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.