As South Africans prepare to head to the polls for the Local Government Elections, Beats For My Peeps enters the conversation with a different kind of approach, one that meets young people where they are.

Premiering today, Wednesday, 3 June 2026, at 18:00 on SABC1, the voter-education reality series is a collaboration between SABC1, SABC Education, and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). At its core, the show looks to demystify the power of the vote by translating civic education into something more accessible, more relatable, and more culturally resonant.

Each episode begins within the community, listening first. Young people share their perspectives, their concerns, and their realities, which are then used as the foundation for music creation. It’s a process that shifts voter education from instruction to conversation.

Blending music, culture, and civic engagement, the series brings together digital creators, artists, and IEC representatives to explore issues that matter, not through lectures, but through collaboration.

At the centre of the studio sessions is musical director Alphas T Sikhosana, widely known as “Demor,” guiding each creative process as ideas evolve into fully realised tracks.

Each song becomes more than just a record. It functions as an artistic public service announcement, weaving together key information about constitutional rights, how local government works, and the impact of the vote, all within music that feels current and engaging. In doing so, Beats For My Peeps reframes voter education as a cultural moment.

“Beats for My Peeps reflects the Electoral Commission’s continued commitment to finding innovative and relatable ways to engage young people on the importance of active citizenship and democratic participation. Through this series, we want young South Africans to recognise the power of their voices,” said Moagisi Letlhaku, General Manager for Civic and Democracy Education, Research and Knowledge Management at the IEC.

Jacqui Hlongwane, SABC’s Genre Manager for Education and Children, adds, “This partnership forms part of the long-standing relationship between the SABC and the IEC, focused on delivering democracy education across the country. The 10-episode series was developed in response to the IEC’s research, highlighting a growing youth disengagement from electoral participation, with many young people feeling disconnected from democratic institutions and doubting the impact of their vote.”

The series brings together a diverse group of digital creators, including Bra Miso, Kananelo Thamae, Mrs Bullock & the Christian Progressive School, Sipho “Alphi” Mkhwanazi, Bhekisisa Buthelezi, Musa Sono, Dimakatso Moekelatji, and Mzansi’s Greatest Family. On the music side, artists such as Afrikan Roots, Kenneth “Nyekx” Manyemula, Siphiwe “Khobzin Kiavalla” Mbatha, Nana Atta, and Tuks Senganga help shape the series’ sound.

Across its episodes, the show moves through different communities and stories.

In Episode 1, Bra Miso’s journey takes her back to Mabopane, where her love for her hometown drives her to seek deeper understanding. A visit to Constitution Hill introduces her to IEC representative Moagisi Letlhaku, where conversations around misinformation and disinformation begin to take shape. These insights are then translated into music alongside Molaveve and Afrikan Roots.

Episode 2 sees Kananelo Thamae guide Nana Atta through Orange Farm, capturing the community’s voice and shaping it into a collective anthem on civic responsibility, with production led by Katleho da Great and musical direction by Demor.

In Episode 3, the Christian Progressive School dance group collaborates with Mrs Bee, exploring themes of youth participation and what it means to carry forward civic responsibility.

Episode 4 returns Sipho “Alphi” Mkhwanazi to Daveyton, alongside Khaya Sibanyoni, where conversations around unity and shared purpose take centre stage, culminating in a reimagining of the hymn “Noyana.”

At a time when youth disengagement from democratic participation continues to grow, Beats For My Peeps offers an alternative, one that centres creativity, collaboration, and cultural relevance.

SABC1 continues to inspire young people with the courage to vote.

Don’t miss Beats For My Peeps every Wednesday at 18:00 on SABC1, also available on SABC Plus.