South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu is celebrating the country’s influential women in music through the 2026 Magugu FC Women’s League, bringing together 11 artists whose sounds are shaping the local music scene.
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The latest edition of Magugu FC continues Thebe’s annual exploration of football culture across the African continent, this time drawing connections between the unifying power of football and the influence of South African music.
The 2026 Women’s League features a lineup of women working across genres including amapiano, house, techno and gqom, highlighting their individual musical identities and the ways they continue to push creative boundaries.
Meet the 11 women featured in Magugu Women’s League
The 2026 Women’s League features 11 women whose individual styles and musical influences contribute to the evolving sound of South Africa.
The official lineup comprises Count Lupa, KMAT, DJ Cndo, DBN GOGO, Mamthug, Baby Whitz, Kitso, AN.D, TNXBK, Likkylks and Tumi Moliko.
Representing different musical backgrounds, the women move between genres and often blend sounds to create distinctive musical identities.
Magugu FC draws a parallel between football and music, with each woman occupying her own position and bringing a unique style to the collective lineup.
The initiative celebrates the creativity and influence of women who continue to shape South Africa’s music landscape.
Through this selection, Thebe highlights the diversity of South African music and the women contributing to its evolution. Much like a football team, each artist occupies her own position, bringing a unique style and perspective to a collective celebration of the country’s musical landscape.
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Blending football, music and South African culture
The Women’s League forms part of Magugu FC’s ongoing exploration of the connection between football and African culture.
Football has long served as a unifying force across the continent, while music remains an important part of South Africa’s cultural identity.
By bringing these worlds together, the initiative highlights the women pushing musical boundaries and contributing to the country’s vibrant creative scene.
From amapiano and house to techno and gqom, the featured artists represent the diversity of sounds influencing dance floors and audiences across the country.
Magugu FC Women’s League jersey launches
Alongside the lineup announcement, Magugu FC has made its Women’s League jersey available in limited quantities.
The jersey is available exclusively at AKJP in Cape Town from 29 October 2026.
From 5 November 2026, it will also be available at Magugu House in Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as through the brand’s worldwide online store.
The collection extends the initiative beyond music, bringing fashion, sport and culture together in a celebration of South African creativity.
With its 2026 Women’s League, Magugu FC shines a spotlight on 11 women whose individual sounds contribute to the evolving identity of South African music.
Featured image: Instagram/@thebemagugu
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