A new generation of creatives takes centre stage
The University of Cotton Fest (UCF) Creative Programme has unveiled its Class of 2026, spotlighting a new wave of South African artists who are pushing boundaries across hip-hop, amapiano, R&B and alternative sounds.
Launched as part of the legacy of Riky Rick, the programme continues to serve as a creative platform where young talent can develop their craft, gain industry exposure and connect with the broader music culture.
A mix of rising stars and established voices
This year’s class features a diverse lineup of artists from across the country, each bringing their own sound and story to the table.
Among them is acclaimed producer MashBeatz, known for shaping some of South Africa’s most influential hip-hop releases through collaborations with artists like A-Reece, Maglera Doe Boy and Ami Faku. His presence adds industry weight to a class largely made up of emerging talent.
Durban’s PEGG and Risky T RSA represent the next generation of hip-hop, blending experimental sounds with raw storytelling rooted in their environments. From Cape Town, Billy G SA and Polly T bring versatility and sharp lyricism, with Polly T already gaining recognition after winning the Cotton Fest Open Mic competition.
Women making their mark
The programme also highlights powerful female voices, including Orchid MusiQ, whose genre-blending sound fuses Afrobeats, amapiano and pop, and Bizzy Acwesh, who uses her music to tell deeply personal stories through isiXhosa-driven hip-hop and Afropop.
Soundtracking kasi culture and beyond
Artists like Tallrickyworldwide and Tr3.lxgy are bringing township narratives and everyday experiences into their music, while Nino Fresko is carving out his own lane with a fusion of trap, kwaito and hip-hop.
Meanwhile, LUUKHANYO continues to stand out with his alternative, genre-blurring sound, already gaining international recognition and millions of streams.
More than a programme, a cultural movement
The UCF Creative Programme positions itself as a “campus” where creativity is the curriculum and culture is the classroom. Through mentorship, performance opportunities and industry access, it gives young creatives the tools to grow beyond the stage.
Led by Bianca Naidoo, the initiative continues to honour Riky Rick’s vision of empowering youth and building a community-driven creative ecosystem that extends far beyond the festival itself.
Carrying the Cotton Fest legacy forward
Even after the festival’s conclusion in 2025, the University of Cotton Fest remains committed to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for the next generation of artists.
At its core, the programme is about more than music; it’s about community, collaboration, and growth, ensuring that the culture continues to evolve.
Scene Feed Thought:
Cotton Fest may be gone, but its impact clearly isn’t – this new class proves that the next wave of SA talent is already here, and they’re not waiting for permission.