University of Cotton Fest Creative Programme announces the Class of 2026 Mixed Tape

 

The legacy and vision of Riky Rick lives on through the community based initiative The University of Cotton Fest Creative Programme, an extension of the creative vision behind CottonFest, the groundbreaking youth culture music festival.

“The UCF Creative Programme was born from a vision to create real opportunities for young creatives across South Africa. Through the University of Cotton Fest, we want to build a space where talent can be nurtured, ideas can be shared, and the next generation of artists, designers and cultural leaders can grow. It’s about continuing the dream that Riky Rick believed in—empowering young people, investing in creativity, and reminding them that their voices, their stories, and their art matter.” — Bianca Naidoo.

2026 CLASS IN SESSION 

UCF Creative Programme for 2026 kicks off with a one-of-a kind CottonFest Mixtape, a collaboration with the 10 Open Mic alumni artists from 2022 to 2025, produced by MashBeatz. The sonic masterpiece blends hip-hop, amapiano, R&B, Afropop, trap and alternative sounds together, bringing bold creativity, authentic storytelling and powerful stage presence to our community.

As part of the programme’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging artists, the CottonFest Mixed Tape was produced in June 2025, when the UCF Creative Programmehosted a week-long bootcamp, where all Open Mic Alumni met for the first time, to produce, what we believe to be, the hip-hop music SA needs.

Graduation ceremony commences on Thursday 26 March 2026 for media release and across all digital streaming platforms on Friday, 27 March at 00h00.

We never die. We multiply.

MEET THE UNIVERSITY OF COTTON FEST’S CREATIVE PROGRAMME CLASS OF 2026

MashBeatz(Producer) 

MashBeatz, born Nhlawulo Shipambuli Mashimbyi, is a South African record producer, composer, engineer and DJ. Born in Soweto and raised in Malamulele, Limpopo, he began producing music at the age of 14 and quickly developed a reputation for his distinctive sound and chart-topping productions. Over the years, he has collaborated with leading South African artists including Maglera Doe Boy, A-Reece, Wordz, Ami Faku, Riky Rick and ThatoSaul, contributing to some of the most influential releases in modern South African hip-hop.

IG: Mashbeatz_twc

PEGG

PEGG is a 23-year-old rap artist from Durban whose experimental mindset and sharp lyrical ability set him apart. Known for his impressive creative range and electrifying stage performances, PEGG has cultivated a loyal fan base through relentless dedication and undeniable passion. The self-proclaimed “Supamlungu” is a rising voice in South African hip-hop and one to watch in 2026.

IG: @pegg.dbn

Risky T RSA

Born Ntethelelo Thobani Nxumalo, 19-year-old Risky T RSA is a rapper from Ntuzuma E in Durban whose hard-hitting trap sound merges isiZulu and English to deliver raw street narratives. Inspired by artists like King Von, his music channels real-life experiences into powerful storytelling that resonates with a new generation of listeners.

IG: @risky_t_sa 

Billy GSA

Cape Town-based artist Billy G SA is a versatile creative force whose sound spans Drill, Trap, Hip-Hop and R&B. Inspired by his musical upbringing and his older brother, Billy G began rapping in 2012 and entered the studio in 2015. Since then, he has recorded over 700 songs, building a prolific catalogue fuelled by a pure love for music.

IG: billythegoat_official

Polly T

Balekanne Lefora, professionally known as Polly T, is a rising rap talent from Kraaifontein in Cape Town. Recognised for his sharp lyricism and commanding stage presence, he first gained national attention after winning the Cotton Fest 2024 Open Mic Competition and the Hannah V x Cape Town Thing 2023 Competition, marking him as one of the country’s most exciting emerging voices.

IG: @polly_tsa 

Orchid MusiQ

Durban-born singer, songwriter and composer Orchid MusiQ blends Afrobeats, Amapiano, Pop and Acoustic elements into a soulful contemporary sound. In 2023, she made history as the first woman in Durban to win the Cotton Fest Open Mic competition and later placed in the Top 10 of an all-male lineup. Having collaborated with artists such as Sam Deep, Da Muziqal Chef, Sino Msoloand Nasty C, she continues to build momentum as one of the city’s most promising voices.

IG: @orchid_musiq 

Bizzy Acwesh

Born Acwenga Mpinda, Bizzy Acwesh is a rapper, singer and songwriter from King Williamstown in the Eastern Cape, now based in Johannesburg. Her music blends hip-hop, rap and Afropop with powerful isiXhosa lyricism rooted in honesty and lived experience. Through storytelling-driven songs like “Egoli Mfethu,” she delivers messages of resilience, growth and authenticity.

IG: @bizzy_achwesh

Tallrickyworldwide

Lonwabo, known professionally as Tallrickyworldwide, is a rapper born in Queenstown and raised in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Deeply rooted in Ekasi culture, his sound which he calls “Loxion Hype” merges township storytelling with global hip-hop influences, representing the ambition and energy of South Africa’s Kasi youth on an international stage.

IG: @mxhosa_wase_greece

Tr3.lxgy

Lebohang Innocent Shabangu, known as Tr3.lxgy, is a hip-hop artist from Emalahleni, Mpumalanga whose sound blends rap, trap and melody. With an outgoing personality and proudly geeky charm, he draws inspiration from everyday experiences, turning moments of joy, struggle and curiosity into authentic and relatable music.

IG: @lebotrilogy 

Nino Fresko

Hailing from Bethlehem in the Free State, Nino Fresko is a fearless creative who blends trap, Kwaito and South African hip-hop into what he calls the Fresko Sound. Inspired by icons like Kendrick Lamar, Khuli Chana and Pharrell, he moves effortlessly between introspection and high-energy flex. A prolific creator since the age of 10, Nino has released multiple mixtapes and continues to expand his artistry across music, fashion and animation.

IG: @ninofresko 

LUUKHANYO

Cape Town-born LUUKHANYO is a genre-blurring rapper and vocalist whose music flows between R&B, hip-hop, funk and jazz. Known for his distinctive alternative sound, he has performed at major festivals including CottonFest, MTN Bushfire and Up The Creek. With over 3 million streams on “Hii ROLLER” and recognition from platforms such as Apple Music, BBC Radio 1 and Texx and the City, LUUKHANYO continues to build international momentum.

IG: @luukhanyoisart

ABOUT UCF CREATIVE PROGRAMME

University of Cotton Fest Creative Programme represents a symbolic “campus,” where creativity is the curriculum and culture is the classroom. Inspired by the energy and diversity of student life, same as the CottonFest music festival, the idea frames the platform as a university of culture—one where artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and fans come together to learn, collaborate, and express themselves. The Cotton Festival platform, adopts a playful academic theme, drawing parallels between university faculties that represent different creative disciplines. 

Through mentorship, performance opportunities and creative industry exposure, the UCF Creative Programme – established in 2022 provides emerging artists with a platform to grow and showcase their talent. The visionary behind the UCF Creative Programme, Bianca Naidoo, remains committed to continuing Riky Rick’s legacy while supporting young creatives throughvarious cultural and creative outlets. The programme ensures that the vision of nurturing youth culture and creative collaboration continues beyond the festival stage, which came to an end in 2025.

At its core, the University of Cotton Fest stands for community, creativity, and youth empowerment.  We never die. We multiply.