--- title: "Slow down, press play: The podcasts, shows and music that captured 2025" description: "This article first appeared as a Maverick Life newsletter. Taking time to sit back and listen – whether to music, a story or podcast – can offer comfort and clarity in a rather (very, very) noisy world. Over 2025, we have celebrated the work of local musicians and shared in-depth conversations about the topics that have kept South Africa talking, from South Africa’s deepening crises of corruption and betting industry to poor leadership in Johannesburg. Here, we’ve put together a handful of shows, podcasts and musical highlights from the past year." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "ESCAPE NEWSLETTER" author: "Daily Maverick" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/dailymaverick/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-12-29-slow-down-press-play-the-podcasts-shows-and-music-that-captured-2025/" published: "2025-12-29T12:12:17" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 457 --- # Slow down, press play: The podcasts, shows and music that captured 2025 > This article first appeared as a Maverick Life newsletter. Taking time to sit back and listen – whether to music, a story or podcast – can offer comfort and clarity in a rather (very, very) noisy world. Over 2025, we have celebrated the work of local musicians and shared in-depth conversations about the topics that have kept South Africa talking, from South Africa’s deepening crises of corruption and betting industry to poor leadership in Johannesburg. Here, we’ve put together a handful of shows, podcasts and musical highlights from the past year. By Daily Maverick · Published 29 December 2025, 14:12 SAST ## Content [The Readiness Report](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/page/the-readiness-report/?utm_campaign=Post-476&utm_medium=email&utm_source=CMS-23), hosted by Redi Tlhabi, is Daily Maverick’s weekly podcast that brings our biggest stories to life through candid, thoughtful conversations. In case you missed them, here’s a selection of this year’s standout episodes: ![Image](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/8piqAyXUJLcgduq2xmhxnYqKh34=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2986/redi_685958_7dc0495b5c648d47ca40d974926b6d2c.jpg) ### 1: Johannesburg deserves better - Redi Tlhabi on the city's lost potential and its future Redi Tlhabi reflects on Johannesburg, a city rich in promise, the economic heart of Southern Africa, yet held back by poor leadership and indifference. [YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njh1RNCW6RA) ### 2: When betting is all you have left: Inside South Africa’s R1.5 trillion gambling industry South Africa’s gambling industry just hit R1.5 trillion and it’s not just for fun anymore. Behind the flashing lights are stories of poverty, desperation, and survival. [YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wZz9dopj90) ### 3: Redi Tlhabi talks to Rebecca Davis: Unpacking the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry Redi Tlhabi speaks to Daily Maverick’s Rebecca Davis about the commission of inquiry into the recent claims made by top cop Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which has been underway since 17 September. [YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRrJkXn_lcM) ### 4: Inside the B20 Breakthrough: Redi Tlhabi Talks to Cas Coovadia B20 Sherpa Cas Coovadia joins this episode to unpack the summit’s strong outcome, the real barriers to mobilising capital for a just transition, and what it will take to unlock investment in emerging markets. [YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYzOkT0Zz_E) ## A new deal for African debt? Trevor Manuel makes the case ![Image](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/oPT407YR_Vu9_lJZ4KEHksjzNlY=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2986/ferialpodcasts_779714_c447daaea17f013ed8387eda15bc2299.jpg) [Former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0-jg0WLNDU&list=PLaPH68a91__s3Db08FHyBMmyzdm2T9vEN&index=1&utm_campaign=Post-476&utm_medium=email&utm_source=CMS-23) joins Ferial Haffajee on Power Chat, to unpack a bold new set of proposals aimed at refinancing Africa’s mounting debt. ## Social media lawyer Emma Sadleir exposes South Africa’s digital GBV crisis ![Image](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/iIho2Q5aS4VLrmj0XFt0mGUMnEI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2986/smlaw_588711_86d43f6e68df3304e0fb7a676680a027.jpg) In a country where GBV is of epidemic proportions, Social media lawyer Emma Sadlier reminds that GBV is not just physical, or emotional, but also [digital](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-11-20-social-media-lawyer-emma-sadleir-exposes-south-africas-digital-gbv-crisis/?utm_campaign=Post-476&utm_medium=email&utm_source=CMS-23). ## Zimbabwe's Mothers, Global Care: The Price of a Future. ![Image](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/XbsZSw_CMnMmdtKjvoN4m7MyPRE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2986/radiolab_217548_432ef9d4fe00f248eaad634a1ec79a13.jpg) Ruby is a 30-year-old mother of three and she’s ready to do whatever it takes to give her kids a better life. Even if it means leaving her family in Zimbabwe to become a live-in care worker in the [UK.](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-06-05-what-migrant-care-workers-from-zimbabwe-sacrifice-for-their-childrens-futures/?utm_campaign=Post-476&utm_medium=email&utm_source=CMS-23) ## Ladysmith Black Mambazo at 56 embrace the harmony of change ![Image](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/zFEBxWokSV-zr6VCNRQppVgyWTU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2986/ladysmith_223198_1d73071d4b3fd3bf628d037d1d6a27d8.jpg) The multi-award-winning and iconic ensemble, [Ladysmith Black Mambazo,](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-08-21-ladysmith-black-mambazo-at-56-harmony-of-change/?utm_campaign=Post-476&utm_medium=email&utm_source=CMS-23)collaborates with Nduduzo Makhathini and Mbuso Khoza to create yet another reminder of their timelessness. ## SA Classics Embrace a World-Class Soprano ![Image](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/_O1CCAIEmZ_6BmbxNkAoOiMPEvk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2986/music2_323389_fbe512e348258229ce6ffa623f02d016.jpg) Among South Africa’s many stellar musical exports, one of the most recent to take pride in is the singer [Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha.](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-03-21-soprano-masabane-cecilia-rangwanasha-showcases-formidable-gifts/?utm_campaign=Post-476&utm_medium=email&utm_source=CMS-23) ## Hear the World. Hear Mazuze ![Image](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/1lNCjbeYkFuguZbbSGFY1UA44t4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/2986/us3_443286_a7d79c480c3245e43dca51fae5fa6ca5.jpg) Penuka is a musical offering from acclaimed saxophonist, [Ivan Mazuze](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-05-12-ivan-mazuze-whole-world-comes-alive-in-his-take-on-music-from-africa/?utm_campaign=Post-476&utm_medium=email&utm_source=CMS-23), that exposes the depth of global influence and exchange of African culture through music. > **We’re curious to know what you’ve had on repeat recently: Which artists have you returned to for a mood boost? What podcasts have kept you hooked?** Love our newsletter? [Subscribe here](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/about/newsletter/) or please forward it to a friend.