Mzansi Hot List: Must Watch In 2024
Year after year, Mzansi has proven to be on par with the rest of the world in producing formidable forces to be reckoned with in different spheres of the entertainment world.
These power players have made indelible impressions that have our eyes peeled for what lies ahead. And in the age of social media, with its vast reach and ability to create a community, these movers and shakers have carved names for themselves with accolades and a healthy following to back it up.
From the hundreds of names that could have made the list, 12 unavoidable figures earned themselves a spot on our coveted 2024 HOT LIST of creatives to be on the lookout for.
Introducing 12 trendsetters who are revolutionizing their fields one move at a time.
Azee Green
In alphabetical order, meet model and podcaster Azemahle Dyubeni, popularly known as Azee Green, whose style and quality content have placed her on a steady rise on the influencers ladder. Her gradual ascent has placed her name top-of-mind for beauty and wellness lovers, with her followers eager to get a glimpse of how she romanticizes life and immerse themselves in the “day of the life of the content creator.” Her uphill journey has us ready to see what’s next for the creator.
Caddy
Next on the list is the versatile media personality Caddy, whose career ascent to hosting one of radio’s most contested slots, which is YFM’s prime time slot between 12 and 3pm weekdays, has been a testament of his formidable talent and steady build on a passion held for many years. Making his debut radio appearance on Y, hosting the then-Saturday show FRESHBYCADDY, and dubbing his move to radio as another dream come true, Caddy’s journey has been on an uphill trajectory since. From making his debut industry appearance as a TV presenter on SABC 1’s ‘Teenagers On A Mission’ (TOMz) in 2018 to later achieving prominence when casted on M-Net’s drama ‘Legacy’ for the role of Sanele, and has since presented on various prominent platforms such as Channel O and MTV Base. His star has been on a constant rise. Real name, Teboho Tsotetsi hails from Duduza, and he is living his dream with stylish looks to match it, with a promise of more to come.
Gaisang Noge
Since her breakthrough into the acting industry in 2019 via the film Efa Motho Motho, Gaisang Noge has undeniably made a name for herself with a couple of locally celebrated productions under her belt, such as The Wife, House of Zwide, the local film Thando, and Adulting, and has also since made it onto Showmax’s Leading Lady Watchlist.
With all the opportunities flooding towards her, she said to the Sowetan, “I feel very blessed, very lucky. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see if I am not dreaming. I am so grateful for these opportunities.” And with her growing social media presence, the star’s reach is proof of her ascending path. And promises a bright future that is a definite must-watch.
Lebo Malope
When it comes to the modeling industry, the Malope brothers are without a doubt determined to make their mark globally. Lebo Malope struts on international stages such as the Paris Fashion Week and Louis Vuitton FW24, and modeling for prominent brands such as Prada and Craig Green – which is all proof of the possibilities that life has in store for anyone. Speaking about his working relationship with Lebo, his brother and manager, Denetrics Malope, said, “Working with him has been one of the most rewarding experiences that has made me thank God daily. He’s an amazing kid who knows how to rise up to every show he is placed in and command his presence.”
As a young South African model, Lebo has cracked the international market and is on a clear uphill trajectory that will clearly yield great fruits. We look out for his next international stage to showcase his talent on.
Lordkez
When the name Lordkez comes to mind, authentic, thought-provoking messaging through music is what resonates with the artist. Born Keziah Zoë Meyers, the sultry R&B/neo soul singer who hails from Kimberly, has found solace in music after a tumultuous life journey that has thrown her around a little. Her debut album Testament has not only earned her spots on covers but has also strengthened her stance in music, freeing her and taking the listeners through a healing journey while at it.
Lordkez has graced powerful platforms like Rocking the Daisies, collaborated with the likes of Shekinah, and grown her presence as a multiverse genre muso.
Quoted in Hype Magazine about her debut album, she said, “It’s about being human and being okay with that. That’s what the Bible is for me: the journey of getting to know yourself and learning to be okay with that. So, it’s kind of like my testament to who I am as a person and as an artist.”
Lordkez’s success is proof of what’s more to come from the star.
MOE.
Award-winning singer/songwriter MOE is one to look out for. The proof is in the stages that she has graced, like with the recent Forbes Leading Women Summit as one of the speakers, partly living in China and becoming the first black African to appear on China’s popular singing competition, ‘Sing!’China’. That opportunity opened her up to a global market like no other. With recordings happening across the globe and her furthering her studies in music, there is no doubt that the talented MOE will bring an escalated version of her talent to the world.
Naledi Aphiwe
With just one viral social media video that subsequently gained her recognition from the likes of Chris Brown in 2022, Naledi Aphiwe is proof of what social media can do for anyone. The KwaZulu-Natal-born matriculant’s career blossomed at a rapid pace, collaborating with the likes of Nomfundo Moh and also featured on Chris Brown’s 11th studio album, “11:11,” on the track titled “Shooter.”
This rapid elevation saw her release her solo debut single ‘Ngiyabonga’, which translates to thank you, with the budding star expressing gratitude for her fast-flourishing career. The pace of it all is an indication of more that is yet to come.
She said, “Ngiyabonga is a song that speaks from the heart. 🙏 Reflecting on the journey from where I come from to where I am today, I can’t help but express my profound gratitude. 2023 has been a year filled with joy, unforgettable moments, and divine blessings.”
Pamela Mtanga
Multimedia personality Pamela Mtanga is fast becoming a media powerhouse to be reckoned with. From launching her own hair business, @honeycombhairsa, to collaborating with notable brands like Witchery, L’Oreal, Sprite, and Adidas just this past year, the busy entrepreneur was recently unveiled as the face of Mr. Price x Wonderbra. With years in the making of the Pamela Mtanga brand, this is the rise and rise of the creative, and we can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for her.
Sabelo the Kreator
Sabelo the Kreator’s brand has become synonymous with aesthetically pleasing content, whether he is cleaning or making the widely publicized Boy Dinners. The content creator is steadily solidifying his name on the list of Kreators to look out for. It is his well-curated content that has garnered a following that appreciates the visually appealing stuff, with the marketing graduate’s wholesome content—again synonymous with words such as clean and minimalistic—bagging him nominations with the SA Social Media Awards and the Feather Awards for Social Media Personality of the Year.
He was also recognised by GQ on its Top 11 Most Stylish Guys. Just from living and documenting his life, Sabelo Hadebe is slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with, with an undeniably strong 2024 ahead.
Seemah
Seemah’s name is everywhere nowadays. Literally. Whether for controversies or making boss moves, the Tiktokker is fast topping the influencers list in Mzansi. In just four years of being in the industry, the Cape Town-born creator has managed to take her career from the social streets into the music scene and straight to being a podcaster, with her name being associated with the Podcast and Chill Network.
And with each passing month, with her name making social media headlines, Seemah, real name Sima Mangolwane, is establishing her reputation “quick in a hurry.” There is no doubt that 2024 will be another year to keep our eyes peeled for what the youngster will do.
Teboho Mokoena
Another name to look out for, without a doubt, is football star Teboho Mokoena, who has been scoring beneficial goals for his team, Mamelodi Sundowns, and recently bagging himself the Man of the Match accolade after their 2-0 win against Chippa United this past weekend. Teboho is also part of the national team’s squad, with his performance earning him praise from the likes of Pitso Mosimane, who celebrated the star’s overall performance at the Afcon games, saying, “Teboho Mokoena! What a player! The free kick he scored was just the icing on the cake! He stepped on every grass leaf on the pitch,” said Mosimane on X, formerly Twitter. He is definitely one to look out for.
The Big Hash
Last but far from being the least on the list is Devo Music Group CEO and wordsmith The Big Hash, whose star rose as early as 15 years old. Since his debut release, The Big Hash Theory, which introduced his unique sound, he has since established his reputation within the hip-hop scene, earning features with big names such as Kwesta and Gemini Major, and also featured on the Fifa23 global soundtrack in 2022.
Real name: Tshegetso Kungwane, the star hails from Pretoria and says he knew by the age of 12 that music was the path to follow. With a throng of music releases under his belt, the rapper is gearing up for his much anticipated sophomore release this month, dubbed Heartbreak Hotel, which is something to look out for. As his Instagram bio suggests, the “Future Grammy Winner” has a big year set ahead of him, and is ready to make big moves that inch him closer to the big Gong!