GRUNGECAKE

Category: Pop Culture

  • Newcastle will be MOBO Awards’ host city next year

    Thw 2025 MOBO Awards is coming to Newcastle, England

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    The iconic MOBO Awards is excited to announce it is coming to the city of Newcastle for the first time ever! The ceremony is set to kick off the 2025 awards season, coming to you live from the Utilita Arena Newcastle on February 18, 2025. A passionate city bursting with pride, Newcastle is renowned for its charming Geordie spirit, as well as its vibrant nightlife and eclectic live music scene. Known for its rich industrial heritage, iconic landmarks like the Tyne Bridge, and its fervent football culture with Newcastle United, the city embodies both history and vibrancy. MOBO are delighted to be expanding to the North once again, continuing its tradition of bringing the MOBO Awards, along with exceptional music, talent, and culture, to cities and regions United Kingdom-wide.

    Ahead of the ceremony, MOBO is collaborating with Newcastle City Council to bring MOBO Fringe Festival – a series of activities and events celebrating Black music and culture in the host city, organised by the Council with members of the local community, North East music organisation, Generator, Glasshouse Centre for International Music, and Northern Roots. This year’s collaboration with Sheffield City Council resulted in a three-day programme leading up to the 2024 MOBO Awards – with a talent showcase, a music industry panel offering insight to creative talent, producers and industry execs, alongside the involvement of over 100 schools, exploring the impact of Black music and culture through a range of educational activities.

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    Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group said: “Newcastle is a city steeped in history, culture, and a dynamic sense of community alongside an electric nightlife, making it the perfect host city. We are honoured to bring the MOBO Awards to this iconic destination, eager to deliver a show that will resonate far beyond the North East. Beyond the awards night, through the MOBO Fringe Festival, we will be engaging with the local community to create an inspiring and impactful programme that highlights the significant cultural influence of Black music. Newcastle, get ready for a time to remember!”

    North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I’m thrilled to welcome the MOBO Awards to a new home in our region – just the latest major event putting North East England on the international map for culture. I know the Awards and the MOBO Fringe Festival across venues in Newcastle and Gateshead will be a huge inspiration for a new generation of young and emerging musicians working here in the North East.”

    Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “I am honoured that our city has been chosen to host such a prestigious and exciting event. Newcastle is a warm, welcoming and inclusive city. Our city is more diverse than ever before and our ever-developing music scene is a reflection of that. We know that being involved in music has enriched the lives of so many people who live here and provided them with opportunities they may never have otherwise had. And this ethos is firmly embedded in the MOBO Awards, so making Newcastle their home in 2025 seems the perfect fit.”

    In February, the 2024 MOBO Awards took place in Sheffield, hosted by Babatúndé Aléshé and Indiyah Polack, with Zeze Millz as the roaming co-host. Potter Payper, Central Cee and RAYE scooped top prizes of the night; alongside Ghetts who was honoured with MOBO Pioneer Award, Sugababes received MOBO Impact Award, and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill was acknowledged with MOBO Paving The Way Award. The ceremony featured live performances by Soul II Soul, Ghetts, Sugababes, Cristale, Byron Messia, King Promise and Camidoh, plus an electrifying 30 Years of UK Garage Set by DJ Spoony.

    For close to thirty years, MOBO has been proudly celebrating and elevating Black music around the world. Its legacy has seen MOBO be pivotal in supporting the growth of Black music and culture on a global scale, championing homegrown talent, and celebrating artistic excellence in genres such as Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, Grime, Drill, Gospel, Jazz, Reggae, African music, Electronic/Dance, Alternative music and beyond.

    Since its inaugural ceremony in 1996 at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms, MOBO Awards has become a calendar staple in the United Kingdom and its iconic trophy is now one of the highest accolades in music. The Awards have honoured music stars such as Central Cee, Stormzy, Janet Jackson, Little Simz, Davido, Rihanna, RAYE, Wizkid, Beyoncé and JAY Z, whilst also helping to elevate the careers of rising stars in the industry.

    Recognising its unique position in popular culture, MOBO has also expanded beyond music to celebrate talent in the arts and media. It awarded an Inspirational Award to Hollywood star Idris Elba and acclaimed British filmmaker Steve McQueen, Best Media Personality to Chunkz and Yung Filly, and Best Performance In A TV Show/Film to Kane Robinson (Kano) for his role in ‘Top Boy’ at 2022’s ceremony.

    The impact of the MOBO Group extends far beyond the annual awards show. MOBO is deeply committed to promoting social change and inclusion, supporting the development of young talent, and advocating for diversity across the entertainment industry and beyond. Through mentorship programmes, partnerships with educational and charitable organisations, and career development opportunities with leading organisations, MOBO has been a driving force for positive change.

    By championing creativity, providing platforms for new voices, and advocating for equality, the MOBO Awards and the wider MOBO Group continue to inspire and empower talents and communities across the United Kingdom and beyond.

  • Taylor Swift officially endorses Kamala Harris

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    Yesterday, Taylor Swift endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. The American superstar wrote on Instagram, “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.” Her 283 million followers or others could not leave a message since the popstar limited comments on her post.

  • Watch The Weeknd’s new music video teaser, shot on iPhone 16 Pro: See behind-the-scenes photos

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    Today, we received an exciting email from Apple detailing its new product, the all-new iPhone 16 Pro. In the email, the world’s leading tech company shared The Weeknd’s music video shot for his latest single ‘Dancing in the Flames’ on the device.

    Not only did the director, Anton Tammi, and his director of photography, Erik Henrikkson, execute incredibly well, but the visuals also looked stunning!

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    According to the press release, the iPhone 16 Pro features a larger display and the thinnest borders ever on any Apple product. The pro camera system brings all-new creative features, including the ability to record in 4K 120fps in Dolby Vision for smooth slow-motion video capture — on perfect display in the forthcoming music video for ‘Dancing in the Flames’. Four new studio-quality mics preserve true-to-life recorded sounds, Audio Mix uses machine learning to identify and separate background elements from speech, giving users three voice options: In-Frame Mix, Studio Mix, Cinematic Mix, and so much more. iPhone 16 Pro also features the powerful A18 Pro chip, a huge leap in battery life, and comes in four stunning titanium finishes: black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, and desert titanium. 

    Last week, The Weeknd revealed the title of his forthcoming album, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’, which marks the culmination of his acclaimed trilogy. Following ‘Dawn FM’ and ‘After Hours’, this album is set to elevate his artistic narrative, encapsulating existential and self-referential themes that have captured the imagination of fans. The anticipation surrounding this final chapter is palpable, as it promises to be a powerful testament to The Weeknd’s evolution as an artist.

    The Weeknd’s official music video for ‘Dancing In the Flames’ will come out on Friday, September 13.

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  • Paris plans to name sports venue after slain Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei

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    “Paris willl neber forget you.”

    According to a report on Reuters, the French capital plans to pay tribute to the Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei. It was announced on Friday by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Unfortunately, the thirty-three-year-old marathon runner was set on fire by her boyfriend. Subsequently, she died on Thursday “four days after she was doused in petrol and ignited by her boyfriend in Kenya.” Kenyan and Ugandan media reported that Rebecca Cheptegei suffered from burns to more than seventy-five per cent of her body in the attack. She was the third woman, prominent in the sports world, to be killed in Kenya since 2021.

  • Wendy’s to launch real-life Krabby Patty inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants, reportedly

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    According to the web, American fast-food chain Wendy’s plans to sell a burger styled after the popular Krabby Patty from the legendary American cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants. One user claims the burger is vegan; not an animal product.

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    Whether it is plant-based or otherwise, the question is, who’s got a mouth large enough to eat that burger with the fresh tomato atop?

  • South Korean boy band NCT removes Taeil after involvement in sex-related criminal case

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    According to Koreaboo, the young star from NCT (abbreviation of “Neo Culture Technology”) is currently under investigation.

    In a post to X, SM Entertainment explained why Taeil is no longer part of the group:

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    “This is SM Entertainment.

    We have recently confirmed that Taeil has been implicated in a criminal case related to sexual crimes.

    While looking into the situation, we recognized that the issue is very serious, and we have decided that Taeil could no longer continue team activities. We have discussed this matter with Taeil and it has been decided he will be removed from the group.

    Currently, Taeil is faithfully cooperating with the police investigation. We will share additional statements as the investigation progresses.

    We deeply apologize for the controversy caused by our artist.”

  • Killer Mike announces new album ‘Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs for Sinners & Saints’: See tracklist

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    Killer Mike, the famous Atlanta-native rapper I watched on my television screen as a young person in the ‘Kryptonite’ video, announced his next album: Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs for Sinners & Saints. The album has ten records and features fellow musicians Anthony Hamilton, Jordan Alyssa, Troy Durden Adonica Nunn, Jori, Offset, Blxst, Lena Byrd Miles, Bellygang Kush, Jane Handcock, Alicia Peters-Jordan, Key Glock and Project Pat.

    Less than thirty minutes ago, about the album, Killer typed the following message to his Instagram followed by two million people,

    “When I was growing up an important part of church service was people having the opportunity to stand up and give public testimony on their trials, tribulations, and triumphs.

    After the celebratory atmosphere that followed MICHAEL I was reminded that tribulations never cease, but God is always with me and this is a testimonial of my tumultuous times, my trials, and my continued triumph in spite of doubt, outright hate, and fear.

    I am here to speak to and with my fellow sinners and Saints this Friday at Midnight ATL time. Pre save link in bio!”

    The multiple GRAMMY Award-winning star’s next album will be out on Friday, August 2. If you are in New York City on Wednesday, July 31, you can see the Hip-Hop star celebrate and perform live at his residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club. The show starts at 10:30 PM local time.

    ‘Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs for Sinners & Saints’ tracklist

    1 Bussin Bricks Intro

    2 Nobody Knows (featuring Anthony Hamilton, Jordan Alyssa, Troy Durden & Adonica Nunn)

    3 Humble Me

    4 Higher Level (featuring Jori & Adonica Nunn)

    5 Exit 9 Scenic Route (featuring Offset, Blxst, Lena Byrd Miles & Troy Durden)

    6 Lord Prepare Me (featuring Bellygang Kush, Jane Handcock, Adonica Nunn)

    7 Slummer 4 Junkies (featuring Lena Byrd Miles, Alicia Peters-Jordan, Jori, Adonica Nunn, Jordan Alyssa & Troy Durden)

    8 Had to Go Get It (featuring Troy Durden)

    9 ’97 3-6 Freestyle

    10 Still Talk’n That Shit (featuring Key Glock & Project Pat)

  • The 67th Annual New York Emmy Awards nominations announced

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    The 67th Annual New York Emmy Award nominations were announced on July 26, 2024, at the LIVE with Kelly and Mark studio at WABC-TV. Hosting the announcement was NY Emmy Awards Chair and PIX 11 Senior Correspondent Mavin Scott. Presenting the nominations were NJ Burkett – WABC-TV, Virginia Huie – Newsday, Jonathan Inoa – WXTV Univision 41, Errol Louis – Spectrum News NY 1, Monica Morales – PIX 11, Jessica Moore – WCBS-TV, Fernando Cardenas Pena – HITN, Lisa Salvadorini – News 12, Marvin Scott PIX 11, Allan Villafana – WNJU Telemundo 41, Sarah Wallace – WNBC-TV and MaryAlice Williams – NJ PBS.

    The 2nd Annual NY Emmy Sports Awards Ceremony will take place on October 8 at the Hard Rock Hotel and the 67th Annual Emmy Awards will be presented on October 26 at the New York Marriott Marquis at 1535 Broadway New York, New York 10036. The 67th Gala is divided into two ceremonies, The Creative Arts Ceremony and the 67th Annual NY Emmy Awards Gala.

    The lists of nominated entries for all three ceremonies are attached via this link.

  • Interview: Actor Michael Sirow talks about his role as Tate in Lionsgate’s new action/thriller ‘Boneyard’ movie, working with the star-studded cast, and more

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    Yesterday evening, I had the honour and privilege of interviewing movie actor Michael Sirow, the spirited man portraying Tate in Lionsgate’s ‘Boneyard’. It draws inspiration from a true crime story involving the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls discovered in the New Mexico desert. The direction follows Police Chief Carter, portrayed by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt) and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson). If you aren’t familiar with the storyline, watch the not-yet-rated trailer below to see a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer.

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    During our chat, Michael Sirow shared what it was like to work with such a legendary cast, the script, what made him take the role, where they shot the movie, and a bit about his work as a producer. Here it is.

    GRUNGECAKE: When did you know you were going to take this role?

    Michael Sirow: Right when I read… Well, I read it. I read the script. And then I reread it very quickly, again, for the reason that there was a separate draft and a later draft, which had been done right then. So I read that one after. So, the second time I read—because I read it twice in a row. So I just was like, “Yes, I want to do this!”

    GRUNGECAKE: Was there anything specific about [the script] that spoke to you?

    Michael Sirow: I, the character had a lot of scenes with girls. So… I’m being stumped. Okay… (He laughs)

    GRUNGECAKE: (Then, I laughed, and I laughed really hard.)

    Michael Sirow: I’m joking. (He laughed) And I get to, I get to say some… I get to behave naughty. I get to be very… and I don’t get to… I don’t get to get away with that at home. I get in a lot of trouble, so… (He laughs)

    GRUNGECAKE: Got you.

    Michael Sirow: So no, no, look… I think that and I like this question because it’s something that I felt would make me uncomfortable to do and say and perform certain things.

    GRUNGECAKE: Okay. (Nodding)

    Michael Sirow: And so in on a serious note, and just like, you know, if I didn’t feel like this was a character where it was just a one dimensional—you get up there and you just say a bunch of stuff and look really, you know, act really nasty. It’s just there’s more more to this guy, I thought, then that.

    GRUNGECAKE: Definitely! He had some some depth to him.

    Michael Sirow: Yeah, [it] was fun, so…

    GRUNGECAKE: Yes, indeed. How was it working with your cast members? And do you have any teaching moments from working with the cast?

    Michael Sirow: Oh, boy, um, first of all, they were some of the best I’ve ever encountered. If not, like top top tier, like it was just just the overall experience. Not because you know, Curtis (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson”) is who Curtis, and Mel (Mel Gibson) is Mel, or Brian and Nora, are who are who they are, but they were just so… and that’s the thing I really have been stressing on a lot of today is just they’re, they’re so easy going and down to earth. And when you’re there past the first couple hours and you realising “Okay, they’re great conversationalist,” you know, like, it just you’re talking about everything else, but the work while you’re waiting around, because there’s so much waiting around.

    GRUNGECAKE: Got you.

    Michael Sirow: But then, when we start getting into it, it’s just like, “Okay, well, let’s just do what we know how to do.” And then, there’s always a little extra coddling to Michael because I need the hand holding. (He smiled and I laughed.) It was… listen, the rehearsals were you know, it was like Summer camp. This to me was what I identify as just really loving what you do. It’s just the perfect version of that because you do… I didn’t want it to… I didn’t want to wrap. I wanted to keep going. I could have shot another three weeks. The only thing I would have changed was I mean, you can’t really do anything about it, but the scorching desert heat is something that…

    GRUNGECAKE: Okay (nodding and smiling).

    Michael Sirow: We shot it in Vegas, so it was no joke over there.

    GRUNGECAKE: Yeah, it’s not a game. I was living over there for three years, so I know what you mean. Okay.

    Michael Sirow: Yeah.

    GRUNGECAKE: Because of that heat, were there any scenes that you found difficult to shoot?

    Michael Sirow: Um, man, we… the raid. There was a raid that we shot. We jumped out of a van and I… may call you Richardine? Right, that’s your name?

    GRUNGECAKE: Yeah.

    Michael Sirow: Richardine…

    GRUNGECAKE: Yeah…

    Michael Sirow: The amount of sweat the amount of faints that just the overall (I laugh) but it was great though. It was like, “Why does this turn me on?” (I laughed) You know, it was kind of like one of those things where it was like we were really enjoying it because we really getting into it.

    GRUNGECAKE: Yeah.

    Michael Sirow: But we were disgusting because we’re so filthy (We laugh). And I, you seen the film so you know what scene I’m talking about.

    GRUNGECAKE: Yes.

    Michael Sirow: That day in particular, people were dropping. I’m not ashamed to say it but it was like we were dropping. No, not in the way where we were fainting, but it was so hot. Like, they just when we would finish, you know, an 18 pack of water. So, the poor PAs would go and they’d come back and it was it was a lot. It was a lot, you know, but you feel like “Well, I don’t have to go to you know any gym for the for the next two months or anything.” (I laugh) It’s really just, sweating out all my body weight.

    GRUNGECAKE: You got your cardio in and everything thing else.

    Michael Sirow: Oh my God! Yeah, yeah, but it was… in that van before we got out that was, you know, it’s like, okay, you know, [sound’s people] “We’re rolling! “Oh, wait! Hold on, hold on!” You know, and it’s like, “No, no, we’re gonna die! Someone’s gonna die!” And so, and I felt bad because those guys… those guys because I had short sleeves on I think.

    GRUNGECAKE: Okay.

    Michael Sirow: But those guys were all in SWAT gear. So I was just like, “Somebody’s going to pass out and we’re going to have to get an IV into into somebody with a bag of sodium sodium chloride. But it was yeah, it was very fulfilling. It was just a great time, you know?

    GRUNGECAKE: So, it says in your bio, that you worked as a producer, also…

    Michael Sirow: Yeah, I started getting into that. And, you know, what’s interesting is like, I got some… An actor friend of mine years ago, was sort of like, “Look, you know, these days of waiting by the phone, you know, going very, just, you go in, you go home, you go and you go home, you know, as far as just auditioning, and then you leave it at the door. And that’s that, and you’re waiting for a phone call.” He’s like, “Those kinds of, you know, those days are coming to a close. And, you know, everyone’s out there trying to create their own opportunities.

    GRUNGECAKE: Yes.

    Michael Sirow: And he was right! He was right. And this was a person of note, and he’s someone that someone’s… you know, everyone’s very familiar with, but he’s like, “Look, I got a lot of my own shit that I’m, you know, I’m passionate about and this and this.” And I said to him, “Yeah, but, you know, you’re you!” (He laughs). So, and I appreciate… but he’s like, “Look, look, it starts off with, you know, the producing, which is a whole separate conversation entirely. But producing can just be is something like where you’re going and just as simple as making an introduction between two sides. It’s, it’s, you know, but then you have, you know, all the other mechanics that come with it, which, you know, that’s for… That’s for smart people. (He jokes and I laugh).

    GRUNGECAKE: What’s the name of your production company?

    Michael Sirow: Oh, I don’t… I don’t it… That’s just me. That’s just…

    GRUNGECAKE Oh, that’s just you!

    Michael Sirow: Yeah, yeah. I just go where I’m told… You know, just… I show up!

    GRUNGECAKE: Good, good. Okay, my last one for you. Because it says online that your birthday is November 15th. Is that accurate?

    Michael Sirow: It is! It is.

    GRUNGECAKE: That’s my birthday, so that’s… crazy!

    Michael Sirow: No, it’s not!

    GRUNGECAKE: Yeah!

    Michael Sirow: That’s why this has been my favorite interview so far! I knew there was a reason that you didn’t… And listen, I felt so bad because I had to punt all the the calls from from last week to this week. But I… there’s a reason you kept me. You didn’t you didn’t throw me out. So I wouldn’t have known! Are you going to do anything special for this birthday?

    GRUNGECAKE: Yeah, I might be in Cape Town (South Africa) this year.

    Michael Sirow Oh my God. That’s crazy!

    Michael Sirow: That’s why this has been my favourite interview so far! I knew there was a reason that you didn’t. And listen, I felt so bad because I had to punt all the the calls from from last week to this week. But there’s a reason you kept me you didn’t you didn’t throw me out. So, I wouldn’t have known so there’s that’s crazy special. Are you going to do anything special for this birthday? Yeah, I might be in Cape Town this year.

    Michael Sirow: Oh my God. That’s crazy!

    Michael Sirow, the New York City-born actor, whom I awesomely share a birthday (November 15), was one of the best interviews I had in a very long time. He was funny, cool and welcoming. The chilling action/thriller is available on-demand nationwide and will be in theatres in the United States on July 5. If you’re into this genre of film/movie, check it out with a friend or many. Let’s discuss how you feel about it in the comments.

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  • Interview: Kokota Afrika discusses South Africa’s thriving culture, promoting Amapiano, and who’s up next from the scene

    Editor’s Note (July 2, 2024, 9:31 AM EST): An earlier version of this article referred to Modupi Ntisa as Module Ntisa, copied from an email from the company.

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    Three months ago, South Africa’s digital culture hub Kokota Afrika—run by two young South African men Modupi Ntisa (left) and Lesedi Mashilane (right)—and GRUNGECAKE connected to discuss South Africa from the lens of a native or tourist, building a brand from scratch, the nightlife in Johannesburg, the culture, Zone 6 and who we should be on our radar.

    GRUNGECAKE: Many Americans travel to South Africa before venturing out to other African countries. I’ve even suggested it to fellow Americans because of our similarities in culinary options, luxury living, and brand recognition. If I hadn’t been to Johannesburg, South Africa, how would you describe it to me as a foreigner or tourist? What makes the country and the people great?

    Kokota Afrika: Johannesburg is a city that was once describe[d] to be the City of Gold but today, it’s a social hub filled with talent. From musicians to painters Johannesburg has it all. Some describe it to be a jungle with everyone fighting their way to the top of the food chain. I think that’s the beauty of all. It create[s] a sense of culture within the city with everyone striving to bring something new and unique to the table. This is a city that never sleeps.

    GRUNGECAKE: I met you guys during my first trip to South Africa. Since then, we’ve witnessed growth in your business in six months. From the parties to the follower count (nearly 400,000), you’re running a popular platform, Kokota Afrika. How long has Kokota Afrika been in business? What would you say has been the most rewarding thing (or things) you’ve accomplished as a brand so far?

    Kokota Afrika: Kokota Afrika was established in 2021 in hopes of presenting the world the true African gem that was embedded in the core of the South African musical scene, Amapiano. Since then, we have become a major factor in the development of the genre, working so hard to discover the undiscovered. Artists like Uncle Waffles, Pcee, Justin99 and Toss, to name a few, are artists we worked so hard to place center stage of the industry and we do not plan to stop any time soon. Kokota Afrika is a reward on its own. We look at it as a community and not a social media page and leading the people in this community is the greatest reward we could ever ask for.

    GRUNGECAKE: How would you describe the music scene in Johannesburg? Which part of Johannesburg would you say has the best nightlife and why?

    Kokota Afrika: As I stated before, Johannesburg is a jungle. Every one that lives here is hungry for their top spot in the musical scene. This kind of environment is necessary in the development of music in South Africa because it forces everyone to bring their own uniqueness to the table allowing for the music here to become more and more diverse.

    GRUNGECAKE: How paramount is South African culture to you as individuals and as a brand?

    Kokota Afrika: South African culture is what built us, it’s what built Amapiano. Without the South African culture, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation as two individuals. So to answer your question, the South African culture is the most important thing to us and to our brand.

    GRUNGECAKE: You guys also contribute to programming in Soweto (a 45-minute drive from Rosebank) at a thriving club called Zone 6. Tell us about some of the shows you’ve produced and what you have coming up in June and July.

    *Kokota Afrika didn’t answer this question, unfortunately.*

    GRUNGECAKE: You’re around and support many talented local artists through the performance series you produce and through artist management. Who are some artists you believe should be on our radar, and why?

    Kokota Afrika: Kokota Afrika prides itself on discovering the undiscovered. There are artists all around this country who deserve to sit centre stage of the musical scene and they are Tycoon, Jaylooks, Sjavas Da Deejay, Stixx.