Levi’s® and COLORSxSTUDIOS Celebrate lordkez and South Africa’s next wave of music 

Levi’s® hosted an intimate gathering in honour of lordkez as she stepped onto one of the world’s most influential music platforms.

Last week, Levi’s® hosted an intimate industry gathering to celebrate South African singer-songwriter lordkez and her recent feature in Levi’s and COLORSxSTUDIOS’ EMERGENT programme.

The celebration followed the release of lordkez’s A COLORS SHOW performance, which was filmed at COLORSxSTUDIOS in Brooklyn and debuts her new song, Wena Fela. Produced in partnership with Levi’s® as part of EMERGENT, the performance introduced her to COLORSxSTUDIOS’ worldwide audience while offering a first glimpse into her upcoming album.

Hosted at Sumthing Sumthing in Parktown North, the event brought together artists, media and cultural tastemakers to celebrate a milestone not only for lordkez, but for South African music more broadly, as one of the country’s most distinctive voices stepped onto one of the world’s most influential music platforms.

A Moment Years in the Making

Born in Kimberley, lordkez has built a reputation as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary local music.

Her blend of soul, R&B, and introspective songwriting, alongside collaborations with artists like, Bas, Shekhinah, Jelani Blackman & Cassper Nyovest, has positioned her as a standout voice within a new generation of globally minded African artists. During the evening, guests experienced that artistry firsthand as lordkez performed fan favourites You, Me and The 90s and Aweh, before closing with Wena Fela.

Levi’s® styled lordkez and YFM presenter Hey Shawty for the occasion, bringing its signature expression of individuality to a night rooted in music and culture. Also in attendance were fellow artists including Filah Lah Lah, Mars Baby, Marcus Harvey, Zulu Mecca and K Keed, alongside YoMzansi, Hype Magazine and iQhawe Magazine.

The event was supported by Krone welcoming guests with bubbles on arrival, Jack Black providing refreshments throughout the evening, and The Lab, who showcased its denim refresh product. YFM also joined the celebration, with Hey Shawty recording the first live episode of Tell Us Y from the venue.

From South Africa to the World

As part of EMERGENT’s global rollout across Mexico, South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Japan, lordkez’s spotlight is a reminder that some of the most exciting stories in music are emerging from communities with a distinct point of view and a powerful cultural identity.

The Johannesburg celebration served as a chance to recognise an artist whose journey continues to resonate far beyond South Africa’s borders, while remaining deeply connected to the people, places and experiences that shaped her. It’s exactly the kind of story Levi’s® and COLORSxSTUDIOS set out to amplify through EMERGENT.