Johannesburg, South Africa – September 2026: The leading youth fashion retailer joins forces with Channel O’s (DStv Channel 320) new music platform to help transform South Africa’s next generation of artists from raw talent into screen-ready stars.
Studio 88 Mix On The Move, in partnership with Under The Radar, is joining the nationwide search for South Africa’s next wave of musical talent, giving emerging artists the opportunity to step into the spotlight, develop their craft and take their artistry to the next level.
The search is open to South African solo artists aged 18–35, with ten artists set to be selected to take part in the series. From there, three artists will earn the opportunity to create their own professional music videos, turning their talent and creative vision into fully realised visual experiences.
For Studio 88, the partnership represents a natural intersection of fashion, music and youth culture. The brand will play a role in the artists’ visual journey, helping them explore the relationship between their sound, personal style and identity as they move towards becoming screen-ready artists. Studio 88’s Mix On The Move is a long-running talent search competition that has become a celebrated platform for discovering and developing emerging South African talent. As a brand deeply rooted in both music and fashion, Studio 88 has successfully leveraged its strong cultural influence to create opportunities for aspiring artists while connecting authentically with local communities. Over the years, Mix On The Move has earned a reputation for showcasing fresh talent, promoting self-expression, and celebrating the powerful relationship between music, style, and youth culture, making it one of Studio 88’s most successful and enduring initiatives.
Great artists deserve more than a stage, they deserve a spotlight. Through this partnership with Studio 88’s Mix On The Move, we’re giving South Africa’s next generation of talent the platform, visibility and support they need to turn their passion into possibility.” Shirley Adonisi Director: Local Entertainment Channels, M-Net.
The response to this year’s competition was exceptional, with entries received from talented artists across South Africa. The high calibre of submissions showcased the depth of creative talent emerging from the country’s music scene and reinforced the importance of platforms such as Mix On The Move and Under The Radar in providing opportunities for the next generation of artists to be discovered, developed and celebrated.
“At Studio 88, we believe that fashion is an important part of how young creatives express who they are. Through our partnership with Channel O’s Under The Radar, we’re excited to support emerging artists as they discover not only their sound, but also the confidence and visual identity that will help them stand out. This is about giving young South African talent the platform, tools and inspiration to be seen and heard,” says Kaboomo Mgibi-Marshoff, Senior Brand Manager at Studio 88.
Being an artist is about more than making great music. It is about knowing who you are, how you want to be seen, and having the confidence to own your identity.
Helping the artists navigate that journey is a strong lineup of industry voices, each bringing a different perspective from across music, entertainment, media and creative production.
The mentorship lineup features Phindi Matroshe Mtshali, an experienced artist manager and PR strategist; Siya “Slikour” Metane, pioneering hip-hop artist, entrepreneur and founder of SlikourOnLife; Shawn Ntuli, a stylist and multidisciplinary creator; and Zoë Modiga, the acclaimed South African singer, songwriter and performer known for her unique blend of jazz, soul, African storytelling and contemporary sounds.
Joining them is Luthando “Hey Shawty” Makwange, radio host, digital presenter and creative producer, who will serve as host, while multi-award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer Ofentse Mwase takes on the role of video director.
Together, the team will challenge and guide the selected artists as they develop their artistry, identity and readiness for the next stage of their careers.
For Studio 88 Mix On The Move, this is where style meets sound. The partnership will see Studio 88 bring its understanding of fashion and youth culture into the artists’ journey, helping them explore how their personal style can become an extension of their music and identity.
At the heart of Under The Radar is the opportunity to move from being overlooked to being seen. The journey will test more than musical ability. It will challenge the artists to demonstrate their creativity, individuality and potential, ultimately giving three of them the chance to bring their music to life through professionally produced music videos.
Ten artists will step into the spotlight, with three earning the opportunity to move from under the radar to centre stage.
Tune In
Follow the journey as South Africa’s next generation of music talent competes for their chance to break through. Catch Under The Radar Powered by Studio 88 Mix On The Move on Channel O (DStv Channel 320) every Saturday from 19 September 2026, and watch as emerging artists are mentored, challenged and transformed into tomorrow’s stars.
About Studio88
Studio 88 is one of Southern Africa’s leading fashion brand stockists. This one-stop fashion retailer has over 450 stores across South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zambia. Studio 88 is part of Blue Falcon Trading (Pty) LTD which was acquired by the Mr Price Group in 2022.
Studio 88 offers top international brands like adidas, Nike, Puma, Levi’s, Vans, Converse, New Balance, and The North Face, to name a few at competitive prices.
Studio 88 also boasts an online store, making it easier for our customers to get their favourite brands.
About Channel O:
Channel O (DStv channel 320) is a South African-based music channel which first started transmission in the 1990s. Its main focus is African music in Africa and the diaspora. Channel O can be accessed via DSTV, a satellite pay TV service for pan-African households. The channel broadcasts a variety of music, such as kwaito, mbaqanga, gospel (African and International), hip-hop and many other genres. It is shown in the mornings on Magicworld. It also hosts the annual Channel O Music Video Awa
Media Contact:
Name: Kaboomo Mgibi – Marshoff
Website: https://www.studio-88.co.za/
Instagram: studio88_branded
rds ceremony where artists are awarded for their outstanding contributions to African music.
Media Contact:
Name: Kaboomo Mgibi – Marshoff
Website: https://www.studio-88.co.za/
Instagram: studio88_branded
