We spotlight South Africa’s young trailblazers who have made waves globally this year
South Africa is shining brightly on the global stage — from music and fashion to a range of sports, local talents are breaking barriers and shattering expectations, including a Grammy Award winner, MET Gala debutant UFC champion, athletics record-breaker and being the world’s best. Their stories are a testament to our country’s potential. We have the scoop!
Tyla
Tyla Laura Seethal’s journey to global stardom is a testament to her genre-defying sound and cultural influence. With a passion for music that knows no boundaries, she has seamlessly blended African rhythms with international musical styles.
Hailing from Johannesburg, the 23-year-old singer and songwriter won a Grammy Award for her track ‘Water’ in 2024, a milestone in her career. In 2025 she’s won several more, including the World Artist of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music awards, the Impact Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards, and the Favourite Global Music Star award and Favourite Afrobeats Artist at the American Music Awards.
Her rise to fame began with her debut song ‘Getting Late’ in 2019, but it was ‘Water’ in 2024 that exploded globally, becoming a viral sensation, with widespread acclaim and chart-topping success on international platforms. It made its mark on the Billboard Hot 100, claimed the top spot on the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart, and dominated music charts in the US and UK. The song’s viral dance challenge on TikTok fuelled its massive popularity, driving record-breaking streaming numbers and cementing Tyla’s impact on the music scene.
Her music is a fusion of amapiano, pop, Afrobeat and R&B, making her a unique voice in the industry. She has collaborated with top artists such as Tems, Gunna, Travis Scott, Kelvin Momo and fellow African Wizkid.
This exposure has catapulted her to international recognition, earning her a spot on stage at the Coachella music festival in the USA. She’s also released her EP, WWP (We Wanna Party), this year, hinting at a long-awaited album to come…
Her triumph not only elevates her career but also highlights the increasing popularity of African music worldwide, showcasing our unique rhythms, rich cultural heritage and undeniable impact on the global stage.
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Thebe Magugu
Thebe’s debut this year at the prestigious Met Gala in New York was a momentous occasion for South African fashion (his garment, which took 120 hours to make, was worn by Canadian fashion activist Aurora James). In addition, his Magugu House concept store appeared in Time magazine’s list of ‘Greatest Places in the World’.
With a focus on storytelling through design, Thebe’s brand is celebrated for its innovative approach to African heritage and identity. His designs are narratives that weave together history, culture and modernity.
Hailing from Kimberley, Northen Cape, Thebe (33) told i-D magazine: “I grew up with an incredible family who were all very fashion conscious, even if we couldn’t afford the latest trends. I think you could see it in the way that they interacted with the clothes that they had already.”
He scraped together enough money to move to Johannesburg, where he set up a workspace in Gandhi Square. “I would do my patterns on the one side of the room and then sleep on the other side… but I was happy because I was getting to do what I love.”
His use of bold colours, patterns and textures has redefined the fashion landscape. His garments have graced Fashion Weeks across the globe and been worn by Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and our very own Anele Mdoda, Nomzamo Mbatha, Thapelo Mokoena and Zolisa Xaluva.
Thebe has managed to redefine African fashion, push boundaries and challenge stereotypes. As he continues to make waves, his influence extends beyond the runway. He has become a symbol of African excellence.
@sowetan.s.mag This afternoon, fashion designer Thebe Magugu officially welcomed the first public audience to his concept store, Magugu House, in Joburg where all the magic happens. SMag got an exclusive first look. #SAMA28 #fyp #tiktoklifestyle #tiktokfashion #viraltiktok #thebemagugu ♬ Webaba – Culoe De Song
Akani Simbine
The 31-year-old from Kempton Park is a world-class sprinter who competes in the prestigious 100-metre event, where he demonstrates exceptional speed, technique and dedication to his craft against some formidable opponents.
Akani’s achievement in 2025, surpassing Usain Bolt’s record, is a monumental moment for South African and world athletics. When he won at the Botswana Grand Prix in Gaborone with a time of 9.90 seconds, he became the first and only athlete in history to have run sub-10-second 100 metres races for 11 consecutive years.
His first big race was back in 2013 at the World Championships, and he won his first gold medal in 2015 in South Korea. Since then, Akani has broken records, including the 100-metre African record, and has consistently finished in the top five in major championship races. He has also collected medals, including three golds at the African Championships, gold at the Commonwealth Games, and silver in the 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympics.
He’s been on a roll this year. In March he won bronze in the 60-metre race at the World Indoor Championships, with a time of 6.53 seconds. He went on to win gold at the Xiamen Diamond League and anchored South Africa to a win at the World Relays in China. As if that wasn’t enough, he won the 100-metre race at the Atlanta City Games and took gold at the Rabat Diamond League.
He told BBC Sports Africa: “I have literally put myself to the surface and I proved myself to be an elite athlete. I don’t need a medal to prove it. The medal is just the cherry on top.” Akani’s achievements have not only raised the profile of South African sport globally but are promoting a culture of excellence in local athletics, inspiring others to pursue careers and glory in track and field.
@wandadiamondleague A class apart 💯 Akani Simbine 🇿🇦 turned on the jets in the men’s 100m race in Xiamen 🇨🇳 A sub 10 second clocking 🔥 – 9.99 seconds #DiamondLeague 💎 #XiamenDL ♬ original sound – Wanda Diamond League
Dricus Du Plessis
Dricus’s successful defence of his UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) middleweight title in February this year was a moment of great pride for South Africa. In the fight against Sean Strickland in Sydney, Australia, Dricus dominated — even breaking his opponent’s nose with a powerful right hand. “I wanted a submission, a knockout or an absolute domination of a five-rounder. I gave it my all,” he told Al Jazeera News.
The 31-year-old from Welkom in the Free State started training in martial arts at the age of five, progressing from judo to wrestling and then kickboxing. He became South Africa’s first-ever WAKO Kickboxing World Championships medallist at 17, then shifted his focus to mixed martial arts (MMA) due to better career prospects. After three amateur fights he turned pro in 2013, and had a successful run in the EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship), winning titles in both welterweight and middleweight divisions.
He then joined the UFC, making his debut in 2020 with a knockout win in round one (another first for a South African). Since then, he’s had several more notable victories, earning him Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards.
In August this year, fans watched with disappointment as he lost his hard-earned title to Khamzat Chimaev from the UAE. Such is the roller-coaster life of a champion. What we know for sure is he’ll be back… And his impact on South African sports is undeniable, paving the way and promoting a culture of excellence and ambition.
@dricusduplessis Win or Die trying! #Stillknocks #preparetobeamazed #proudlysouthafrican🇿🇦 #andnew #teamusn #ufc ♬ Way Down We Go – Slowed – Ren
Rayno Nel
Rayno (30) is officially the World’s Strongest Man in 2025, winning the title in the USA by showcasing his incredible strength, mental resilience and remarkable endurance. His has been a meteoric rise from his rugby roots in Bloemfontein to the pinnacle of strength sports on the world stage.
He first competed in and won South Africa’s Strongest Man title in 2023, then again in 2024, and claimed victory in the Strongman Champions League 2024 season. His performances earned him a spot at the world contest among the strongest men on the planet.
The competition took place in California in May, where 30 of the world’s top strength competitors clashed in a series of demanding challenges over five days, including the Log Lift, Vehicle Pull, Carry & Hoist, arduous Power Stairs and the legendary Atlas Stones. With brute force, endurance and precise technique, Rayno maintained consistency throughout the competition.
He is also the first non-North American or European to win the World’s Strongest Man title since 1997. “To represent South Africa in any way whatsoever feels surreal,” he told USA Today Sports after the win.
Rayno’s success has raised the profile of strength training in SA, and helped fuel the culture of physical fitness and mental toughness.
Tshego Gaelae
Tshego’s crowning as Mrs World 2025 is a celebration of her dedication to empowerment and positive change. The attorney, model, mother and brand ambassador has become a symbol of excellence and inspiration for many women.
The 33-year-old from Soweto was crowned Mrs South Africa 2024 and went on to compete for the world title in Las Vegas, USA, making her the second South African and first black woman to achieve this feat.
“I did this for all of us, the entire South Africa and Africa, and for every queen that has walked before me,” she said in an Instagram video.
Tshego is also involved in various charities and causes, focusing on women’s empowerment and children’s welfare. Through her platform, she aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of those she touches, promoting empowerment, resilience and collective growth. Her philanthropic work has made a significant impact in her community, and she continues to inspire others through her selflessness.
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Words: Emma Mbuthuma
Photography: Gallo/Getty Images
