Johnnie Walker proudly announces the official line-up for the South African edition of Johnnie Walker AfroExchange—its bold, cross-continental cultural platform spotlighting the trailblazers shaping the future of African creativity.
Johnnie Walker AfroExchange will see South Africa and Nigeria collide in a celebration of music, fashion, and cultural storytelling, with one of Nigeria’s biggest rising stars, BNXN, joining the local lineup for a powerful moment of Afro-urban unity.
Known for his soulful voice, genre-blending sound, and introspective lyricism, BNXN has become a standout figure in Nigeria’s evolving Afrofusion scene. With hits like Finesse and Gwagwalada, his presence in the South African leg of AfroExchange reflects Johnnie Walker’s mission to champion fearless creativity and amplify the cultural exchange between two of Africa’s most dynamic creative forces.
He joins a powerful local line-up headlined by DJ Maphorisa — the global architect of Amapiano and a pioneering force in blending Afrobeats, Gqom, and house. Thukzin, a trailblazer in Afro-tech and electronic fusion, brings his high-energy sets and genre-blurring sound that’s redefining the future of South African dance music while Nigerian star Nigerian star Dope Caesar commands the decks with her genre-fluid, high-impact sets — a rising force reshaping Nigeria’s nightlife and pushing the boundaries of the continent’s DJ culture.
Also featured are Shakes & Les, a dynamic DJ duo at the forefront of the Amapiano movement, celebrated for their infectious energy and ability to seamlessly blend deep grooves with crowd-moving rhythms. Their sets are a masterclass in modern South African sound, rooted in street culture and driven by an unrelenting passion for the genre. Viral sensations Tito M & Yuppe bring their global hit Tshwala Bam remix with Burna Boy to life, igniting dance floors with infectious energy.
AfroExchange embraces the future of sound with legends like Professor whose Kwaito-rooted anthems have shaped South Africa’s dance culture and continue to inspire a new generation. DJ duo Banques & DJ Venom bridge cultures by blending Nigerian and South African sounds through a sharp, modern Afro-urban lens.
With this dynamic lineup, Johnnie Walker AfroExchange celebrates more than music — it’s a tribute to the people, stories, and unstoppable creative energy shaping Africa’s cultural future. From genre-bending performances to unexpected collaborations, AfroExchange is where legacy meets innovation, and where the continent’s most exciting voices come together under one roof.
“AfroExchange is the intersection of rhythm, canvas, and couture—a celebration of how we create, express, and define culture through every note, stroke, and stitch”, said Ifeoma Agu, Group Head of Culture, Influencer and Advocacy at Diageo South, West and Central Africa. “At Johnnie Walker, we walk with the artists, designers, and musicians who are turning Afro creativity into global influence. This platform exists to elevate their stories and ensure they are seen and heard on a global scale. This is more than an event — it’s a movement”.
To be part of the experience, follow @JohnnieWalkerSA on social media and look out for exclusive access drops, limited event invitations, and behind-the-scenes content. You won’t want to miss the cultural exchange that’s walking Africa into the future.
Check out the announcement below:
Hey Neighbour Festival 2025, initially set to take place this August, has been moved to December 2025. While the festival was set to feature world...
Bantu Nots has announced that the official visualizer for 'Bancwi', featuring Sonwabile, will drop on July 5, 2025. Fans are eagerly anticipating ...
At Spotify’s Soundboard event, genre-bending producer and DJ Thakzin was unveiled as the 2025 Spotify Southern Africa RADAR Artist. Known for shaping...