As expected, the Hollywoodbets Durban July wasn’t just about the horses — it was a full-blown runway of style, culture, and storytelling. While fashionistas from all walks of life brought their best interpretations of this year’s “Out of This World” theme, South Africa’s hip-hop royalty stepped out with bold, meaningful fashion moments that were both striking and symbolic.
Let’s dive into the standout looks from some of Mzansi’s favorite rap stars:
Kwesta & Yolanda: ‘Something Namaqualand’
Hip-hop heavyweight Kwesta, known for his gritty bars and humble aura, showed a different kind of poetic side when he and his wife Yolanda walked the carpet in coordinated floral elegance. Captioned “Something Namaqualand,” their look was a nod to South Africa’s iconic wildflower region — a vision of rebirth, resilience, and radiant natural beauty.
Kwesta’s tailored suit, detailed with floral textures and earth tones, complemented Yolanda’s blooming gown — a flowing masterpiece adorned with petal-like layers and pastel flourishes. Together, they looked like a walking love letter to the land, subtly paying homage to nature’s power and South African pride.
Boity: Omoda Royalty in Full Bloom
Media darling and rapper Boity Thulo brought the butterfly effect to life — literally. Her dreamy, ethereal look blended bold femininity with regal fantasy. Donning a high-fashion piece she dubbed “Omoda Royalty Fashion,”Boity stunned in a structured gown with intricate butterfly wings extending from the shoulders and back, complete with metallics and soft lilacs.
It was a look that screamed transformation, power, and elevation — echoing Boity’s own journey in the industry. The butterflies, symbolic of growth and grace, made her an instant fashion icon of the day.
Anele Zondo: Marveling in Heritage
Anele Zondo, aka Ney the Bae, brought cultural storytelling to center stage with her African mat-inspired ensemble. Captioning it:
“She marvels… her heritage, her rich culture & surrounding — all woven.”
Her outfit was a textured tribute to African womanhood — the kind of look that felt as sacred as it was stylish. Layers of traditional African mat weaves were tailored into a striking silhouette, complete with tribal jewelry and grounded earthy tones. Anele didn’t just wear a dress — she wore a narrative, one rooted in ancestry, identity, and pride.
What made the rappers’ looks at the 2025 Durban July so compelling wasn’t just the glam — it was the meaningwoven into every seam. Each outfit told a story, reflected a journey, or paid homage to something deeper — be it culture, land, transformation, or love.
With SA hip-hop artists continuing to blend fashion with purpose, it’s clear that red carpets are no longer just about appearances — they’re about making statements that stick.
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