Nike introduces Air Max DN8—teaming up with emerging trailblazers

Mateki2Shoes is not just a DJ, not just a producer, and not just a designer—he’s all of it, seamlessly blending music, fashion, and street culture into one fluid motion. Dubbed “the street concierge," Mateki moves with a rare versatility, a curator of sounds, spaces, and style. His fingerprints are all over South Africa’s youth culture, from the beats he spins to the brands he elevates. If there’s a movement happening, he’s already in the middle of it.

From shaping the sounds of Amapiano, Gqom, and Afrotech to working with names like Tshego, Bnnyhunna, Gemini Major, and Major League DJz, Mateki is both an architect and a bridge—connecting local talent with global audiences. His collaborations extend beyond music; he’s played a pivotal role in brands like Daily Paper, Filling Pieces, and Grade Africa finding a home in the South African market. The right eye, the right connections, the right timing—he’s got it all.

Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight with the Air Max DN8, bringing his signature energy to a new frontier. For Mateki, staying true to his sound isn’t a challenge—it’s second nature. “I stay intentional with the stuff I do, especially with music. I always stay on my path,” he says. And that path? It’s deeply rooted in South Africa. Every track, every set, every collaboration is infused with the country’s rich sonic DNA. He doesn’t just play music; he translates culture through sound.

His journey has taken him across borders and into career-defining moments, but one stands out above the rest—closing out Hi Ibiza 2024 with a four-and-a-half-hour set. Sharing the stage with Rampa from Keinemusik, alongside South Africa’s own Desiree and Adam Port, it was more than just a night behind the decks; it was a statement. A moment where all roads led to one place, one sound, one undeniable presence—Mateki2Shoes, exactly where he’s meant to be.

Shamiso, standing alongside South Africa’s rising pioneers, brings her own unique rhythm to the movement. A DJ, curator, and champion of Afro Tech and Afro House, she doesn’t just play music—she crafts immersive sonic experiences. Her deep connection to indigenous Afrocentric sounds fuels her mission to revolutionize how African electronic music is received on a global scale. She doesn’t follow trends; she sets them, ensuring that the world dances to the beat of her own drum.

For Shamiso, staying true to her sound means aligning with industry standards without losing individuality. “Standing out is important, and not conforming to trends allows me to keep thriving,” she says. It’s this mindset that has propelled her forward, shaping an identity that is as authentic as it is influential. Her creative process is deeply rooted in experience—immersing herself in the best Afro Tech and Afro House events, staying attuned to new releases, and drawing inspiration from the DJs and producers who push the culture forward.

Her journey has been marked by defining moments, but none more surreal than her nomination for Beatport’s Best New DJ award. As the only African DJ in the category, she’s set to represent the continent at the awards in April 2025.

Joining our trailblazers, Babalwa M brings her signature soulful touch, cementing her reign as the queen of Private School Amapiano. Her journey into music was unexpected, sparked at the height of the pandemic in 2020, but her impact has been undeniable. Known for her rich, dynamic voice, she effortlessly navigates up-tempo dance beats while infusing storytelling into her craft. From her early days in the church choir to briefly exploring journalism before diving into music, Babalwa’s evolution has been a testament to her versatility and passion.

Her latest project, Candour (2024), showcases some of her best work yet, featuring collaborations with Mawhoo, Stixx, Mzizi, the late Yallunder, and longtime collaborator Kelvin Momo. She has also lent her talents to projects by Kabza De Small, Koppz, and MKeys, further cementing her presence in the Amapiano scene.

Babalwa credits her sound’s evolution to artists like Erykah Badu and Thandiswa Mazwai, whose influences have shaped her vocal delivery and approach to music. “They’ve changed the way I sound on certain songs, helping me grow and experiment with my voice,” she explains.

One of her career-defining moments came in 2024 when she performed at the Chris Brown concert at FNB Stadium—an experience she describes as “one of the biggest moments etched in my life.” With an ever-growing fan base and an unwavering dedication to her craft, Babalwa M continues to redefine what it means to be a powerhouse in Amapiano.

Shakes & Les, the South African DJ duo made up of Kamogelo Shakoane and Sihle Lukhele, are known for their genre-blending style that fuses electronic dance music with hip-hop. They first gained attention with their 2016 hit “Magic,” and have since become a powerhouse in the music scene, releasing multiple singles and their critically acclaimed album Love Always Wins.

Before stepping into the spotlight as DJs, the duo made a name for themselves as producers, writing and crafting songs for other top artists. Their sound has evolved over the years, but their ability to connect with listeners has remained a constant. In 2024, their track “FUNK 99,” featuring the sought-after vocalist LEEMCKRAZY, became a massive hit, solidifying their reputation. The duo’s Funk Series continues to showcase their skill for creating bold, infectious music that resonates on a global scale.