On 19 March 2026, Billboard Africa hosted the second instalment of its Editor’s Table event series in Johannesburg, South Africa, in partnership with Hennessy — bringing together some of South Africa’s most dynamic and influential voices in music and culture.
Held at Les Créatifs restaurant in Bryanston, Johannesburg, the invitation-only gathering formed part of a broader pan-African series designed to connect artists, executives, and cultural tastemakers in an intimate setting that encouraged meaningful conversation and collaboration.
Curated by Billboard Africa Editor-in-Chief Nkosiyati Khumalo alongside Hennessy, the evening served as a cultural moment at the intersection of music, storytelling, and luxury.
Celebrating African Music and Cultural Influence
The Editor’s Table series was created to spotlight Africa’s music ecosystem while strengthening relationships with the individuals shaping its future.
The Johannesburg edition drew an impressive cross-section of the industry’s most compelling voices — from Osmic Menoe, founder of Back to the City, Africa’s biggest hip-hop festival; to talent managers Thuli Keupilwe and Shingai Darangwa, and Amapiano vocalists Thatohatsi, Zee Nxumalo, and Nia Pearl. Hitmakers Shekhinah and Boity, alongside emerging fashion designer Blaq Child, brought creative range to the table, while culture curators Mateki2Shoes and Kevin Boakye ensured the conversation stretched far beyond music alone.
“No matter where on the continent I’ve travelled, and no matter where I’ve been around the world, I’ve found that Africans are united in our drive to create community, everywhere we are, and that often starts with a warm dinner gathering,” says Billboard Africa Editor-in-Chief, Nkosiyati Khumalo.
“The Editor’s Table was born from this idea, and it’s one way that, together with our partners at Hennessy, we aim to create connections within the music and entertainment industries; to celebrate the context and locality that informs the music, and to explore ways to further expand the musical ecosystem. The South African edition celebrates just some of the hitmakers and record-breakers taking the country’s sounds to the world and plotting new paths for sonic creativity.”
An Immersive Experience Rooted in Culture and Craft
Guests were welcomed into a refined and immersive environment that blended music, conversation, and curated hospitality.
The evening featured a bespoke culinary experience by renowned Chef Wandile Mabaso, whose menu was crafted entirely with Hennessy in mind — including a standout, one-of-a-kind pairing of Hennessy XO and umqombothi, a nod to South African heritage that grounded the luxury of the evening in something deeply local and personal. Each course was thoughtfully paired with Hennessy’s signature serves and premium expressions, creating a dining experience that was as culturally resonant as it was refined.
Reflecting on the evolution of the industry, Khuli Chana noted: “We are not short of superstars and talent, but we need more professionals who bring business insights and systems.”
Among the guests was Nigerian artist LADIPOE, who spoke on the importance of cross-border collaboration: ”Shooting a music video with [South African rapper] Maglera Doe Boy in Lagos, then coming to South Africa to promote the single, is a full-circle moment. At the same time, it reflects a longstanding, evolving conversation between the Nigerian and South African music industries that have produced global recognition. It is our responsibility to continue telling this story.”
LADIPOE and South African rapper and Hennessy Friend of the House, Maglera Doe Boy, first connected through the Hennessy Cypher 2024 — a connection that has since produced their joint single “Motho Waka“. Their collaboration is a testament to Hennessy’s enduring role as a cultural connector, a legacy that continues to find new expression through its partnership with Billboard Africa and platforms like The Editor’s Table.
“Hennessy has always been deeply rooted in music and culture, and The Editor’s Table allows us to bring that commitment to life in a meaningful and authentic way,” says Aimee Kellen, Regional Marketing Director, Moët Hennessy Middle East Africa. “Through this series, we are proud to celebrate the creators and industry leaders shaping the future of African music while creating spaces that inspire connection and collaboration.”
A Growing Pan-African Cultural Platform
Following its inaugural edition in Accra, Ghana in January 2026, the Johannesburg dinner marked another milestone in what is fast becoming one of Africa’s most anticipated cultural series. As The Editor’s Table continues its tour across the African continent throughout 2026, each edition will bring together a new city, a new community, and a new conversation — united by the same commitment to celebrating excellence and building the connections that move the industry forward.
See photos (courtesy of Oway Studios and Meslani Visuals) from the event below.
Boity
Boity at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 2 event, held at Les Créatifs on 19 March 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Zee Nxumalo
Zee Nxumalo at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 2 event, held at Les Créatifs on 19 March 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Khuli Chana and Mateki2Shoes
Khuli Chana and Mateki2Shoes at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 2 event, held at Les Créatifs on 19 March 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Kevin Boakye
Kevin Boakye at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 2 event, held at Les Créatifs on 19 March 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
LADIPOE
LADIPOE at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 2 event, held at Les Créatifs on 19 March 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Shekhinah and Mateki2Shoes
Shekhinah and Mateki2Shoes at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 2 event, held at Les Créatifs on 19 March 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Nia Pearl
Nia Pearl at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 2 event, held at Les Créatifs on 19 March 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Thathohatsi
Thatohatsi at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 2 event, held at Les Créatifs on 19 March 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Blaq Child
Blaq Child at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 2 event, held at Les Créatifs on 19 March 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Chef Wandile Mabaso
Chef Wandile Mabaso at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 2 event, held at Les Créatifs on 19 March 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
