Social media sensation: The documentary Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within tells the story of Masaka Kids Africana, a bustling home for more than 30 orphaned children. Picture: Supplied
Books
Rooted and Rising by Thebe Ikalafeng
Kimberley-born branding expert Thebe Ikalafeng returns with a new book celebrating Africa’s excellence. Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming our Culture and Redefining our Global Influence is Ikalafeng’s follow-up to The Traveller Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa, released last year.
Published by Jonathan Ball, Rooted and Rising serves as a transformative manifesto and practical guide that empowers people of African descent to embrace their heritage unapologetically while thriving in a globalized world. Ikalafeng challenges the Western-dominated narrative of personal branding and leadership, offering an African-centered approach rooted in Ubuntu—the principle that “I am because we are.”
A Pawfect Life by Dion Chang
One of South Africa’s most respected trend analysts and founder of Flux Trends, Dion Chang has crafted the perfect gift for pet lovers. Recently published by Pan Macmillan, A Pawfect Life is filled with practical advice for modern pet parents, along with a humorous exploration of how far we’ve gone to pamper our furry companions.
Chang delves into the latest trends, from cannabidiol (CBD) treats for anxious dachshunds to extravagant birthday pawties and even pawternity leave for new pet owners. He also addresses the more challenging aspects of pet parenting. By speaking with animal behavior expert Leigh Shenker, Chang explores our willingness to spend small fortunes on our pets, pondering whether treating them as miniature humans is beneficial.
Herman se Tafel by Herman Lensing
This culinary gem features 10 unique menus, each centered around a theme where all courses—from starters to desserts—fit seamlessly together. With dishes that are not only exquisite but also user-friendly, Lensing showcases both classic South African favorites and touches of Italian and French cuisine.
It’s no surprise that Herman se Tafel recently achieved international accolades at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, often regarded as the “Oscars” of the food and wine book industry. This tenth culinary offering from Lensing was named the Best Cookbook of 2025 and crowned Overall Winner in the Celebrity Chef World category.
Other notable cookbooks worth considering include Simply Seven Colours by Zola Nene and Mexico in Mzansi by Aiden Pienaar, both published by Penguin Random House. Exploring culinary creativity further, readers can look for Freestyle Cooking by Oliver Swart and the debut cookbook Damn Good Food by social media sensation Fehmida “Fehmz” Jordaan.
Screen Entertainment
Nowhere Man
The film company that brought us the first Amazon Prime Original scripted series in Africa, In Your Dreams, has released a new six-part series titled Nowhere Man—a gripping action-drama. Directed by Gareth Crocker and Fred Wolmarans, the series follows Lukas, portrayed by Bonko Khoza, a former mercenary grappling with PTSD as he wanders the city as a waste picker.
Living in a homeless shelter, Lukas salvages scraps to assist others while using his metalworking skills to craft statues that he sells to generate funds. The series also features rising star Dineo Rasedile and American actress Naturi Naughton, drawing viewers into a narrative that intertwines human resilience and the quest for redemption.
David
In a landscape filled with challenges, a young shepherd steps forward when the giant Goliath rises to terrorize a nation, armed only with faith and a sling. Produced in Cape Town, the animated musical David is set to delight audiences across 44 international markets and has already garnered over seven million YouTube views for its trailers.
Creator, director, and executive producer Phil Cunningham explains the choice of animation, stating, “Animation has this incredible power to cross race, cultural, age, and gender barriers—better than any other medium.” The production team ensured thorough research, including multiple trips to Israel, in their efforts to maintain authenticity in this adaptation of a beloved biblical story. David is slated for release on 19 December across various cinemas, including select locations in Kenya, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within
As streaming platforms unveil their festive lineups, Netflix continues to stand out with original African content. Among the highlights is the short documentary Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within. Directed by Moses Bwayo and David Vieira Lopez, this film chronicles the heartwarming story of Masaka Kids Africana, a vibrant home for over 30 orphaned children, aged from 2 to 19 years.
With a staggering presence online—nine million followers on Instagram, six million on TikTok, and four million YouTube subscribers—Masaka Kids Africana has captured the hearts of many and is recognized as one of Africa’s most popular dance groups. The project gained additional prestige with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle serving as producers through their media company, Archewell Productions, after discovering the group on social media during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This 40-minute documentary, while not as well-known as Sean Combs: The Reckoning, serves as a poignant reminder of how the power of dance can create joy, resilience, and a sense of community.