In the heart of Pretoria, where music, culture, and creativity collided at the 20th Annual Urban Music Awards 2025, another powerful narrative flowed quietly — not from the stage, but from the wine glasses raised in celebration. This year’s UMAs weren’t just about groundbreaking performances or iconic artists. They were also a showcase of African excellence in a bottle, thanks to the influential presence of WineofColourSA, an organisation championing Black-owned wine brands and reshaping the future of the wine industry.
As a key sponsor of this milestone event, WineofColourSA turned heads and opened minds. The organisation used the opportunity not only to pour premium wines but to pour opportunity, access, and empowerment into one of Africa’s most dynamic cultural moments. With a curated showcase of four exceptional wine brands — Zoleka Wines, Lavo Wines, House of Azari, and Igugu Le Ntokazi Wines — WineofColourSA demonstrated that South African wines are more than just products. They are stories, legacies, and instruments of transformation.
A Mission Rooted in Empowerment
At its core, WineofColourSA is driven by a bold but necessary mission: to assist emerging Black-owned wine businesses in accessing market opportunities, both locally and globally. In a historically exclusive industry, the organisation is creating pathways where few have existed before — and in doing so, it’s amplifying the voices of African wine entrepreneurs who are blending innovation with deeply rooted heritage.
“This is about more than just wine,” a spokesperson from WineofColourSA said at the UMAs. “It’s about opening doors, creating opportunities, and celebrating the beautiful diversity of African talent. We’re not just changing what’s in the glass — we’re changing who gets to pour it.”
Their presence at the UMAs was not only symbolic but strategic. The awards offered a platform rich with media attention, cultural relevance, and pan-African reach — a fitting stage to introduce wine brands with stories as compelling as their flavours.
Meet the Brands: Heritage in Every Sip
Each of the four wine brands brought to the forefront by WineofColourSA offers a unique perspective on what African wine can be.
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Zoleka Wines is bold and unapologetically South African. With a commitment to authenticity and flavor, Zoleka represents the power of self-belief and the pride of local excellence ready for international acclaim.
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Lavo Wines, derived from the name “Lerato” meaning “love,” embodies connection and togetherness. With every bottle, Lavo invites people to celebrate love, unity, and the joy of shared experiences.
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House of Azari brings African luxury to life through its elegant and refined sparkling wines. Representing sophistication with an African soul, the brand is a testament to how world-class excellence can emerge from local roots.
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Igugu Le Ntokazi Wines is more than a wine label — it is a cultural movement. Grounded in the sacred practice of Ukusila, this brand uses wine as a spiritual and communal bridge, reviving African traditions through taste, storytelling, and connection.
Together, these brands don’t just represent what’s possible in the wine industry — they redefine what wine means in an African context.
Breaking Barriers in the Global Wine Industry
The significance of WineofColourSA’s work extends beyond South African borders. The global wine industry has long lacked diversity in ownership, narrative, and representation. WineofColourSA is determined to change that. Their work involves not only promoting brands, but equipping winemakers with access to markets, visibility at major events, and the strategic partnerships needed to scale.
At the UMAs, artists, influencers, industry leaders, and media engaged directly with these brands, sipping wines that carried with them the richness of African soil and the soul of African stories. This high-level exposure is exactly the kind of platform WineofColourSA envisions for the brands it supports.
Crafting a Legacy Through Excellence
WineofColourSA isn’t simply reacting to a gap in the market — it is building a legacy. By championing sustainability, innovation, and community-focused growth, the organisation is setting a new standard for how the African wine industry should operate — and who gets to lead it.
“Every glass poured is a step toward the future we’re building,” said the spokesperson. “A future where African wines are not only enjoyed but respected and sought after globally — because of their quality, their story, and their soul.”
A Toast to the Future
As the Urban Music Awards 2025 came to a close, the cheers that rang out weren’t just for performances or awards — they were for a movement taking shape, one that blends culture with commerce, legacy with innovation.
WineofColourSA’s bold step onto the UMA stage proved that African wines belong in the global spotlight. And with organisations like this leading the charge, the future of African wine is not just promising — it’s already pouring.
