Johannesburg, 16 October 2025 — Spotify is turning the digital dial up on South Africa’s booming podcast culture with the launch of its first-ever Johannesburg Podcast Live Sessions, taking place on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at Workshop 17 in Rosebank.
The series is designed to bridge the gap between creators and their audiences, giving fans the rare chance to connect in person with some of the country’s most talked-about podcasters. The event will feature three of South Africa’s fastest-rising shows — Sibling Thrivalry, What in the 20s, and Still Uncaptured — each bringing their unique voice and storytelling energy to the live stage.
Celebrating South Africa’s Storytelling Renaissance
“Podcasting is a growing medium for storytelling, and fans are coming to Spotify to connect with the creators they love,” said Ncebakazi Manzi, Spotify’s Sub-Saharan Africa Podcast Manager. “In-person events like these deepen that connection and celebrate the voices shaping the future of South African media.”
Since opening its first local podcast studio in Johannesburg in 2024, Spotify has been steadily investing in local content creation and infrastructure. The Live Sessions mark the next step in that journey — turning digital listens into real-world communities and amplifying the authentic African stories that are capturing global attention.
Three Podcasts, Three Perspectives
Sibling Thrivalry, hosted by the dynamic sibling duo Talitha and Zuko Ndima, has exploded in popularity — with a 564% surge in plays and a 281% rise in followers since January 2025. Known for its hilarious and heartfelt takes on family life, the show’s most streamed episode, “Dad Is Finally in the House,” features a candid and comical sit-down with their father. Most listeners tune in from South Africa, the UK, and the US — a testament to the global appeal of South African family storytelling.
What in the 20s, helmed by Zama Mkhize, has become the voice of a generation navigating the chaos of adulthood. The podcast, which has grown its audience by 222% this year, resonates deeply with young women figuring out love, ambition, and identity. Its most popular episode, “You Can’t Have Both,” explores the delicate balance between dreams and sacrifice — with audiences in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya leading the charge.
Meanwhile, Still Uncaptured, hosted by Kgomotso Matsunyane and Ndumiso Ngcobo, takes a fearless approach to unpacking social and political issues at home and abroad. The show has grown its followers by 454% since January and attracts a mature, thoughtful audience aged 28–44, slightly more than half of whom are women. Listeners’ top episode, “Discussing African Spirituality with Mkhulu Nobamba,” dives into indigenous wisdom and modern identity — a conversation both deeply local and globally relevant.
Building South Africa’s Creative Future
Spotify’s move to bring podcasts to a live audience underscores its belief in Africa’s storytelling power. With more than 6 million podcast titles and over 250,000 video podcasts globally, Spotify continues to invest in creators who inspire, challenge, and connect audiences through authentic conversation.
By localizing its support and infrastructure, the platform is helping South African voices reach global stages — while giving listeners the chance to see, hear, and engage with the people behind the microphones.
Tickets and Details
Tickets to the Johannesburg Podcast Live Sessions are limited and can be booked through Spotify’s official channels.
For updates, follow @SpotifyAfrica on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, or join the Spotify Africa News WhatsApp Channel.
About Spotify
Founded in 2008, Spotify has transformed how the world listens to music and podcasts. With over 626 million users — including 246 million Premium subscribers — across 180 markets, Spotify remains the world’s leading audio streaming platform. Its mission: to unlock human creativity by helping artists live off their art and fans find inspiration in sound.
Visit www.spotify.com to explore, stream, and share your world in audio.