South Africa’s music scene has always had a way of turning everyday moments into big opportunities. This time, that spark is coming from a collaboration between tech brand HONOR and some of the country’s most recognisable music names, with DJ Tira encouraging aspiring performers to step forward and share their sound.
The HONOR X9d Open Verse Challenge is now open, inviting artists across Mzansi to record and submit their own verses for a brand new track currently being developed in studio sessions featuring a lineup of established local talent, including DJ Tira, Dlala Thukzin, Thukuthela, Naledi Aphiwe, Jazzworx, GL, and Zeh McGeba.
A chance to move from bedroom recordings to the big stage
For many young creatives, the biggest hurdle is simply being heard. The open verse concept flips that script by giving anyone with a phone and an idea a direct route into the spotlight. Participants are asked to record their verses and share them through TikTok, using the official campaign hashtag while following HONOR’s local account for updates.
Entries opened in early February 2026 and close on 25 February 2026, with the winner expected to be announced on 27 February 2026. The chosen artist will see their verse featured and will receive a cash prize of about R30,000, a new HONOR X9d device, and a studio experience alongside the established artists involved in the track.
Built on a challenge that already changed lives
This is not the first time the initiative has made waves. A previous edition tied to the HONOR X9c drew strong participation from across the country and helped its winner gain wider exposure after working directly with recognised producers and DJs. That success has shaped this year’s version, which promises a bigger creative collaboration and a broader mix of voices behind the new release.
Why this moment matters for South African music
Open verse challenges have become a powerful tool in the streaming era. They tap into the way South Africans already discover talent through short-form video and social media. Instead of waiting for a record deal, creators can now test their ideas in public and build momentum in real time.
Online reaction to the latest announcement has been energetic, with many fans welcoming another chance for unsigned artists to collaborate with household names. For many, it reflects how amapiano and related genres continue to thrive on community participation rather than closed studio circles.
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More than a promo, a platform for new voices
While the campaign is tied to the launch of the HONOR X9d smartphone, the bigger story is about access. By linking music creation with everyday tech, the challenge leans into a simple truth about modern South African culture. The next breakout star is just as likely to emerge from a home studio or a late-night voice note as from a major label session.
For artists sitting on half-written lyrics or that one verse they have been too shy to post, this is the kind of moment that can change a career. The beat is coming, the stage is open, and Mzansi’s next standout voice could be hiding in someone’s drafts right now.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: Beatport
