Hidden Spaces – The Muffinz still rule the world!

As time delights in making a mockery of us all, it is in its inevitability that we come to appreciate the charms of youth while treasuring the gems that come with age. Taste matures, and few talents offer a guaranteed tenfold return on that growth quite like The Muffinz, who continue to dare to “rule the world” – so says NALIKHAYA MBANA.

The genius of The Muffinz lies partly in their timing. Their debut entered the South African pop culture scene at just the right moment. Imprinted in their music is a soundscape shaped by jazz influences of the ’80s, layered with conscious rap-style lyrics. It’s a blend reflective not only of the band’s upbringing but also of the audiences who grew up with them.

Their fanbase was treated to a warm helping of nostalgia. In their performance lingered the spirit of youth. Tracks like The Ghetto — a lament about how many childhood neighbourhoods are designed to stifle growth; and Umsebenzi Wendoda — an ode that highlights the absence of father figures — not due to a surplus of single mothers, but a shortage of present, accountable fathers — struck deep chords.

The collective experience

In this way, The Muffinz’s music captures the collective experience of many South Africans: growing up in hardship, yet daring to thrive regardless. A packed venue of wall-to-wall attendees sang, rapped, and danced along, not only because the band gave them comfort during difficult times, but because they’ve survived and grown past those realities. The Ghetto may have been real, but now Umsebenzi Wendoda has become Umsebenzi Wabo (their own work), accomplished and cultivated.

As they approached the end of their set both the crowd and the band weren’t quite ready to let go. With a sly grin and a wink to the cameras, the musical director (a band member) himself: “We’ll pretend to leave. You’ll pretend to want us back. Deal?”

Have You Heard? medley

With that cue the audience were ready to respond to this call. The band played a medley of the famous Have You Heard? and by the end of the medley, true to form the audience roared, “We want more!” every corner, hands raised, with voices breaking into chant.

The crowd was more than ready to play along. The band returned for a medley of “Have You Heard?”, and by the end of the set, the room erupted into chants of “We want more!” Hands were raised. Every voice joined in.

What followed was a victory lap — a triumphant moment that felt necessary, not optional.

By the time the final bow came, The Muffinz had reminded us why their sound mattered then, and why it still matters now. A decade later, they haven’t simply survived, they’ve ruled.

After the show, a few attendees were asked if they had any messages for the band. One couple said, “Please come play at our wedding.” Another added, “We still love you. Please come back. We need more of your music.”

It was on 13 June 2025 that 86 on Public, a relaxed watering hole for nine-to-fivers, played host to this much-anticipated showcase. The night was made possible by Hidden Spaces, a nimble organisation dedicated to live, intimate performances by under-acknowledged musical giants.