Amapiano Meets Opportunity in HONOR’s Latest Creative Call-Out
HONOR is once again tapping into Mzansi’s creative pulse with the launch of the #HONORX9dOpenVerseChallenge, inviting emerging artists to step into the spotlight and prove they’ve got unbreakable energy to match the moment. More than just a music competition, the challenge offers a rare chance to feature on a major release alongside some of South Africa’s most influential music names.
From Viral Moment to Creative Movement
Last year’s Open Verse Challenge around the HONOR X9c quickly became a cultural moment. Powered by DJ Maphorisa and DJ Tira, the campaign didn’t just introduce a song, it introduced new voices to the country. Winner Thaphelo “Soul Taker” Khoza walked away with R30,000 in cash, an HONOR X9c AI smartphone and a studio session with the industry heavyweights, a moment he credits with expanding his audience and accelerating his career.
Building on that momentum, HONOR is now back with a bigger vision, a bigger sound and a wider creative table.
Inside the Studio: A Bigger Sound Takes Shape
Recently in Johannesburg, studio sessions kicked off for what’s shaping up to be one of the year’s most talked-about collaborations. The new track brings together a powerful lineup including Dlala Thukzin, Thukuthela featuring Naledi Aphiwe, Jazzworx, GL and Zeh McGeba.
The result is a genre-blurring amapiano-inspired sound, deliberately left open for one final verse, the verse that could belong to the next breakout star.
How to Enter the #HONORX9dOpenVerseChallenge
Entries opened on 6 February and will close on 25 February 2026, with the winner announced on 27 February. Aspiring artists are invited to record their verse and enter via TikTok by following HONOR South Africa’s official account (@honorza), using the hashtag #HONORX9dOpenVerseChallenge.
One winning verse will earn R30,000 cash, a brand-new HONOR X9d smartphone, and an exclusive studio session with the featured artists.
Built for Creators Who Move Fast
The challenge reflects the spirit behind the HONOR X9d, a device designed for creators who move quickly, think boldly and capture inspiration in real time. With innovation and value at its core, the X9d continues HONOR’s Unbreakable Series philosophy, empowering those who refuse to slow down.
Scene Feed Thought
In a landscape where talent is everywhere but opportunity is rare, the #HONORX9dOpenVerseChallenge feels like more than a competition, it’s a reminder that the next big voice in Mzansi might just be one verse away.