Reviews Episodes

This week on The Best Kept Secret Podcast, we're unpacking one of the most talked-about South African hip-hop albums of the year, Mochen's NORTH Vol. 1 (The Prophecy). Hailed as a bold and deeply personal debut, the project has been praised for its cinematic storytelling, lyrical depth, and themes of faith, ambition, and perseverance, cementing Mochen as one of the country's most exciting new voices. We break down the highs, the standout moments, and whether NORTH Vol. 1 (The Prophecy) lives up ...

This week, we dive into one of the most powerful South African hip-hop debuts of the year: NOSANGE by Lowfeye. Named after his late mother, the album has been praised for its emotional honesty, vulnerability, and fearless storytelling, while blending hip-hop, Afro-soul, and Durban influences into something deeply personal. Featuring a wide range of guest voices and some of Lowfeye’s most introspective writing yet, NOSANGE feels less like a debut and more like a statement. We unpack the music, t...

This week, we get into 4LUV 2 from Blxckie, a project that sees him fully lean into his R&B bag once again. As a follow-up to his 2022 4LUV, this tape has been getting love for its emotional honesty, blending smooth melodies with themes of love, heartbreak, and vulnerability. With the project already making waves on the charts and showing a softer, more introspective side of Blxckie, we break down whether this is a natural evolution or a shift that really works. Tap in as we unpack one of the ...

This week we’re talking about one of the most talked-about new voices in SA hip-hop right now. Usimamane recently dropped his EP G-Wagon Music: Baby Tai, a project that tries to capture the hunger, ambition and confidence behind his rapid rise. From luxury-rap flexes to more reflective moments, the Umlazi rapper continues to show why so many people are paying attention. In this episode, we unpack the music, the standout moments on the EP, and what this release says about where Usimamane is heade...

For our final episode of 2025, we’re taking a moment to look back. This episode is all about reflecting on the sounds, the artists, and the shifts that defined the South African hip-hop scene this year. From new voices making real noise, with the likes of BabyDaiz, Kindly Nxsh, BrotherKupa and more, to the ideas and energy shaping this current wave, we share our honest takes on what stood out and what mattered. We also turn our eyes to the future, unpacking what 2026 could look like across genr...

This week we’re exploring Kristi Lowe’s debut album "a glimpse inside my mind," a project that feels raw, warm, and unfiltered in the best possible way. She digs into love, grief, healing, and self discovery with a kind of honesty that doesn’t try to impress you, it just tells the truth. The sound blends retro soul, pop, jazz, and RnB, but what stands out most is the emotional clarity. Some moments cut sharply, others feel tender and restorative, and together they offer a portrait of an artist ...

This week we’re turning the spotlight on one of South Africa’s most soulful voices, Langa Mavuso — and his first major release in years titled Therapy: The Other Side. The album marks a profound new chapter, rooted deeply in loss, reflection and renewal. Mapping grief, healing and spiritual reckoning, the songs read like letters to self, moving between raw confession and gospel-tinged uplift. The album features the likes of Marcus Harvey, Nkosazana Daughter, Yanga Chief, and more! Visit TBKS web...

This week we’re talking about Nasty C’s long-awaited album FREE — his first release since going independent. The project captures a new chapter for one of SA’s most beloved rappers, as he explores freedom, growth, and creative control under his own label, Tall Racks. With features from Blxckie, Usimamane, and more, FREE balances sharp lyricism with introspective moments that show just how far Nasty C has come. Visit TBKS website · Follow TBKS on Facebook · Follow TBKS on Twitter · Follow TBKS o...

This week, we’re diving into Painfully Happy, the much-anticipated follow-up to The Waiting Room from one of SA’s brightest R&B voices, Nanette. The album is a stunning blend of love, heartbreak, grief, and healing — finding joy right in the middle of the chaos. With tracks like Abazali, Nanette stretches her sound while keeping her storytelling raw and intimate. It’s vulnerable, soulful, and beautifully honest — exactly why we’ve been waiting for this one. Visit TBKS website · Follow TBKS on F...

This week, we’re all about Shekhinah, the beloved South African pop/R&B queen, and her unexpected new album, Less Trouble, the follow-up to her 2021 project Trouble in Paradise. Blending pop, R&B, Afrobeats and even Amapiano sonics, the project feels like her most honest and confident work yet. With features from lordkez, Moliy, Young Stunna and Mars Baby, some are already calling it her best work to date! Visit TBKS website · Follow TBKS on Facebook · Follow TBKS on Twitter · Follow TBKS on Ins...

This week, we’re excited to be unpacking 'Moments After', the latest EP from one of SA’s most consistent R&B voices, Rowlene. It’s soulful, reflective, and all about healing after the storm. With standout tracks like “Losing Sleep” and “Don't Give Up On Me” the project shows Rowlene stepping into her power, vulnerable yet bold. We unpack the sound, the story, and why this EP feels like her most personal work yet. Visit TBKS website · Follow TBKS on Facebook · Follow TBKS on Twitter · Follow TBKS...

This week, it's all about The Big Bro Theory, the latest album from SA hip-hop legend Kwesta. With features from Blxckie, Amanda Black, Nkosazana Daughter, Thabsie, Blaq Diamond, and more, the project sees Kwesta step fully into his “big bro” era, reflecting on his legacy while mentoring the next wave. It’s grown-man rap with heart, bars, and soul. Join us as we unpack one of the most anticipated local hip-hop drops of the year. Visit TBKS website · Follow TBKS on Facebook · Follow TBKS on Twit...

This week on The Best Kept Secret Podcast, we're spotlighting Kane Keid's debut album, Not Famous. Released on April 30, 2025, this nine-track project offers a candid exploration of the challenges faced by emerging artists navigating the complexities of the music industry. Not Famous features collaborations with notable artists, including Tembipowers, Usimamane, ZuluMecca, Ntatao, and Retro Vibe. Each track delves into themes of self-discovery, ambition, and the emotional toll of pursuing artis...

We're back with another deep dive into the latest from one of our favorite artists, SAMA-winning singer-songwriter lordkez. Her latest project, You, Me & The 90’s, is a heartfelt homage to the 90s R&B era, blending deep-rooted influences with lordkez's own signature sound: soulful, intimate, and refreshingly honest. In this episode, we delve into each track, exploring how lordkez reimagines the golden era of music through her own lens, blending nostalgic sounds with deeply personal storytelling....

This week on The Best Kept Secret Podcast, we're diving into Chipego's much-anticipated debut album: Don't Forget To Remember. Blending neo-soul, amapiano, Afro-Tech, and R&B, Chipego crafts a sound that's both authentic and innovative. The album features collaborations, including "I'M ALRIGHT" with ZRi and "LET IT FALL" featuring Phonikz . Tracks like "LALALA" and "MOTIVATION" showcase her vocal versatility and genre-blending prowess. Join us as we unpack the layers of this debut, exploring it...

This week on The Best Kept Secret Podcast, we're diving into K.Keed's highly anticipated debut album, Bite The Bullet. In this episode, we break down the standout tracks, discuss K.Keed's lyrical depth, and examine how Bite The Bullet positions her in the current hip-hop landscape. Bite The Bullet boasts an impressive lineup of collaborations, featuring artists like Priddy Ugly, Shekhinah, J'Something, Zoë Modiga, and Mi Casa's Mo-T. These collaborations enrich the album's diverse sound, blendin...

This week, we're diving into MSRYLUV$CMPNY, the latest album from one of our favorites, Money Badoo. The anticipated album is a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and resilience, blending alternative hip-hop, R&B, and experimental sounds to create a world where vulnerability meets strength. The album features the likes of Una Rams, BENJAMIN, BabyDaiz, MashBeatz, Sauwcy, Nanette, J Molley and more. Join us as we explore the themes and sounds of MSRYLUV$CMPNY, discussing how Money Badoo t...

We’re back! It’s a new year, and we’re starting things off strong with a deep dive into one of our favorite albums of 2024—Red October: Induction by Tony Dayimane. This rising star in SA hip-hop brought the heat with a project that blends sharp lyricism, hard-hitting production, and features from some of the game’s biggest names, including Kwesta, Yanga, Usimamane, Emtee and more. Is this album proof that Tony Dayimane is next up? What makes Red October: Induction stand out in the current hip-h...

In this episode of The Best Kept Secret Podcast, we dive deep into Usimamane’s highly anticipated album, "20th: Days Before Maude." Following his smash debut EP in 2023, Usimamane has managed to capture the hearts and ears of hip hop fans across the country and beyond. Featuring collaborations with some exciting voices in the music scene, including, Sjava, Tony Dayimane, ANATII, YoungstaCPT and more, "20th: Days Before Maude" is a testament to Usimamane’s growth as an artist. Join us as we unp...

In this episode of The Best Kept Secret Podcast, we dive into Elaine's latest album, STONE COLD HEART. From the soulful highs to the moments that left us wanting more, we unpack the standout tracks, the themes she explores, and how her sound has evolved since her breakout days. We also discuss what we'd love to see from Elaine as she continues to shape her artistry. Visit TBKS website · Follow TBKS on Facebook · Follow TBKS on Twitter · Follow TBKS on Instagram

In this episode of The Best Kept Secret Podcast, we dive into Mikhalé Jones' latest album, TOO MANY PROMISES. Known for her unique blend of R&B, soul, and contemporary flair, Mikhalé delivers a deeply personal project that explores love, heartbreak, and the promises we make to ourselves and others. We break down the themes, standout tracks, and overall sound of the album, while reflecting on Mikhalé's growth as an artist. Join us as we unpack the emotional depth and sonic versatility of TOO MANY...

In this episode of The Best Kept Secret Podcast, we dive deep into Marcus Harvey’s latest offering, Now You Know Me (NYKM). Signed to the influential Stay Low label, Harvey brings his soulful, introspective style to a 10-track journey of self-discovery. We’ll explore how he he showcases his growth as an artist, blending personal narratives with the rich textures of South African musical influences. Join us as we unpack the standout features, including collaborations with Maglera Doe Boy and 25K,...

Sio is a South African singer-songwriter known for her soulful and poetic lyrics. Sarang, released in 2023, is an album that delves into themes of love, heartache, and healing. The title "Sarang" is a Korean word for "love," and the album reflects various facets of love through its emotive and atmospheric soundscapes. The album blends genres like soul, jazz, and electronic music, creating a unique and immersive experience. Sio's vocal delivery, coupled with the album's production, offers a deep...

In this episode of TBKS Podcast, we dive deep into the intricate soundscapes and lyrical prowess of ZuluMecca's latest EP, "SEAMS." Join us as we explore the threads that weave together this compelling project, unraveling the themes, influences, and standout tracks that make it a must-listen. From the powerful storytelling to the innovative production, we break down what sets "SEAMS" apart in the ever-evolving landscape of South African hip-hop. The impressive EP features her label-mates, from l...