Dare to be Diesel: elevated yet disrupted, corrupted, slashed, destroyed, and impossibly low-cut.

Diesel’s latest runway spectacle unfolds against the world’s largest graffiti installation – over three kilometers of fabric created collaboratively by 7,000 global artists spanning amateurs to professionals. “This is the true democracy of Diesel,” declares Creative Director Glenn Martens, who gave the collective complete creative freedom in a months-long project.

The collection boldly shatters conventions by reimagining Diesel’s signature denim, utility, pop, and artisanal elements. Innovative tailoring appears in unexpected forms: collarless bouclé jackets paired with denim peplums, while men’s pieces feature raw-cut neoprene alongside women’s bouclé basques with skinny jeans.

Perhaps most striking are the impossibly low-cut garments that defy gravity, secured by strategically attached stretch waistbands. Experimental textiles undergo radical transformation throughout – houndstooth jacquards woven to appear destroyed, bouclé deliberately mistreated to enhance pilling, and printed Lycra mimicking bouclé textures.

The subversive vision continues with ultra-padded hooded jackets, leather boiled for extreme three-dimensionality, and fluffy knits with contrasting interiors. Standout pieces include acid-yellow ruffle details, rubber garments creating trompe l’oeil effects, and extreme “bumster” jeans with adjustable internal underwear paired with chest-sized plasters printed with shirt images.

The accessory line introduces the refined Double D bag in bouclé alongside two new unisex options: the Flag-D slouchy bag and the oval-shaped Load-D. Footwear ranges from chunky-soled ankle boots to distressed slippers, while the brand debuts its Liquifie-D eyewear and three new watch styles incorporating Diesel’s iconic oval D shape.

A special Street Art Capsule Collection drops February 27th, featuring six international graffiti artists who contributed to the show installation. South African artist Farai Engelbrecht leads this diverse group that includes Roy XR Chen (China), Ryota Daimon (Japan), Phree Hester (USA), Brianna Toomer (France), and Red Longo (Italy). Each artist customised Diesel pieces with their signature styles, bringing their unique cultural perspectives to items available at select stores worldwide and diesel.com.

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Adidas Sportswear begins its Lightblaze era, dropping the first model from its new sneaker line. Born from sport, worn for style, the shoe is embedded in adidas Sportswear’s comfort-first DNA, providing a versatile footwear offering for those who want to move through the world in comfort and style on their feet.

 

Fronted by singer Tate McRae – who recently joined the three-stripe brand – and Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, the campaign showcases their signature aesthetics, which redefine the boundaries between athletic performance and fashion-forward style.

Built to support those with busy, active lifestyles, Lightblaze taps into the trending comfort meets style design code. Blending monochromatic color block detailing with lifestyle characteristics, complemented by bold three-stripe branding on the outer foot, the shoe is perfect for elevating a minimalist fit, or styling down for a no-fuss look. The upper features a mix of overlaying and underlaying materials – contrasting suede, leather and mesh – for added texture to accompany the sharp design edges.

Bringing a running aesthetic to all of life’s in-between moments, the new model is equipped with adidas’ leading performance technology, boasting a full-length Lightstrike midsole – inspired by adidas’ record-breaking Adizero running family. The resilient and responsive foam provides 360° lightweight cushioning for faster movement, making the sneaker ideal for day-long wear. Combined with a full-length rubber outsole, the shoe delivers maximum grip and durability for moving through life – whatever path it takes.

 

Speaking about the new shoe and her second campaign for the adidas family, Tate McRae says: “When pulling together my everyday look, my footwear choice is always so important. From tour rehearsals to meeting friends for dinner, I need a shoe that can take me from day to night and promise me ultimate comfort, which is why I am a huge fan of adidas Sportswear’s new Lightblaze model. Stylish, comfy, and perfect to mix and match with all my fits.”

Aimee Arana, Global Senior Vice President adidas Sportswear and Training, says: “adidas Sportswear translates innovation from the field of play into modern lifestyle products, and this is exactly how we approached the creation of Lightblaze. We know our consumers have fast-paced lives and want lightweight comfort in their footwear, so we brought technology from our record-breaking Adizero running shoes into the lifestyle world to provide responsive cushioning, all day every day.”

 

With fresh new colorways and updated silhouettes dropping in 2025, the Lightblaze family will transcend seasons to become the must-have sneaker for everyday movement.  The first Lightblaze model is available today in stores, on www.adidas.co.za/sportswear and via the adidas app.

The post ADIDAS SPORTSWEAR INTRODUCES NEW RUNNING-INSPIRED FOOTWEAR, LIGHTBLAZE. appeared first on HYPE Magazine.

In recent years, Africa’s music scene has exploded onto the global stage, redefining what it means to be an artist from this continent. From Grammy nominations to chart-topping singles, African artists show no signs of slowing down. One key factor behind this success, as revealed by the 2024 Global Impact List, is collaboration.

From East to West, North to South African, artists have embraced the power of collaboration, resulting in some of the most celebrated cross-genre and cross-border hits. This trend sends a clear message: African artists understand that collaboration breeds success, creativity and long-lasting impact.

Growth is on the horizon

One clear example of this collaborative success is the partnership between South African and Nigerian powerhouses Tyla and Tems, whose hit ‘No.1‘ amassed nearly 36 million, this surge in streaming numbers reflects a growing global demand for African music, with collaborations proving to be a key factor in their success. The duo was previously nominated for Spotify’s RADAR Africa artist initiative – a programme dedicated to driving the discovery of emerging artists worldwide.

Following their lead is “One Call” by Nigerian DJ and record producer SPINALL featuring Tyla and Nigerian singer and songwriter, Omah Lay, with over 22 million streams. The growing global appetite for African music is evident in the recent surge in streaming numbers, with collaborations playing a crucial role in driving this success.

 

Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz occupied the fourth spot, putting East Africa on the map with “Komasava”, a banger that features South African artist Chley and Amapiano sensation Khalil Harrison. 

Reaching global standards

Africa’s unique sound is capturing global attention, offering a fresh and exciting experience for music lovers worldwide. Ghanaian artists are reaching new heights through global collaborations. “The Night” by Amaarae, Childish Gambino, and Jorja Smith leads as the most exported Ghanaian song, while King Promise’s “Continental” with Nigeria’s Shallipopi showed up proudly on the Global Impact list, further cementing the power of cross-border partnerships in elevating Ghanaian music worldwide.

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This collaboration marks the return of a highly successful pre-pandemic initiative, where artists perform their top hits and their freshest music up close and personal with the audience, as well as spilling the beans on the newest and most exciting developments in their lives and careers. It’s the 5 Listening Sessions listeners love,but reimagined to deliver an even higher standard of technical excellence and creative engagement.

As part of this partnership, the 5 Listening Sessions will be hosted once a month at ASE’s premier, state-of-the-art live production facility, SABC Radio Park Studio V1A. The sessions will be technically supported by ASE students, offering them a unique, hands-on opportunity to apply and showcase the skills they have acquired through their curriculum. This initiative not only provides invaluable real-world experience for students but also elevates the production quality and immersive experience for 5FM audiences.

This renewed partnership breathes new life into the relationship between 5FM and ASE, with both brands committed to taking the initiative to even greater heights, leveraging cutting-edge technology and industry expertise to create high-impact content and stellar sessions that greatly benefit 5FM and its loyal listeners, as well as ASE and its student body.

“At Academy of Sound Engineering, we are deeply committed to providing our students with real-world industry experience that prepares them for successful careers,” said Nick Matzukis, Founder & MD (ASE). “This partnership with 5FM is the latest example of how education and industry can collaborate to create meaningful opportunities, equipping the next generation of music and audio professionals with the skills and confidence they need to excel.”

5FM and Good Hope FM Business Manager, Masi Mdingane, says: “This is an amazing opportunity with our partners at ASE to not only bring SA’s top hitmakers to our listeners, but also Ampli5 the brightest young stars who will be bringing mesmerising shows and productions to the airwaves and stages for many years to come.”

The 5 Listening Sessions powered by Academy of Sound Engineering promise to be a game-changer in bridging the gap between education and industry while delivering innovative, high-quality content to South Africa’s vibrant radio audience.

The post 5FM and Academy of Sound Engineering Announce Live Show & Skills Development Partnership appeared first on HYPE Magazine.

The days of crowding in a basement with all your friends for a Halo 2 LAN party seem to be a distant memory — we progress further into the online era of gaming, and it’s becoming easier and easier to play as the industry keeps growing.  Sold-out video game conventions and esports events further confirm the industry’s popularity.

 

It can be hard to know where to start for those wanting to get involved in the gaming world. Thanks to huge advancements such as cloud gaming and virtual reality, it’s far more diverse than it once was. In this guide, we’ll simplify the world of online gaming and provide beginners with all the information they need to get started and find their feet in this diverse and exciting community.

Understanding Online Gaming Platforms

PC gaming is extremely popular for those wanting a high-performance experience while also allowing players to customize their set-ups and access a wide range of games, including many unavailable to console players. However, this typically comes at a high cost and often requires players to have at least a working level of technical know-how.

 

 

Console gaming is widely accepted as much more accessible, and more players can play the most popular games. The cost, however, is that players typically pay more while having less control over the specifications of their consoles, unlike with gaming PCs. The best consoles currently on the market are the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 Pro, which was released towards the end of 2024.

Mobile gaming is interesting since it’s highly accessible and applicable to many smartphones, which means there’s a lower threshold for participation. Many of these games are free to download on either the Google Play Store or Apple Arcade but often come with costly in-app purchases and limited controls — which can be challenging for console gamers trying to adjust their playing style.

 

Cloud gaming is a fairly new development and has the potential to change how we approach gaming completely. It allows players to stream games instead of needing to buy specialist software and play directly from their television — something Samsung has been pushing heavily when marketing their 2024 range of televisions.

 

The main downside? The need for a strong and stable internet connection can result in latency issues for those unable to meet the streaming service requirements.

Choosing the Right Game Genre for Beginners

Beginner players should see which of these genres seems like the best fit for them:

 

●      Action and Shooters: These games are often fast-paced and require quick reflexes if players want to succeed, making them quite challenging for those unfamiliar with the genre. Some popular titles include Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Fortnite.

 

●      Role-Playing Games (RPGs): Role-playing games are certainly worth considering for those who prefer games with strong stories and immersive plotlines. These games are typically built for open-world exploration, so check out Red Dead Redemption, Fallout, and The Elder Scrolls.

 

●      Strategy and Simulation: These can be a much calmer experience for players who aren’t into the intensity of other genres. Such games range from city builders such as Cities: Skylines, which revolve around the player building and managing a metropolis, to realistic simulation games such as Euro Truck Simulator, which has players trucking all over Europe to build their empire.

 

●      Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs): These turn-based strategy games are immensely popular among PC gamers and have diverse and inclusive communities, making them perfect for those who enjoy playing as unique characters with their very own skills and powers. League of Legends and Dota 2 are the two most well-known titles in the MOBA genre.

 

Online Casino and Slot Games: Virtual casino games have been growing in popularity in recent years, now serving as a capable alternative to real-world gambling spaces. There are many sites to choose from, including Springbok Casino, Yebo Casino, and Punt Casino, plus so many more listed on playcasino.za, making it easy for players to find a casino that suits their playing preferences.

Essential Gaming Advice

Players should ensure they have a stable internet connection if they wish to play online or stream games using a cloud gaming service — even if they don’t plan on playing any fast-paced first-person shooters.

 

Another important consideration is choosing the right hardware. With many different consoles available to pick from, players will need to make the right choice to suit their needs, and then buy the necessary accessories to play online, such as gaming headsets and controllers.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Online Gaming in 2025 appeared first on HYPE Magazine.

 

RGRSNW opens the year with a R&B ballad. Exploring the themes of lost love, and heartbreaking conversations. The track produced by Medicine Man provides  a dreamy and eclectic feel. The track is an homage to RGRSNW’s more contemporary R&B roots. 

His latest single ‘INTERSTELLAR’ has been featured on the Apple New Mzansi Playlist, with previous releases  featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday, R&Beats and Fresh Finds Africa playlists. Apple Music’s Alt R&B, New  in R&B, New Music Daily and R&B hot tracks 

 

With the WAIT VISUALIZER has already hitting 25K views on Youtube WAIT was added to the Spotify’s Fresh Finds Africa playlist.

The post RGRSNW is gearing up for a new single appeared first on HYPE Magazine.

South Africa is a goldmine of talent, and every day, a new artist emerges to captivate audiences. One such rising star is neo-soul sensation Darlinoh, who is set to release her latest single, Emoyeni, this Friday.

 

With her soulful voice and undeniable artistry, Darlinoh is an artist to watch. While you wait for the drop, check out her performances on YouTube and get ready to experience something special.

The post Neo-Soul Artist Darlinoh Set to Drop New Single This Friday appeared first on HYPE Magazine.

Vans is back for its second collaboration with multidisciplinary designer and creative visionary, Nicole McLaughlin, and this time they’re taking functional design to a new level with the Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Slip-On RS.

Known for her playful upcycled creations and ability to transform everyday materials into multi-functional designs, Nicole brings her ingenuity to a collection that’s built for adventure, creativity, and just a little bit of mischief.

“It’s key to have elements of functionality, mixed with a sense of conceptual art and style,” says Nicole. “Creating pieces that can be multi-purpose but also fun has always been my goal. I was inspired by vintage hiking packs from the ‘70s and the aesthetic of outdoor gear from that era for the collection.”

The Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Slip-On RS reinvents an iconic silhouette with a built-in rucksack pocket on the toe and adjustable nylon webbing. A 40% recycled canvas upper, treated with PFC-free DWR waterproofing, keeps things resilient, while a lugged tread outsole delivers multi-surface traction for whatever the day brings.

 

The collection extends beyond footwear with the Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Rucksack (a climbing chalk bag made from 40% recycled canvas) and the Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Rucksock, made from 80% organic cotton with a built-in cargo pocket for added function. Its utility meets creativity, all wrapped in Nicole’s signature DIY spirit.

The Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Slip-On RS will be available in two colourways, Tanl and Grey while the Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Rucksack and Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Rucksock will be available in Oatmeal.

Playful, inventive, and packed with detail, the Vans x Nicole McLaughlin campaign brings the collection to life through miniature storytelling. Going off-grid, the Slip-On RS unpacks with tiny survival tools and sets up camp in a scaled-down outdoor world. The collection is also showcased inside a mini replica of Nicole’s own atelier, a nod to her unconventional creative process. Shot and styled by Nicole herself, the campaign flips the script on functional design to prove that utility and imagination go hand in hand.

 

“I love DIY culture and designs people can interact with and further customise themselves,” says Nicole. “I encourage people to make the pieces their own and I’m excited to see how they will be personalised!”

The Vans x Nicole McLaughlin collection will be available to shop on Vans.co.za and at select retailers beginning 27 February 2025.

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The Belgian design maverick and denim giants just delivered the collab we never knew we needed.

Amsterdam’s denim authority G-STAR has finally unleashed their hotly anticipated link-up with avant-garde icon Walter Van Beirendonck, and it’s everything we hoped for and more. First teased at Paris Fashion Week last summer, this boundary-shattering capsule is now hitting select stores worldwide, bringing Van Beirendonck’s unhinged creative genius to G-STAR’s technical denim expertise.

In true WVB fashion, the designer completely flipped the script on traditional denim construction. Forget everything you thought you knew about jeans—this mad scientist of fashion ditched conventional stitching for experimental gluing and taping techniques that have us seriously questioning why anyone’s still using a needle and thread in 2025.

“I wanted to challenge what’s possible,” Van Beirendonck explains. “This project is pure innovation and pushing against the rules.” G-STAR clearly knew what they were doing when they gave him total creative freedom.

The result? A 19-piece unisex collection that is the most innovative denim drop of the year. The Square Jeans and Wader Jeans are straight-up engineering marvels, while the Embossed Pamflet Jeans and Future Proof Jacket feature the collection’s signature embossed dots that literally put the “balls” in “Denim with Balls.” Adding to the flex, everything’s crafted with certified Cradle to Cradle fabric—so you can stunt sustainably.

For the campaign, legendary Dutch photographer Paul Kooiker captured Van Beirendonck himself in a series of iPhone-shot images that bring surreal, unfiltered energy to the collection’s already disruptive vibe.

The G-STAR x Walter Van Beirendonck collection drops today at select retailers and g-star.com. Prices range from €140 to €1000, but act fast—this limited edition heat won’t last long.

Click here to see for the latest collection

The post G-Star Taps Legendary Walter Van Beirendonck For Mind-Blowing “Denim With Balls” Drop appeared first on HYPE Magazine.

Ghanaian hip-hop legend M.anifest just surprise-dropped a bar-heavy freestyle, WORTH THE WAIT—and trust us, it lives up to the name. Packed with punchlines and quotables, this one will have you hitting replay for days.

But the real bombshell dropped 24 hours later. After keeping fans in suspense for two years, M.anifest is officially back with a brand-new project, NEW ROAD AND GUAVA TREES, set to drop on March 13.

 

This isn’t just any return—it’s a statement. Known for collaborating with some of South Africa’s finest (the late HHP, A-Reece, Kwesta, Stogie T, and MiCasa), M.anifest drops subtle hints in his fiery freestyle about what’s to come. “Didn’t have to compromise to get the Mass Appeal,” he spits—a clear nod to his upcoming debut under Nas’ iconic label, Mass Appeal.

Don’t sleep on this—watch and listen to WORTH THE WAIT now!

The post Ghanaian Hip-Hop legend M.anifest shocks the game with an explosive freestyle titled “WORTH THE WAIT” appeared first on HYPE Magazine.