Mzansi Avenue

Avenue Music: Best Moment in Music - Fifth Harmony's Reunion  Ally Brooke . Normani . Dinah Jane & Lauren Jauregui . We love a good girl group. Fifth Harmony was formed on the X- Factor USA and went on to be signed to Simon Cowell 's Syco records where they released 3 studio albums before an expected hiatus after the departure of prominent member Camila Cabello . Which saw a shift of creative direction as the girls shared how they always wanted to write and have a say on their records. Their third album had some standouts moments in songs such as Messy (raw, real, resonance). He Like That (fun. Flirtatious and guitar sensual). Make You Mad (daring, unapologetic, romantic and cheeky). The group currently comprises of Normani Hamilton Kordei. Lauren Jauregui. Ally Brooke and Dinah Jane who've released solo projects throughout the years and early 2025 there were rumours of a comeback with speculation that former member Camila Cabello would rejoin but the...

Pop Essentials Fifth Harmony are Scared Of Happy!  Official Artwork. Syco Records  7/27 is not just their sophomore album but it actually cemented their sound and elevated them as a girl group in the pop genre. Maturing in music they found their glass slippers without Prince Charming of course. Scared Of Happy is a Tropical Pop , dance driven record which is fresh ok the island, served with a slice of lemon as they question their fear to be loved, nobody wants to fall and have no catch me moment or just to be abandoned. Lauren opens up the song as she has the nerves, goosebumps and the excitement of a new love. Served chill like a drink but truly crispy like a sprite you feel the heat and the burn.  All the girls truly shine and the beat has some interesting and engaging transitions that feel like surging emotions. The highs, lows, the freaking out, heart racing thoughts till a calm on the bridge as if searching for clarity and finally a determination as Ca...

Monday Music Motivation: Middle Of Your Heart by For King & Country Luke & Joel pictured, @4kingandcountry on X Welcome to the first Monday of 2026 and we're feeling as good as Music! In tune and singing along to the blessings of The Lord God Almighty. This week we have the Christian Contemporary Duo For King & Country who have an impressive discography with empowering hits such as It's Not Over Yet & Fix My Eyes .  Official Album Cover Middle Of Your Heart by For King & Country is soft rock bliss taken from their debut studio album released on February 28th 2012 by Fervent-Curb records . Lyrically it's about surrendering and turning to God. With such a riveting melody, it takes you into that space of intimacy and longing. Desiring a relationship with the Lord Jesus. Wanting Him to be the centre of it all, forgetting and leaving the past to embracing the new life. Our Faith isn't some empowering affirmation to make ourselves feel better with a sur...

Monday Music Motivation: Little Mix unleashes their roar with See Me Now! Official Artwork. / Syco & Columbia Records. Welcome to Monday Music Motivation where music meets meaning that brings about a feel good and empowering perspective. A confidence anthem taken from their sophomore studio album Salute which was well received by critics for its distinct and catchy sounds that saw a blend of tribal beats, R&B, Soul, Pop & Hip Hop a very fun, dark and mature offering. With production from Fred Ball . Nathan Duval . TMS . MNEK .  See Me Now has such a frenzy vibe, a beat sounds like a battlefield starter before the actual war, it is a rapper's dream yet the girls hold their own with impeccable vocals, polished confidence and a harmonic chorus that has Jade and Leigh-Anne leading to prove haters, doubters wrong! It's such a euphoric song sure to give you an adrenaline rush. The "I'm not scared now!" high note is one of the standout moments  A giganti...

Pop Essentials: Lea Michele - Cue The Rain  Official Artwork. Columbia Records   2014 was a great year for music with great and timeless editions to an ever increasing library of must have hits! Lea Michele dropped her debut studio album Louder which had writing credits from Sia , Tove Lo , Matt Rad , Christina Perri and herself to name a few. It definitely was a jungle of pop music as it stepped into folk, EDM and very adventurous with an almost classical take for a youthful appeal.  Cue the Rain is a hard hitting ballad that showcases her vocal chops, it takes you on a thrilling high like a firework launched into the sky and beautifully explodes. The verses give you the chills as she gets confrontational as she sings "how many times have I driven this road on my way home? It's always the same" it's just a gripping opening and the song never gets dull, intensifying with an epic post chorus which is an outstanding highlight on this record.  @leamiche...

Avenue Music: Dagny Drops 3 track EP 'Jupiter'  Jupiter Promotional images @Dagnymusic @Dagnymusic Best known for her bright and boasting songs such as Come over, That feeling when, Heartbreak in the making and Strawberry dream . She has a signature sound that is definitely hard to resist because it carries a charm sure to light you up with romance driven deliveries, pizza? Yes with toppings for the heart.  Jupiter gives us a more darker tone in sound, it is truly gripping in gravity as it moves you and keeps you on a very intimate listen, moody atmospheres with well meaning lyrics, Dagny isn't the resident bad girl at all, she's edgy but mostly sincere. Knowing You gives power ballad done right, it sounds like a big budget film with high stakes yet she's just going on about a lover, reminiscing over this echoing beat.  Heavy Tonight, not hooked on the first listen but it definitely carries a specific energy, a familiar piano arrangement that is strong enough to giv...

Pop Essentials: Leigh-Anne - Anticipate Official Artwork. This week on Pop Essentials - we have Anticipate by Leigh-Anne taken from her debut EP No Hard Feelings. It's such a door knocking attention calling R&B sunset flavoured banger.  Leigh-Anne is definitely having fun in her element, with a nearly fast paced delivery, it captures an active romance, where they just can't keep their hands off each other, always ready for the honey I'm home and I've been waiting on you type of connect. Some island, vibrating beats and this sound is reminiscent of Tamia and Brandy.  It's one of the highs of her EP. With play value, you'll definitely enjoy this track as goes from soulful to sultry and islandy It gives you an impression that this young lady would've had an identity in that era as she channels her artistry and gives you an outro that'll have you longing for more. Definitely a playlist essential, let it play on and on and on! Anticipate is av...

Avenue Music: Leigh-Anne says Goodbye to Silence with Dead & Gone!  Leigh-Anne . Every artist wants to be in control of their identity in music and not just be another industry product for sales with no true relation. As some songs are the ever so pleasant radio friendly pop, they tend to contain too much sugar, which makes them feel superficial, surface level offerings that offer a nice melody yet long-term it holds no weight. Recently there's been a shift in music with songs that run for 2 minutes and are denied the classic bridge, it feels like "oh, we can't add more because the shorter the better especially for TikTok challenges" Leigh-Anne on the other is very defiant leaving Warner a record label she was part of since her solo career kicked off with an impressionable debut single to a choir connect love affair with My Love she seemed off to a solid start. Underrated rollup if you ask me, it had star quality but less stage presentation, the mark...

Avenue Music: Lauren Jauregui is Back & Sounds Rooted and Ready Official Artwork/ Attunement Records. Lauren Jauregui has been independent in the music scene for a while now, with an unexpected Fifth Harmony reunion and releasing some beautifully constructed pieces of music that are emotionally dependant in carrying the story of her ever so broad and deep engagements of romance, mental health and desires. Her EPs (Prelude & In Between) deserve to be in the Top 5 of anyone's music library.  Ego brings in a very deep and uncomfortable conversation, tackling the truths, taking in the tension like sips of quenching the thirst of uncertainty, Lauren lyrically dives right in opening up like she's in therapy or penning the ultimatum before the finale, raising the stakes as she sounds so in love, longing for answers and true to her intentions it's such a chilled sonic arrangement yet the message carries so much depth that you can't help but be compelled. We ...

Avenue Music: Leigh-Anne Pinnock a Review into Her Music (I Just Need Something That's Real) Official Artwork for Been a Minute. Highly established as a member of Little Mix, historic awards, acclaimed vocals and insane chemistry, they had the formula and were able to navigate into the industry that was somehow failing them? With a 10 year run and global smash hits such as Shout Out to My Ex, Wings & Sweet Melody these girls solidified themselves and withstood as most groups didn't have longevity. Now on hiatus they all took time to craft and create a sound suitable for their artistry, Leigh-Anne kicked off the journey with fans expecting some R&B driven records of course, her signing to the label thrilled everyone who had high hopes. Don't Say Love was released as her debut single and it's quite daring and bold she didn't play it safe. Leigh-Anne went for a mature yet unforgettable sound, the song is a missed opportunity we're surprised it d...

International Song Of The Week: Perrie - If He Wanted To He Would, Award Winning Pre-Chorus! Official Artwork. Columbia Records  We've all been that girl (boy) falling for potential - Perrie sings a fact in the ring of romance, broken promises and proposed picture frames that were so out of the view of reality. This song is definitely a winner. A catchy start and an electric chorus that sounds like an anthem of a wake-up call. Perrie is making a national announcement about bad boyfriends. Call her the good advice on this brimming banger.  She's in her element and you can tell this is one song she's proud to have recorded. With an accompanying visual that references iconic movies such as Mean Girls, Pretty Woman & The Holiday. Perrie gets campy and dreamy, having fun while looking radiantly gorgeous. Kudos to her stylist. very fashionable looks that stole the show. With the announcement of her long awaited debut studio album Perrie, she went back to the drawi...

Pop Essentials: Ego by The Saturdays - Iconic & B-Side Delight! Official Artwork. Polydor Records. Taken from their sophomore album Wordshaker , written by Steve Mac , Ina Wroldsen and Rhys Baker . Produced by Steve Mac . Ego is definitely a dramatic dance anthem with a very glitzy so in the spotlight sonical arrangement, lyrically is about a not so team player who prefers to ride solo much to the girl's dismay. It's one of their discography signature calls because this song is sure a hit with its distinctiveness yet dashes an almost theatrical cut with strong flavour of the 80s.  Official Artwork. Polydor Records. The Saturdays definitely won with this one as it carries a completely different energy, giving you something dancy yet different. The bridge is a thriller as Vanessa bodly takes charge before the harmony packed chorus emerges. It also has the fan favourite b-side track: Flashback which is a missed opportunity for the girls, this should've ...

Avenue Music: MajorSteez & Nomfundo Moh - Angeke, Comforting Melodies and A Burning Romance! Official Artwork. While scrolling on TikTok late at night, I came across this vibrant and heartwarming record, it's very happening, in the heat of the moment sure to get you moving with a fun, mature and captivating arrangement it promises to also be a memorable release with an infectious chorus.  The song dropped a few days ago and it's definitely a blaze! They have a winner. With engaging promo clips that are doing excellent rounds, soon it'll be not just on the radio but on various playlists around the world. Why remain in the South of Africa when reach is far better than in previous eras of music? This song has the local flavour and brings flaming delivery sure to feel like a cosy up by the fireplace. Now that's something. It has this ambience to it as it opens up with the chorus, like a flame that's sparking up before it trails its way for some cuddle and chemistry....

Pop Essentials: Dagny - Heartbreak In The Making Official Artwork. It's such a dangerous flame Dagny is sparking up, knowing the consequences she is ready to embrace the pain that comes with this thrilling romance, forget caution it's more of you only live once and a guy who is a risk she's willing to take. We've all been there before, in a space where we desired a bad boy/girl who has us daring enough to not know what's good for us.  She already knows the outcome and jumps right in. Licking wounds like ice cream, the satisfaction of I knew what I was getting myself into.  As she sings "Have you ever seen? How there's always beauty in a tragedy" you'd swear she's justifying it over a very active beat as it drums with hints of nostalgia and summer sunset. The song is sweet, sugary with some buzzing guitars and it sounds like a cut from the 80s that will sure have you reminiscing over a romance. It's Fresh Pop. Written By: Dagny N...

Avenue Music: Sugababes - Weeds (Official Visual) Official Artwork. This is a Incase You Missed It! They Bloom & Bright in their latest music video.  Hot of off Jungle a dark yet glamorous dancefloor starter, the babes maintain momentum with a soft and gentle ballad that gives you sophisticated soulful arrangements, a vibrance of nearly hip hop with the dripping beats and some rooted rhythm, they play in the dirt growing something that blooms into something so beautiful as Mutya leads the ethereal chorus.  Keisha & Siobhan give the verses a more petal kind of palette, which is sweet and showcases their expressiveness of intimacy and appreciation. The middle 8 is filled with busy harmonies that are well scattered bouncing off each other giving you vintage Sugababes as they don't miss a beat.  From displaying their wild side to the beauty of nature. What a transition.  Daring to Delicate.  Check Out the official video below: Official Video Than...

Avenue Music: Danny Gokey - Open Up The Gates  Official Artwork. Taken from his recent studio album: Sound Of Heaven ( Released July 26th 2024 ) . Open Up The Gates is definitely an upbeat song that'll have you singing out without holding back, it fires you up to praise the Lord Almighty. I'm in love with the chorus, it's very engaging you can't help but find yourself waving your hands up high, getting on a new good and Godly groove.  Shout His praise Open up the gates and let the people Sing His name The powerful and mighty name of Jesus His presence is among us now When I first heard this record I knew it had to immediately be on my playlist, the lyrics are more of expecting what is from God, opening up to God so He may make way for us to receive. Over a very bright and burning beat, with his sharp and strong vocals you can definitely hear the passion and how this song changes the influence into a more pleasant one and that's beautiful.   Official Audi...

Avenue Music: The Power Songs! My Picks. Hi Aaron here, I love music and usually over the years I've used it like a soundtrack to fit any kind of situation I was in, yes you could say I was like a musical movie character always ready to sing in the rain but not in a literal sense. With music we're able to soak in and immerse ourselves, especially if a song is God led you feel His touch, you're able to connect and Praise Him as He moves You. These are some of the songs that have had a beautiful impact as I listened to them.  1. Tear Off The Roof by Brandon Lake -  Official Artwork. - One of the most Faith driven songs as it encourages you to believe in Jesus and call on to him, referencing the Holy Scriptures in Matthew. It will definitely move you to act, it's empowering and one of my favourite songs ever! It's now my alarm tone, that's how much I love it, Turnaround takes second place. That "Out of the wreckage is coming a treasure" openin...

Avenue Music: Tyla Bursts Into Bliss on Sentimental new Record. Official Artwork./ Epic & FAX records Viral sensation and Global star who poured into the scene with a refreshing new sound of South African flavour blends international. Tyla has went on to win a Grammy and various awards in entertainment as she takes centre stage as Pop's lastest act. An acclaimed debut studio album with cuts such as Butterfly, Push 2 Start & Art she set herself apart, standing out and walking to the studio to put on more than just her voice on the record.  Bliss is post debut and it's a tantalizing song with adventurous tones, it is dance heavy yet with a light-hearted romantic take of a love that definitely has you taking off to the sky, experiencing overwhelming joy. Tyla's vocals are rich and defy gravity as she sings from the heart. Almost has tribal elements and it showcases a departure from her usual sound, she's in new territory and is comfortable and in control. It does h...

Monday Music Motivation: The Saturdays - Not Giving Up Official Artwork. / Polydor & Fascination Records Released as the fifth single from their fourth studio album Living For The Weekend, Not Giving Up is a trance record with dance and electrifying energy, written by Antonio Egizii, Celetia Martin, David Musumeci, Carla Marie Williams and Carl Ryden who served as the producer. Lyrically it's about not giving up on love and you're definitely gonna find yourself empowered over an undeniably riveting record, Rochelle kicks off the song with a gentle verse sure to entice you and builds to a power packed chorus as they affirm they're not, never giving up, no matter the no.  Mollie's verse one of the song's highlights with the beat giving a fresh twist, it's one of the most sonically pleasing moments in music. As it echoes sonically with lush and club friendly tones.  Frankie's bridge gives the song an edgy sugar rush, as she nudges a romance with assurance a...

Pop Essentials: Sunday Rain by Sugababes  Official Artwork./ Island Records A pop diva moment with some soul and sass, a revenge driven ballad that is very extravagant chiming in with lavish instrumentation that is jazzy and whiskey neat. Taken from the 6th studio album Catfights & Spotlights. It takes centre stage at the crime scene...a love affair gone wrong!  Sunday Rain isn't an instant classic it grows on you and you come to enjoy its timeless energy. it's one of their must listen to records as part of their discography. Amelle. Keisha & Heidi brought the vocals and presence that you can't help but press the repeat button. It should've been a single, a very strong record with a dream girls type of chorus, Motown vibes and our favourite. You know what they say 'with Saturday sun always come Sunday Rain.'  they sing on the chorus.  It doesn't get better than this, it's a hit with a missed opportunity of being a global smash, yes it's not a...