From Alex to Khayelitsha, and Mamelodi to Umlazi, creators across the country have been raising the bar since September - freestyling, dancing, and reimagining the everyday. After a surge of entries on TikTok and Instagram, the 2025 Raise The Bar challenge has revealed its two national champions: Fortunate “Nate Magic” Mbele from Soweto for Rap, and Luzuko “Ludopie” Namba from Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape for Amapiano Dance.
This year’s challenge captured a cultural moment shaped by two of South Africa’s most influential movements - Hip-Hop and Amapiano. What set it apart was how the familiar Sunlight Green Bar became a creative spark in the hands of entrants nationwide, transforming a household icon into a symbol of reinvention, hustle, and self-expression.
Rap winner, Fortunate “Nate Magic” Mbele from Soweto is a storyteller with a sharp pen and an unmistakably township-rooted essence. Nate Magic used the challenge to turn real moments into resonant bars.
“I wanted people to feel something real when they watched my entry. Winning this is my chance to level up and show what I can do. Be bold, be you - that’s how you raise the bar,” she says.
From Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape, Amapiano dance winner Luzuko “Ludopie” Namba, is known for his expressive, grounded Amapiano movement style. Ludopie’s choreography stood out for its precision, rhythm and emotion.
“I hoped people would feel the strength and truth behind my dance. Winning encourages me to push my craft further and tell bigger stories. Start where you are, stay true to yourself - that’s how you raise the bar,” he says.
Both winners were surprised at home with their R125,000.00 cheque, presented by last year’s champion Leezy Lindokuhle, whose rise since winning has established her as one of SA’s most exciting new Hip-Hop voices.
As part of their experience, Nate Magic and Ludopie were flown to Bloemfontein for the Fill Up Concert at Toyota Stadium, where they spent time backstage with cultural heavyweights including Cassper Nyovest, Uncle Waffles, and Nasty C. The moment offered a rare opportunity to learn, network and immerse themselves directly in the heart of Mzansi music culture - a defining highlight in their creative journey.
“Raise The Bar has grown into a celebration of youth culture - a movement energized by dance, bars, and everyday creativity,” says Noni Makhanya, Southern Africa Marketing Manager: Sunlight Masterbrand. “By giving everyday creators visibility and a space to shine, we’re recognizing the confidence and originality that already exists in South African homes.”
This year’s challenge affirmed a uniquely South African truth: creativity doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. With nothing more than a smartphone, an idea and a green bar, entrants created work that resonated nationwide.
From Soweto stages to Eastern Cape streets, Raise The Bar proved that the country’s next storytellers, movers, and creators are already here - raising the bar in real time.
