The Future of Sound Arrives: University Of Cotton Fest Creative Programme Releases ‘Cotton Fest MixTape’
University Of Cotton Fest’s Creative Programme Ignites The Future Of Hip-Hop Sound As ‘Cotton Fest MixTape’ is Released!
Braamfontein, Johannesburg — 27 March 2026 – The energy was electric, the vision unmistakable, and the sound unforgettable as the University Of Cotton Fest Creative Programme proudly unveiled the Cotton Fest MixTape, at an exclusive listening session held at The Cotton Fest Exchange in the heart of Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Each track on the Cotton Fest MixTape serves as a bold expression of identity, ambition, and innovation — reflecting the programme’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of boundary-pushing artists.
The Cotton Fest MixTape is a culmination of a powerful creative journey that began months ago at an intensive UCF Creative Programme music bootcamp. It was within The Cotton Fest Exchange, a venue supported by PlayBraam, that the Class of 2026, the Open Mic alumni, from 2022 to 2025, first connected — collaborating, experimenting, and discovering their artistic voices under the guidance of their mentor and producer, MashBeatz, who was blown away by the raw and authentic talent that came from the music focussed initiative.
“I got to discover a lot of dope talent. If It was not for this platform and platforms such as these, It probably would take longer or never to discover new, fresh talent. These are the new stars of tomorrow, and their come-up story starts here, helping them with exposure and getting a voice. Working with each one of them has been inspiring – all of them are hungry and show a willingness to learn,” Mash Beatz says.
“They are trying to use these powerful music tools to get out of their various situations, whether it be the hood or whatever situation they are in. I can tell that it is bigger than just getting on the microphone, rapping, and singing. I could feel the passion when working with them, and I wish them the best as they continue to level up and move forward. The audience can look forward to great, passionate, and inspiring music. There is something for everyone. If you are looking for something up-tempo and inspiring.”
From those early sessions, ideas evolved into songs – and songs into a body of work. The Cotton Fest MixTape is the result of months of dedication, late nights, refinement, and intentional craft. Each track carries the imprint of growth, collaboration, and a shared commitment to keeping the hip-hop culture alive, reflecting both individual journeys and a collective vision.
“This project is about more than music. It is about building a platform where young creatives can be seen, heard, and celebrated. The Class of 2026 represents the future — fearless, original, and unapologetically authentic,” Bianca Naidoo cements.
The Cotton Fest Mixtape is not just a collection of songs — it is a statement, proudly supported by UCF Creative Programme. A declaration that the future of Hip-Hop music is here, and it is being shaped by a new wave of visionary creators emerging from the University of Cotton Fest’s Creative Programme’s Open Mic initiative. This release continues to solidify its role as a cultural incubator — championing creativity, empowering youth, and elevating the landscape of South African hip-hop music.
UNIVERSITY OF COTTON FEST’S CREATIVE PROGRAMME – CLASS OF 2026 – Speaking on their experience of the MixTape initiative, this is what the Graduates had to share:
Risky T RSA
This has been a life-changing experience, being given the opportunity to work with a great producer and artists. Coming from Durban, we received the greatest support. My key message to other creatives is to always remain true to yourself.
PEGG
Being part of this project feels like a dream coming true, and everything that is meant to happen is possible. All the hard work from the past few years is falling into place. A message to other artists is to keep working hard every day because you don’t know which moment will change your life. I look forward to seeing the success of everyone.
Billy G SA
This has been one of the biggest highlights in my life. Coming from Cape Town, this has been a huge opportunity for me as an upcoming artist. The journey has been great, and outside of the music, it has also allowed me to travel and meet other talented artists and producers. The beats and energy around brought the best out of me. My love for music keeps me inspired. Music is something that requires faith, patience, self-belief, and investing in yourself.
Polly T
My journey started two years ago when I won the Open mic competition in 2024. Through this programme, I was able to leave Cape Town and perform with the likes of Nasty C, Big Zulu, and many others. The opportunity has opened doors for me. The music is motivational and sends a message of hope and belief. It has been a wonderful journey.
Orchid MusiQ
This has truly been amazing; the positive energies and everyone brought their own unique style. We all come from different backgrounds, with our individual stories to telling our unique way. Surrounded by the nest producers, team, and artists made it mind opening. Being in Riky’s studio and surrounded by the energy was nostalgic and iconic at the same time. It was a wholesome experience that I would treasure. When its your time, block out the noise and negativity. Do not be distracted from the vision.
Bizzy Acwesh
It has been such an amazing journey that has allowed me to grow. I am so grateful to have been part of a movement. I have built lasting relationships and been in an inspiring atmosphere that has allowed me to grow. I just want to take the listener on a journey, feel and confront whatever it is you feel on each song. That is always the intention with me. The support from the programme has been encouraging. I feel seen and my presence acknowledged and validated.
Tallrickyworldwide
I am very grateful for being chosen to be part of the programme and for having my music heard. This is far bigger than what I had imagined it to be. There are so many people who have wanted this opportunity. Even I, as a young kid, longed to be part of Cotton Fest. So being part of a historic moment like the first mixtape of this kind feels like a dream. It’s proven to me that nothing is impossible and never underestimate yourself.
Tr3.lxgy
I represent Emalahleni. The journey has been phenomenal, life-changing, and a learning curve. I have never worked with multiple people and shared a creative space with multiple people, and that taught me a lot. I resonated with the music, and I was also challenged to get outside of my comfort zone. People are proud of me and looking forward to what I have to offer.
Nino Fresko
I learned so much about how to work effectively under pressure. This is a big deal for me and my career. All the songs come with a message. The support for the programme has taught me to be authentic and confident in the work that I put out. This opened my eyes about myself and my ability to create.
LUUKHANYO
I’m honoured to be part of the mixtape and to be featured on four different songs. I was inspired by people rapping in vernacular an challenged me to explore that side and I am impressed by how it came out. Based on the immense support through the making of the mixtape – the key take for me was although we had star-studded producers like Mash Beatz, I was astounded by the level of talent everyone brought and how there is beauty in collaboration.
Stream the music NOW!
UCF CREATIVE PROGRAMME CLASS OF 2026 MIXTAPE
ALL IN THE MUSIC
01.Listen To The Kids (Orchid MusiQ,Tallrickyworldwide &Polly T)
02.So Fabulous (PEGG& LUUKHANYO)
03.Faki Pressure (Nino Fresko)
04.Uzenzile(Bizzy Acwesh& Polly T)
05.Mali (Orchid MusiQ,LUUKHANYO& Bizzy Acwesh)
06.Fan Of Me (PEGG, Risky T RSA& Wordz)
07.I’m In Town(Billy GSA)
08.The Block (Billy GSA,TR3.LXGY&LUUKHANYO)
09.Valumlomo (Nino Fresko &Risky T RSA)
10.Ganda Danda (Risky T RSA& TR3.LXGY)
11.This Is Home (Orchid MusiQ,LUUKHANYO, Bizzy Acwesh& Billy GSA)
12.Everybody Stay Shining (Orchid MusiQ)