in style. We dare you to try a flirty and dramatic silhouette — flaunt some sexy leg! — on the school run.
p. 19:
Swarovski SK7030 frames, R8 800, Sunglass Hut; Swarovski Lucent hoop earrings, R6 300; Swarovski Millenia necklace, R11 000, both Spilhaus; Erosion top, R4 800; Erosion beaded bustier, R13 000, both The Bam Collective; heels, model’s own
Date night
You don’t know what to wear for that first Tinder date? Go for an instantly cool, fresh, and serene tone that will leave your date begging for more. To balance the softness of the pastel hue, add a whimsical twist by going for a bold and structural silhouette in a lightweight fabric.
p. 20: Swarovski Matrix hoop earrings, R4 790, Spilhaus; green foil dress, R32 000, Viviers; heels, model’s own
IT has taken THABSIE ALMOST 10 YEARS to record the R&B MUSIC SHE has ALWAYS WANTED to MAKE
Over the past decade, chanteuse Thabsie has found mainstream success as an Afro-pop girlie on songs Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe, Macala, and African Queen. But she wants you to know her plan has always been to become an R&B girlie. Inspired by the ever-freshness wave of artists like Elaine and Nanette embracing classic R&B music in a new way, Thabsie will no longer succumb to industry pressure to box her in. She’s in the studio reinventing her sound. When can fans expect to hear it? Around her birthday in November, she quips.
“I doubted myself [in the beginning] and didn’t go with what I wanted to do. I sometimes allowed people to dictate what I needed to do — in music, mainly. I wish I started to make the kind of music I wanted to make earlier,” she says. “I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer making music to fit the mould and set the expectation that I have created. I’m doing more R&B because I wanted to do that 10 years ago. When I came out, coming out as an R&B girl wasn’t going to fly. If there wasn’t ‘vernac’ in your song, you were not going to make it. So, when the likes of Shekhinah, Elaine, Nanette, and even Tyla came out, it was incredible to see.”
Thabsie has such a soothing voice she could sing the dictionary and I would melt every time. So, I’m taken by surprise when she mentions that she almost took a different career path. The 33-year-old Cape Town-born singer grew up in a musical family. “It was embedded in my childhood. I started writing songs when I was eight years old. It was so normal to me that I thought singing was part of a daily routine, not a career to pursue,” she says.
After high school she moved to Gauteng, where she obtained an economics degree at the University of Johannesburg. She notes that, during her varsity years, music was always there. Thabsie entered a number of choral music competitions. To make extra cash she started doing backing vocals for artists like Donald, ProVerb, Khuli Chana, and Cassper Nyovest. Around the same time, she was recording music with former YoTVn child star Sipho “Psyfo” Ngwenya. “It was a big deal to me to be a backing vocalist because I’m such a shy girl,” she remembers. “It shaped me and prepped me for the kind of career I have had.” Two months into her honours degree, she quit and got a job at an investment bank — that era lasted two years. In December 2015 she left and in January 2016 her breakout moment happened when Kwesta featured her on his mega hit Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe.
“It was incredible. It felt like my dreams were coming true,” she says. “I recorded that song maybe three or four years prior to the official release. I did
it as a vocalist when I was still at varsity and didn’t even think Kwesta would put my name on it. When he released it, I knew it was meant to be, especially with the timing of it all, having just quit my job and not having a plan.”
Suddenly, she was the go-to vocalist on many Afro-pop records. Thabsie says it was never her intention; she’d set out to be an R&B singer. “That’s the girl I wanted to come out as and then the Kwesta song came out. It put me in this Afro-pop box,” she shares. “After I dropped an R&B song called Cry, people didn’t take to it. Then I dropped an Afro-pop song titled African Queen with some ‘vernac’ and people took to it. I had to change my direction and the music I wanted to make. That was the lane I fell into.”
Another serendipitous shift was her career in digital-content creation, which kicked into high gear during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. “Lockdown was the first time I couldn’t perform music. So, I decided to create content for free. I was sitting between 200k and 300k followers at the beginning of lockdown and during lockdown I reached 1-million,” she says. “It was a great way to grow my audience for when I come back with the music. I was also growing my personal brand and now big brands aligned. I love fashion and beauty, and I love creating.”
At home, she’s a wife and a mother to four dogs. She got married at 23 and celebrates her 10th wedding anniversary this year. She insists that she’s no “tradwife”. “I don’t cook or clean. I just spend time with my husband,” Thabsie laughs. “I don’t have any kids and I love my dogs. I love being a minimalist and doing things that are peaceful and good for the soul.”
Thabsie’s body is so banging (check out her cover shoot) that social media has even started to speculate that she’s had plastic surgery. She volunteers to clear the rumours — she has not had any work done, aside from her boobs in May. “I work hard on my body and I’m tired of the plastic surgery and BBL [Brazilian butt lift] allegations. I can’t believe I’m getting BBL allegations — I’m so small, where would I get the fat from? I’m very honest and I’ve done my boobs, that’s it,” she clarifies. “I have wanted them since I was 21. I thought they would grow. Then I thought to myself, I want to get my boobs done before I have kids. I want to enjoy my dream body. It was a surprisingly easy process. I wasn’t in pain, but I was uncomfortable. I was back up within three to four days.”
Next on her to-do list is launching her clothing label. She has been working on it for the past two years. Her aim is to release an athleisure line that redefines activewear and pushes the envelope.
A two-piece bathing suit will never go out of style, no matter the micro trends. Show off your dreamy body and amazing skin glow in a barely-there bikini.
Wear your bright-white smile on the outside. There is no reason you shouldn’t ace both your presentation and your look in all-white. Keep it effortlessly cool by giving your nine-to-five dress a modern and trendy shake-up by experimenting with daring sheer details that scream “very demure, very mindful”.
La Corset Intimé 011 268 6973 Spilhaus spilhaus.co.za
Steve Madden stevemadden.co.za
Sunglass Hut za.sunglasshut.com
The Bam Collective thebamcollective.com
Tinsel Gallery tinselgallery.com
Viviers Studio viviersstudio.com
A REIGNING FORCE
Mzansi is buzzing with lekompo — the emerging Limpopo dance-music sub-genre that’s succeeded Bolo house. Bolo house is a fusion of Afro-pop rhythms, fast-paced house beats, and repetitive loops plus catchy melodies heavily influenced by and embedded in the rich heritage of Limpopo’s Bolobedu region. The late Bojo Mujo, Master KG, King Monada, and Makhadzi are the Bolo house sonic architects, pioneering its mainstream evolution.
Enter lekompo: a modern update of Bolo house that has quickly found commercial success. It’s much more catchy, chaotic, and crushing — guaranteed to brighten your day, loosen your bones, and inspire participation in a TikTok dance challenge. At its forefront is Shandesh, anointed the queen of lekompo for shaping the sub-genre.
“The term ‘lekompo’ was coined afterwards, but Bolobedu dance music has always been there,” the 21-year-old singer explains on the phone, her voice hoarse. She warns me before we start talking on a Friday morning that she has laryngitis — she’s been struggling to shake off the flu, since she’s been booked and busy the entire week.
“The name references the people living in the poorest areas of the Bolobedu region, in squatter camps; we used to call those regions ‘kompong’,” she says. “It’s always cluttered there and they listen to distinct music — usually Bolobedu dance music — but they play their music super loud. So, the genre has turned something deemed negative into a positive, and that pride can be heard in the lyrics and sound.”
Shandesh has the biggest hit of the year with Sdudla or Slender, featuring Mvzzle. The catchy lyrics — backed by a fun TikTok challenge — have made the song an anthem to self-love by celebrating a positive body image. Witty and whimsical, Shandesh sings that she can’t tell if she has lost or gained weight since she’s just overwhelmed with happiness — she’s changing size on a daily basis; one day she’s wearing a size 34, the next a 37.
She truly embodies the lyrics of the song. A few days before her SMag cover shoot, we are texting on WhatsApp and I ask for her clothing measurements in standard sizes (30, 32, 34) so the stylist can start sourcing. I almost fall off my chair with laughter when she responds. “Not sure … I wear my sizes based on ‘medium’ and ‘small’ coz of the clothes I wear, they don’t have 23 or numbers,” she texts back.
Lekompo has catapulted Shandesh from obscurity into superstardom, and she’s still battling to come to terms with her newfound fame. Real name Rakgoale Nelly Machete, she was born in Dithabaneng village in the Ga-Mphahlele area, outside Lebowakgomo. The youngest of three, she later moved to Solomondale, outside Polokwane. They were raised by a single mother, who struggled to put food on the table.
“I’m grateful that she made sure that we were fed and could go to school, but it was a tough upbringing,” she says. “When we’d have ‘casual Friday’ at school, I always wished my mother would buy me this particular pair of sneakers. I had a screenshot of it and went everywhere with it. Our situation back then didn’t allow my mom to buy me those sneakers and she just kept saying, ‘I will buy it for you.’ So now I have a room full of sneakers, between 200 and 300 pairs, I’ve lost count. My mom and family are proud, I can see it through their support, but for the most part they are in disbelief.”
Her rags-to-riches journey is inspirational. “It will shock people to find out how poor I was growing up,” she says. “For that reason, I want to change the lives of young kids who grow up like I did and show them through my story that it is possible. But everything that you want, you must work hard for it.”
Shandesh struggled in school but found solace in music. She says she grew up in a family of singers and was always singing in choirs, whether at primary school or at Sunday school after church. In grade 8, in 2018, she recorded her first song. The R&B song was called Love Me No More and, to her surprise, her peers were hooked.
p. 24:
Earrings, stylist’s own; Erre Ilala top, R16 200, Africa Rise; gloves, stylist’s own
p. 25:
Earrings, stylist’s own; DT3 jacket with detailing, POR; DT Elegant dress, R24 000; both David Tlale; Stepper heels, R1 999, Steve Madden
Africa Rise africariseonline.co.za David Tlale davidtlale.com H&M superbalist.com Steve Madden stevemadden.co.za Woolworths woolworths.co.za
“I had a friend who wanted to try something with me in studio. We were just fooling around; it was a game to us,” she remembers. “It was popular in my region and I wrote it in English. I knew nothing about love, but the music I listened to back then focused on relationships.”
Before long she was recording Bolo house music, later moving into lekompo. Shandesh credits this to her idol, King Monada. Soon she was booking local gigs, singing at kids’ birthday parties, and finding herself in the lineup at music festivals. She has since worked with King Monada on the 2024 song Ke Khumane Photo Tsao.
“I had heard a lot about him through our industry peers and seen how he was portrayed in the media, living a particular lifestyle that is not always positive,” she says. “But when I met him, I didn’t experience him that way. What was clear was his work ethic; he wanted to work with someone who was just as committed and knew exactly what they wanted.”
Ga Mmapula featuring Hitboss is the breakout song that gave Shandesh crossover appeal. “People knew me, but after that song, my audience and reach grew. Suddenly, tribes and cultures outside of Limpopo were listening to my music,” she observes. Sdudla or Slender remains her biggest song to date. “It is another love song, but I wanted the lyrics to have ambiguity. At the time I had just got out of a relationship and things did not go well. Then I entered a new relationship and it was amazing — to the point that I started to gain weight.”
Di Chopper reunites her with regular collaborator Mvzzle. It’s a hit on every DJ set this spring and has started another TikTok challenge. “That one is reflective of my journey — compared to where I started, I have reached unimaginable heights. I’m a superstar now.” We both laugh as she says the word “superstar” under her breath — it’s clearly still sinking in.
sowetanlive.co.za
The first time I encountered Focalistic was on 5 January 2021. I remember the date because it was an extremely hot Tuesday and the third day back at work after the festive season. An eagled-eyed junior reporter then, I was scrambling for story ideas on a slow news week, which I hated. It then dawned on me that, in December, the top choice on every DJ’s soundtrack at groove was Ke Star — cut number two from Focalistic’s debut album Sghubu Ses Excellent.
To my surprise, when I called the then 24-year-old supernova, he answered. Our conversation lasted about 24 minutes and, much like the title of his 2020 mega hit Ke Star suggested, Foca — originally from GaRankuwa, north of Pretoria — was a star.
I still have that recording; we talked about a lot, including how he got his other moniker, Pitori Maradona — he almost became a soccer star. He was a top goal scorer and wore the no. 10 jersey, like Diego Maradona, Pelé, and Lionel Messi.
We also spent a big part of the conversation laughing about how his sonic catchphrase, “Ase trap tse ke pina tsa ko kasi,” had sealed his superstar status. At the time, the slogan, which roughly translates to “This isn’t trap music, it’s what we listen to in the township,” had become a meme because fans not fluent in Sepitori (Pretoria lingo) had been misinterpreting it. In that first profile interview, Sowetan named him the shining star to watch.
It’s been four years now and Foca has reached stratospheric fame. We reconnect in the back seat of his black Mercedes-Benz V-Class. He lights a cigarette before we start, giving him something to fidget with for the first few minutes. Not much has changed, except that Foca has entered superstardom — the kind of fame that comes with a large entourage forming an impenetrable wall with the door jammed shut, and with only them having the key. They guard the kingdom as we chat, waiting outside the car after having indulged in Chicken Licken for breakfast.
THROUGH GENRE FLUIDITY, BLENDING LOCAL HIP HOP AND AMAPIANO, FOCALISTIC HAS USED SONIC BRILLIANCE TO PUT SEPITORI ON THE MAP
Despite the tight security, Foca’s charisma shines. Intriguing social commentary still forms the backbone of his introspective fire lyrics and, above all, his discography remains an unapologetic blast of kasi pride.
“For me, it has always been about a bigger goal or purpose. When we started out, many didn’t know what Sepitori is,” he says. “It always felt deeper than just making music. It felt like telling stories of where I grew up and where my parents grew up because it didn’t just start with us. Musically, the transition has been about taking people to a different sound, especially using Sepitori. But in 2025, it’s about the kids and how many more lives we can change.”
He’s referring to his record label 18 Area Holdings, which has signed fellow musicians Pabi Cooper, G-Tech 2bit, and DJ Tshegu. He teases that his new offering, Based on a True Story, with longtime collaborator Chicco, is another taste of what he has to offer. When I joke that he’s no longer the starry-eyed novice I met in 2021 and ask if I should call him the “Godfather of the Yanos”, he laughs.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a godfather — rather a vessel whom God has put in a place where I can feature people and change their lives or work on their projects and help them produce it,” he says. “That’s one thing I never knew I had in myself. [And then, there’s] the first song we did with Cooper and Chicco, Banyana Ke Bafana, and the second song, Pabi Jo, [which has had] over 16 million streams. So, I wouldn’t say godfather, I would say label exec.”
It’s hard to name a hot song in the past seven years that Focalistic has not touched: Tobetsa Remake, Biri Marung, Dlala Ka Yona, Sandton, Banyana Ke Bafana, the list is endless. What has been the biggest lesson?
“Keep going. You can’t be consistent if you don’t keep going,” he says. “It comes from a deep place of passion. You can drop 100 songs and it’s only at song #101 that people will like it. The lessons have been to stay passionate, make the music, and cut out the fluff. All the unnecessary things are just distractions.”
Real name Lethabo Sebetso, he holds a degree in political science from the University of Pretoria. Yet, whether he’s Lethabo, Focalistic, President Ya Straata or Pitori Maradona, he doesn’t sign up to the concept of alter egos.
“A lot of people have romanticised balance,” he believes. “When I became Focalistic, I wanted to be Focalistic. I don’t have a yearning to be Lethabo. It’s not an alter ego; it’s so linked to who I have been. Focalistic is just a name I got from my cousin. I don’t romanticise a place where I go hide and become myself. Even when I pray, God knows that Focalistic is involved. I’ve been lucky enough that it’s been my passion from a young age, since I grew up in a musical family — not necessarily making music but consuming it.”
His biggest influence in terms of storytelling was his late father, renowned political journalist Kgomotso Sebetso. He credits his love for music to his father, who gave him a microphone when he was in grade 9. “I feel like I’m a journalist. That’s how I keep that legacy going. I’m telling what I’ve gone through, what other people are going through, and what I see,” he explains. “On the other side of that storytelling is Sepitori itself. We were on Carte Blanche the other day talking about how Sepitori is having such an important cultural moment. When people find the language to express themselves and the stories of where they come from, the journalism comes in. The Sepitori [voice] was marginalised for so long ... it now has a voice through me.”
As the social calendar begins to teem with festivals, daytime events, rugby match days, and braais with the boys, it’s time to coordinate that same energy with a rolodex of grooming updates that will have you feeling ready to be outside, no matter the occasion. With much-anticipated festivals such as DStv Delicious and Rocking the Daisies on the cards, there’s no better time to transition your skincare from winter to spring or to try your hand at some bold runway trends
VIBE CHECK
MTRENDING:
ake sure your grooming routine is as immaculate as the vibes with these trends Glazed pump: There’s no room for ashy limbs this season, so get in on the action with glistening, moisturised skin, as seen at Moschino. Going for the unbuttoned-shirt look? Having a clean-shaven chest is preferable before applying a hydrating moisturiser on slightly damp, fresh-out-the-shower skin. Slather a body oil onto exposed areas before stepping out to amplify the glow. Dreaded nostalgia: Take inspiration from the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival lineup and channel old-school Wyclef Jean and Ziggy Marley. Nothing says summer quite like bleached dreadlocks, as seen at Etro, where models were spotted wearing dreads with honey-blonde ends that gave lightness and dimension to the style. Whether you choose to wear them loose or opt for twisted sections, consult a professional barber or hairdresser if unsure of how to bleach hair safely. Cowboy cool: Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour may have come to an end but it doesn’t mean our obsession with the Wild West has to. This trend is definitely going to be on every festival ground this season, so take inspiration from Pharrell and channel cowboy cool with wide-brimmed cowboy hats and bandana combos that not only provide the perfect form of sun protection but also pair really well with moustaches or clean-shaven looks. Vibrant buzz: Get a head start on bold, December-coded dye jobs and be the main attraction on the lawns of Rocking the Daisies by taking your cue from Philipp Plein. Buzz cuts were works of art when dyed pink and paired with a zebra-print pattern. Keep things low commitment for the festival season and go for temporary colour options such as hair chalk or hairspray. Bionic glint: Gents are wearing sparkle this season — but not in the way that you may think. From glitter to rhinestones, beloved festival staples are getting a more masculine treatment when used to accentuate chiselled features. At Peet Dullaert, bejewelled jawlines, cheekbones, and temples gave a futuristic, bionic-man feel to skin. At Pronounce, glitter had a “party boy” mood when tucked into the inner corners and under eyes.
1. Moroccanoil Body Lotion 300ml, R690 2. Origins
Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom
Cera-Glow Body Gel-Oil 200ml, R180
WHETHER RENEWING YOUR BEARD-GANG MEMBERSHIP FOR THE NEW SEASON OR DOING A BIG CHOP AHEAD OF MOVEMBER, YOU CAN USE THESE TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING YOUR BEARD AND CARING FOR THE SKIN UNDERNEATH
01.
beard refresh:
1. Wash beard with a gentle beard shampoo, followed by a conditioner, using warm water that won’t strip the skin. 2. Use a wide-toothed beard comb to detangle knots. 3. Apply a nourishing, lightweight beard oil containing natural oils and massage into the hair. 4. Comb through to distribute the oil evenly.
02.
clean shaven:
1. Clean the shaven area using a gentle facial cleanser with soothing ingredients such as cica.
2. Incorporate exfoliation at least once a week to help slough off dead skin cells and address dry areas on the face. 3. Combat pigmentation or uneven skin tone by applying a vitamin C serum to the face, including the beard area.
4. Apply a bump-control cream or after-shave balm to shaving bumps or ingrowns to help soothe and reduce inflammation.
Hanging ou t with SONTO
NGOM
About me I’m a fitness enthusiast, husband, father, and ordinary man who hopes to do the Ironman triathlon one day. • I’m also the founder of Better Your Next, a fitness motivational organisation. • I am a cyclist and a man who squeezes in exercise whenever I can. I believe fitness is accessible to everyone, even the person who thinks they don’t have the time. • Your health is your wealth. Better Your Next came from the idea of talking to yourself positively and knowing that, although hardships will be there, we keep going. Coming up with the slogan I don’t rehearse these things; I don’t have a script. It’s just something that came to mind that I often say. It was just me speaking out loud. • When I face hardship, I tend to think positively and say positive words, so I guess that was one of them. • If you go to my social-media pages (@ betteryournext_za) you will find many of them. It’s a way for me to encourage myself. • I think this one went viral because I was also singing a song by a very popular Tsonga artist. My fitness journey I’m a runner, cyclist, and swimmer. • Running is my first love because it’s the first thing that was accessible to me. With cycling, you need a bike, and with swimming, you need a swimming pool. As much as you need shoes for running, there are also barefoot runners out there. • I cycle a lot now. I’m going to participate in 947 Ride Joburg on 26 October. • I’m still working on swimming in order to get to a competitive level for Ironman. Running benefits When you go out there, you get to be in your own mind and clear your thoughts of toxicity. • Running helps a lot for fitness goals such as weight loss, and you don’t need to have a gym membership in order to exercise. • The third
text : PALESA BUYEYE
ANE
With the catchy workout mantra
“It’s gonna hurt, it’s gonna be difficult but we gonna run, we gonna keep moving,” the avid runner has become a viral sensation
aspect is community. It’s accessible, so it means your neighbour or someone living in our neighbourhood could be running and it becomes a social affair. Diet tips for runners Keep your diet basic. • Home-cooked meals help with your fitness goals and just make it a little bit easier. It’s a formula that has been working and there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Beginner’s guide to running shoes If you are trying to get into running, walk into a Sportsmans Warehouse, tell them you want to start running, and ask for a gait analysis. • They will put you on a treadmill and check what type of runner you are, if you are neutral or strike on the left or right foot. Once they figure that out, they will show you which shoe — and it doesn’t need to be an expensive one — is right for you to avoid injuries and make the journey smoother. Biggest mistakes The biggest mistake people make is to go for those expensive shoes because they think about better speed or that they look fancier than others, only to find that it’s not the correct type of shoe for their running style and they end up getting injured. To avoid injuries, you have to do the right thing before you think about the colour or aesthetic. • The biggest mistake runners make is focussing on time and distance. The main thing is to keep on keeping on. If you show up day in and day out, the results will come. • Don’t focus on the running apps. You can go out now and speed up and then show it to your friends and your fans, but if you don’t show up tomorrow and the day after, you’re literally doing a yo-yo. • Focus on functional training as well: squats, lunges, strength training, and conditioning. That will help you. And it’s going to be hard.
Setting the benchmark in Prosecco since 1936
Located in the heart of the historic Prosecco territory between beautiful Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in Italy, Zardetto has been a leader in Italian sparkling wine for over 40 years.
