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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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

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“More money, more problems? Absolutely, but I’d prefer those problems,”

Teni laughs during our Zoom call, relaxed in a hoodie. The Nigerian star, has just dropped “Money” – a single that’s already racing toward half a million views and challenging the typical narratives around wealth in African music.

The track, conceived during the uncertainties of COVID-19 lockdowns, showcases Teni’s ability to transform universal struggles into compelling art. “I wrote this during COVID when everything shut down and people were feeling that pressure,” she explains. “It’s about the hustle – yes, we all need money, but it can’t buy you real happiness or love.” The accompanying video sees her commanding city streets in her signature androgynous, edgy style, a visual testament to her unique position in contemporary African music.

“The universe has just decided that it’s time for Africa,” she says with characteristic conviction. “It’s time for our stories to be heard. And now the world is paying attention. And you know how we Africans do it. We always show up and show out. So it’s our time.”

Music flows through Teni’s bloodline – her sister is Afro-house force Niniola – but she’s carved her own path. After studying business in Atlanta, she returned to Nigeria with clear artistic vision. The industry took notice quickly. From her breakout hits “Case” and “Uyo Meyo” to commanding stages at Coachella with DJ Spinall and Madison Square Garden alongside Davido, her rise has been unique. A BET Award nomination for Best New International Act followed, and recently, she received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) from the Nigerian President – rare recognition for an artist of her generation.

Her latest album, “TEARS OF THE SUN,” released through her own Sugar Mummy Records, brings together rising rap star ODUMODUBLVCK and Made Kuti (Fela’s grandson), creating something that feels both rooted in tradition and boldly contemporary. Looking ahead, Teni’s plans are characteristically ambitious. “There’s an EP coming by the grace of God, ‘Global Citizen,’ and an album coming next year,” she reveals. “The EP will drop Q1 or Q2 this year.”

Teni’s authenticity resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. She’s both a student of Nigeria’s rich musical heritage and a forward-thinking innovator. In an industry often criticised for manufacturing stars, Teni stands out as one of its most genuine voices.

WATCH “MONEY” VISUALIZER

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The Skate Old Skool 36+ combines a padded tongue and shorter toe cap—ideal for today’s skaters seeking style and substance. As with the original, the 36+ is designed for skateboarding, with all the performance upgrades that you can find in the Skate Old Skool—from Vans’ DURACAP technology to reinforce high-wear areas, ensuring the shoe withstands the demands of skateboarding to superior grip and board control thanks to Vans’ SICKSTICK gum rubber compound and waffle sole, while the POPCUSH insole technology provides optimal cushioning, ultimate impact protection, and energy return for a smooth experience during even the most intense skate sessions.

The Vans Skate Team riders—Etienne Gagne, Basral Graito, Nelly Morville, and Zion Wright—star in the new campaign, set to the soundtrack of Zion’s latest song, Aquarius Baby.

The Skate Old Skool 36+ and an exclusive range of apparel will be available on January 30, 2025, at Vans retail stores and online HERE

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“We created more than an event – we built an immersive experience where artistic expression takes center stage,” said Bhavna Mistry, Marketing Manager at Heineken®. “This sets a new precedent for cultural gatherings in South Africa.”

The Sandton venue came alive as Gunna delivered a powerhouse performance, supported by South Africa’s most dynamic artists. DBN Gogo, Young Stunna, and Dee Koala shared the spotlight with Maglera Doe Boy and Morda, creating an unstoppable energy that carried through the night.

The “Face 2 Face” segment featured explosive back-to-back sets from Shakes & Les, Mellow & Sleazy, and Ice Beats, maintaining the evening’s momentum. The “Freshest Finds” platform introduced rising stars Anchorbee, Royal Music, and Stixx ZA, showcasing the next wave of South African musical talent.

“Tonight represents the perfect fusion of international and local artistry,” Mistry noted. “We’ve created a space where creativity knows no bounds.”

The celebration maintained its electric atmosphere until dawn, featuring cutting-edge art installations and fashion displays that captured contemporary urban culture’s vitality.

“The response was incredible!” Gunna shared after his performance. “The crowd’s energy was unmatched. I’m already looking forward to returning to South Africa for an even bigger show. To all my South African fans – thank you for your constant support. Get ready for new music, new visuals, and more performances. Much love!”

“This event represents our vision for the future,” Mistry reflected. “Like our beer, it embodies excellence in every detail.”

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Here’s a number that should make every musician sit up and take notice: a single T-shirt sale equals 6,549 Spotify streams in revenue – on Spotify alone. For Apple Music, it’s 2,554 streams and, on YouTube, a staggering 27,400 streams! In an age where streaming has largely commoditised music, African startup Mercha has identified the holy grail of artist revenue – merchandise. But not just any merch. We’re talking about a streamlined, no-upfront-cost system that’s revolutionising how African artists monetise their brands.

 

“People kept telling us African artists don’t sell merchandise. That wasn’t the problem – the problem was that there wasn’t any infrastructure to do it,” says Kyle Brown, CEO and Director of Mercha, sitting in their Randburg headquarters on a sweltering Monday afternoon.

The stats back him up. While artist merchandise is a US$3.1 billion industry globally, growing at 9.4% annually according to Billboard, the African market has remained frustratingly untapped. Globally, merchandise contributes up to 50% of an artist’s revenue stream, but artists on the African continent haven’t been creating or selling merchandise until now.

Their product lineup tells a story of careful market research and strategic pricing. The Classic T-shirt, their bestseller at R399, comes in black, white, navy, army charcoal and red, crafted from 100% cotton with a weight of 165-180gsm. The premium hoodie line (R699) features a cotton-rich, brushed fleece construction at 280gsm, available in black, grey melange, lilac and aviation blue. Each piece represents a perfect balance of quality and affordability.

What’s fascinating is their production process. The Mercha facility houses a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge techniques. Their direct-to-film (DTF) printing delivers vibrant, durable designs. Direct-to-garment (DTG) technology allows for intricate-detail work. Traditional techniques like embroidery and vinyl printing round out their capabilities, ensuring that they can handle any design challenge.

The business model eliminates traditional barriers to entry. Artists either bring their own designs (earning 75% of profits) or use Mercha’s design services (65% to the artist; 10% to the designer). Mercha maintains a consistent 25% cut, but only after sales are made. No upfront costs, no minimum orders and no risk.

Their collaboration successes are impressive. The roster reads like a who’s who of African music: A-Reece, Nadia Nakai, Rowlene, Jay Jody, PatrickxxLee, M.O.T.I, ROIII, Ricky Tyler and Mellow & Sleazy. Beyond music, they’ve partnered with corporate clients like Rhema Church, Gibela Rail and Techroq, proving the model’s versatility.

The production timeline is ruthlessly efficient. Initial design collaboration takes two weeks, followed by digital application (3-5 days) and upload (2 days). Orders are produced and shipped within 1-5 business days. Monthly profit-share payments ensure regular income for artists, with a R500 threshold for payouts.

 

Their technical capabilities set them apart. Mercha offers end-to-end service: top-tier graphic designers, high-quality printing, packaging and delivery. Real-time sales tracking gives artists instant insights into their merchandise performance. The platform seamlessly connects artists with their fans through a dedicated online marketplace.

International collaborations demonstrate their growing reach. Partnerships with artists like Ammarra Brown, Neon Dreams and Gemma Griffiths show they’re not just a local solution. Entertainment companies – including Muthaland Entertainment, Trace Music and Africori Music Group – have recognised the platform’s potential.

The team’s expertise runs deep. With over 30 years of collective music industry experience, they’ve worked with Universal Music and Trace Africa, managed major artists and built strong industry relationships. This background informs every aspect of their operation, from artist relations to production quality.

Their expanded product range includes oversized crops tops (R399), sleeveless T-shirts (R399), sweat shorts (R450), caps (R350), beanies (R249) and tote bags (R249). Each item undergoes rigorous quality control, from material selection to final production.

For live events, Mercha offers flexible solutions. Events under 300 people get a 70/30 royalty split, while larger events can choose between 70/30 with upfront merchandise purchase or 50/50 with Mercha absorbing production costs. They even handle travel costs within Gauteng, streamlining logistics for artists.

As the interview wraps up, the team’s unified vision becomes clear: “We all have one core belief – that Mercha can positively impact the lives of creatives.” It’s not just about selling products; it’s about creating infrastructure where none existed before.

For an industry long plagued by exploitation and unfair revenue models, Mercha represents something revolutionary: a fair shot at the merchandise market that has enriched artists globally for decades. By removing barriers to entry and providing comprehensive support, they’re not just filling a gap in the market – they’re creating an entirely new ecosystem for African creative success.

 

For collaborations and inquiries, email info@mercha.co.za.

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Mufasa: The Lion King” celebrated its South African premiere at the Ster-Kinekor IMAX Eastgate in Johannesburg. The event featured local voice talent Dr. John Kani (Rafiki) and Kagiso Lediga (Young Rafiki), along with over 1,000 guests. The premiere included special performances, including a rendition of “I Always Wanted A Brother” by the Northcliff Primary School choir.

The film, directed by Barry Jenkins, tells the origin story of Mufasa as an orphaned cub who meets Taka, a royal heir. The star-studded cast includes Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and many others. Using a blend of live-action and CGI techniques, the film features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and score by Dave Metzger.

The premiere marks another milestone in The Lion King’s legacy in South Africa, where both the 2019 film and 1994 original hold significant box office records. The film opens in cinemas on December 20, 2024, coinciding with The Lion King’s 30th anniversary celebrations in South Africa, which include various cultural events and collaborations throughout the country.

In Pictures 

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Fuelled by the energy of the celebration, Zee and Stunna got revved for an exciting new journey with the brand. Their first stop is PUMA South Africa’s Speedcat campaign, rolling out nationally from today.

“We are super excited to welcome Zee and Stunna to the PUMA Fam,” said PUMA Marketing Director Brett Bellinger. “These exceptionally talented young artists are a perfect match for the Speedcat campaign and join global superstars Dua Lipa and K-pop sensation Rosé in redefining the iconic sneaker for a new generation.”

PUMA SA’s Speedcat campaign features a road trip story starring Zee in Black Speedcat sneakers and Stunna in Red Speedcat, both amapiano artists gaining global recognition. The Speedcat, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, was showcased at the Speedcat Fitstop event, which attracted over 300 guests. The event featured a vintage Nissan Skyline display, sneaker customization station, racing activities, and a heritage exhibition displaying notable Speedcat versions worn by motorsport legends. The current PUMA Speedcat OG collection is available in Red, Black, and Pink Blush at PUMA.com, PUMA Retail stores, Sportscene, and Shesha for R1,999.

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Relay Jeans turned up the volume on November 28, 2024, with an unforgettable live event at Barber Black Sheep in Rosebank, Johannesburg, to celebrate the Sound of Denim campaign. The evening was a perfect mix of music, style, and creativity, spotlighting the competition that invites aspiring music producers to remix the signature sounds of Relay Jeans’ iconic denim.

“We’re truly honoured to have celebrated with friends of the brand for the Sound of Denim campaign,” shared Len Makhoba, Relay Jeans Marketing Manager. “Music is a core pillar of our identity, and this campaign is an exciting opportunity to inspire creativity and encourage more people to get involved and enter to stand a chance of winning their share of R45000”

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On Thursday, 5 December, Archive’s Bree Street flagship store refreshed its Homegrown First Thursday for the momentous launch of the Archive Artist Project – a collaborative collection of footwear and apparel by Archive and Grasshoppers designed by Ziyaad Samsodien. 

The collection’s inspiration comes from using elements from the Oudtshoorn area, where the Grasshoppers factory is located, and its surrounds. Each shoe and artwork tells a story about distinct features like the topography of Oudtshoorn and the Swartberg regions. The shell of the Leopard Tortoise, the desert and the Knysna Dwarf Chameleon can all be spotted in the Karoo and Southern Cape regions. Apparel from the collection includes graphic tees with works illustrated by Ziyaad Samsodien. 

The Artist Project

An ode to South Africa’s creative landscape, the Artist Project sees the transformation of Archive’s physical and digital spaces into curated galleries. This initiative elevates the works of emerging and established South African artists, presenting their creations in an environment that merges artistic vision with accessibility. Art pieces are showcased and made available for purchase, encouraging community engagement while supporting local talent.

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Juta Street was the place to be last weekend as House of Vans transformed this corner of Johannesburg into a high-energy mix of art, music, and skateboarding from 1 – 3 November. Headlined by the iconic British-Nigerian artist and Vans ambassador Little Simz, the three-day event drew in fans, skaters, and creatives who brought their energy to a weekend of a truly Vans experience. 

 

Joining Little Simz on the lineup were some of South Africa’s top local talents, including Muzi, Internet Girl, K.Keed,Marcus Harvey, lordkez, and ebumnandini. But the experience didn’t stop at music—House of Vans also delivered an unmissable lineup of art exhibitions, interactive workshops, and skateboarding showcases.

Skateboarding was front and centre, with showcases by the Vans South Skate Team and select riders from the European Team. South African skaters Kyle Kheswa,  Marci Rodrigues, Yann Horowitz, Thalente Biyela, and Melissa Williams held it down alongside Helena Long, the London-based skater and Vans ambassador. Skate demos, free skate sessions and workshops for the kids, were all held in a custom Vans park built in front of the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge.

Local artists like Crispy Skateboards, David Shiffman, Grant McLachlan, Chenai Gwandure, Melissa Williams (AKA Suzy Snakes), Tkay Modise, Kyle Kheswa, and Sam Clarke displayed pieces that captured South Africa’s street culture. One of the standout experiences was a zine-making workshop led by ALPHABET ZOO and featuring ebumnandini, celebrating DIY culture and the power of storytelling. A board-building workshop focused on engaging local youth and women from the skate community, while a heat press printing session, led by Njabulo Hlophe (AKA Dirty Native Chief), let attendees print custom designs on T-shirts.

The retail pop-up scene added an extra layer, with exclusive merchandise from partners like Milk Eyewear, Broke, Bantu Records, Franasonic, Studio Bananaaa, Shelflife, Sealand Gear, and Baseline. Attendees were able to score exclusive gear that blended fashion and the spirit of skate culture, taking home pieces that embodied the spirit of the event.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Vans South Africa’s Head of Brand, Warren Talbot says, “Bringing House of Vans back to Jo’burg has been a massive highlight. It’s not just about the music or the skate demos—it’s about the community. This weekend showed the energy and creativity of the city, and it’s a privilege to see so many people embrace and celebrate the culture that Vans represents.”

Stay tuned for more from Vans as it continues to push creative self-expression in South Africa and beyond. Follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the latest.

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