Jay Jody and Blaklez have built something special — a movement that has evolved into a home for true hip-hop day ones. Cool&Blak has become that safe space for the mature hip-hop audience — the ones who still love the culture but prefer chilled vibes, good conversations, and an environment that’s less chaotic. That’s what Cool&Blak represents to me: grown, cultured, and effortlessly cool.
Photo by: Cool&Blak / Optical fps
What makes the event even more appealing is the kind of crowd it attracts. You’ll be surprised by how many game changers and familiar industry faces pull up. Maybe it’s the Sunday-afternoon energy, the time when most people just want to unwind without loud trap beats and mosh pit madness. The venue plays a big role, too. La Parada adds that expensive, classy feel, and the service completes the experience. At this point in life, I just want to sit down, enjoy good music, and have a waiter bring my drink — and Cool&Blak gets that perfectly right.
Photo by: Cool&Blak / Optical fps
This past weekend’s edition was one for the books — easily my fave since the A-Reece edition, although that one was hosted at a different venue. The Fourways edition, along with Lia Butler’s event, also stood out. But this time around, we were blessed with a performance from one of Motswako’s pioneers and legends, Tuks Senganga.
Photo by: Cool&Blak / Optical fps
While waiting for Tuks to perform, the atmosphere was electric. The space was filled with hip-hop’s MVPs: Towdee Mac, the producer and Morafe co-founder, was in the building; BlackAce, one of Rustenburg’s finest MCs and freestylers, pulled up; and Ginger Trill, easily a Top 5 rapper in South Africa, was there too. We also spotted Lemonka, a crucial figure in SA hip-hop, and Queen Azizzar, who has been holding down the culture for over a decade. SmallBabes, one of the hottest DJs in the game right now, was in the building. K-Rev, Shugasmakx, Sean Pages, DJ Clen, and many in the industry, I’m talking about amazing people, actually came to show love.
Photo by: Cool&Blak / Optical fps
The crowd was star-studded, Lerato Sengadi, the award-winning PR and culture specialist, was present, as well as Tshidi Mataboge, Jay Jody’s wife, and a true cultured sister in the game was in the building. Even Hennessy, one of the biggest brands in hip-hop, showed up with their team of influencers and sales reps to make their mark at this beautiful gathering(they better give my brother machankura gore ba spane phela). So when I say everyone was there, believe me.
Photo by: Cool&Blak / Optical fps
When Tuks finally hit the stage around 19:10, the energy shifted. He took us down memory lane with classics like Bona Fela, Dula, and 525 600 Minutes, sprinkling in freestyles between tracks. You could see the nostalgia written on everyone’s faces; the crowd was vibing, singing along, reliving the golden era of Motswako. (Let’s be honest, most Cool&Blak attendees are OGs — seasoned hip-hop citizens! Bo rena Illy.)
Photo by: Cool&Blak / Optical fps
This was the place to be. And just a little heads-up — Cool&Blak is planning something major for the first quarter of 2026. Stay tuned and keep reading my articles, because trust me, I’m that guy with the right scoops — because I’m the culture.
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