Ravi Kishan expressed gratitude to Generation Z for support and recognition

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) has announced the appointment of Elvira Dyangani Ose as its Artistic Director. This move marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of Africa's most significant contemporary art institutions as the museum approaches its tenth anniversary.

Dyangani Ose will officially join the Cape Town museum on October 1, 2026, taking responsibility for the curatorial vision and artistic direction of the institution as it enters its second decade.

Her extensive international career returns to the city and continent that have long been featured in her creative practice. A specialist in contemporary and African art, Dyangani Ose has held leadership positions at institutions such as the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), The Showroom in London, and Tate Modern, and has also collaborated with Creative Time in New York.

She recently led MACBA from 2021 to April 2026 and is currently the Artistic Director of the second Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennale, which runs from 2026 to 2027.

Her connection to South Africa runs much deeper. In 2006, while working as a curator at Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Dyangani Ose co-curated the exhibition Olvida Quien Soy / Erase from who I Am with Gabi Ngcobo, Tracy Murinic, and Khwezi Guli. This exhibition gathered 14 young South African artists, exploring how artists used self-representation to challenge identity and develop new forms of aesthetic understanding.

A long-term engagement with artists and ideas from Africa and its diaspora has been a defining part of Dyangani Ose's career. Her curatorial work has included major exhibitions such as Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica, Bouchra Khalili: Between Circles and Constellations, Betye Saar: Uneasy Dancer, and Ibrahim El-Salahi: A Visionary Modernist.

At Zeitz MOCAA, she will build upon the foundations laid during the museum's first decade while helping to shape its next phase in terms of exhibitions, research, collections, and public engagement.

This appointment comes at a crucial time for the institution, as Zeitz MOCAA approaches its 10th anniversary and continues to develop the legacy of the late Executive Director and Chief Curator Koijo Kuo, whose leadership helped establish the museum as an important platform for modern art from Africa and its diaspora.

Co-founder and Co-Chair of Zeitz MOCAA David Green OBE stated that 'the appointment of Dyangani Ose reflects what we are as an institution—rooted in Africa, yet connected to the world.' He added that she will oversee the Museum's vision and direction, guiding the institution through its next chapter ahead of its second decade.

For Dyangani Ose herself, this role represents an opportunity to continue developing an institution that possesses both local roots and international reach. She expressed delight at the prospect of joining Zeitz MOCAA at this juncture to continue its journey as a leading African institution with a global presence.

She also noted that she looks forward to working with the museum's team, artists, supporters, and communities to create new collaborations and artistic exchanges between cultures and regions.

With experience spanning major museums, biennials, and independent art spaces across Europe, Africa, and the United States, Dyangani Ose brings a distinctly international perspective and a deep commitment to African artistic production to Zeitz MOCAA. Her tenure begins on October 1st, setting the tone for a new era at Zeitz MOCAA as the museum looks toward its second decade.

The second stage of the 'Laser Run City Tour - 2026' competition, which embodies the directions of running and laser shooting in modern entertainment, took place on the territory of 'Tashkent City Park' in the capital.

Yanga Chief will represent South Africa at the Hennessy Cypher 2026 event, which will bring together a star lineup of hip-hop artists from Africa and the UK. This new collaborative project was created by producer Sarz.

Yanga Chief becomes the third rapper from South Africa to participate in Hennessy Cypher, following in the footsteps of Maglera Doe Boy and A-Reece. His participation underscores Hennessy's commitment to showcasing South African talent on one of the most authoritative African hip-hop platforms, bringing his unique perspective and sound.

Yanga Chief himself noted the significance of this moment, stating: 'Being part of Hennessy Cypher this year is a special moment for me, especially knowing that I am representing South Africa on a platform that brings together some of the brightest voices in hip-hop. For me, it is an opportunity to perform as Yanga Chief, bringing my own sound, perspective, and experience to the Cypher, without changing myself. I come to the Cypher to be completely myself and leave my mark in this moment.'

In August, Hennessy continues its history in hip-hop by hosting Hennessy Cypher 2026. For the first time in the country's history, Tenor from Cameroon participates, joining Suspect 95 from Côte d'Ivoire, Kwesi Arthur from Ghana, Fena Gitu from Kenya, and British-Nigerian rapper Enny from the United Kingdom.

Under the creative direction of one of Africa's most influential producers, Sarz, Hennessy Cypher 2026 maintains its deep connection to hip-hop. It blends various performance styles and lyrical traditions with production that respects the genre's foundations while pointing towards its future evolution.

Lungile Mpharu, Hennessy South Africa Brand Manager, commented: 'Fusion is at the heart of Hennessy, and Cypher embodies this philosophy by bringing together diverse voices, cultures, and viewpoints. This year, we are particularly proud that Yanga Chief represents South Africa alongside some of the continent's and the UK's brightest hip-hop talents. His participation reflects the depth of creative talent emanating from our country and the role Hennessy continues to play in creating platforms that allow African artists to push their voices further.'

Hennessy has a unique relationship with hip-hop. Over decades, this brand has been embraced by artists of different generations and regions, becoming an integral part of the music, communities, and creative movements shaping the genre. Hennessy is mentioned in over 58,000 songs and remains the most frequently mentioned alcoholic brand in music history. Hennessy Cypher 2026 continues the brand's long-standing commitment to supporting artists who shape contemporary culture, linking their work with a new global audience.