South Africa’s music scene was once again placed on high alert as HONOR officially launched the #HONORX9dOpenVerseChallenge, inviting aspiring artists to step forward with an unbreakable verse and earn their place alongside some of the country’s most influential music heavyweights.
Building on the momentum of last year’s phenomenon, the Open Verse Challenge returned not just as a competition, but as a cultural platform where raw talent, fearless creativity and next-level ambition collided. The call was simple but powerful: match the unbreakable energy of a new song with a verse that demands attention.
From Competition to Cultural Movement
In 2025, the HONOR X9c Open Verse Challenge evolved far beyond expectations. What began as a creative challenge quickly became a movement, uniting beats, bars, hooks, harmonies and unmistakable attitude on a single sound. With DJ Maphorisa and DJ Tira at the centre, the winning verse had Mzansi swaying and the industry paying attention.
That breakthrough moment belonged to Thapelo ‘Soul Taker’ Khoza, who claimed the crown and walked away with R30,000 in cash, an HONOR X9c AI smartphone, and an exclusive studio session with DJ Maphorisa and DJ Tira. More importantly, it opened doors. Reflecting on the impact, Khoza shared that the challenge allowed him to connect with artists he had long admired and significantly grow his following, laying the foundation for his next chapter.
A Bigger Sound, A Bolder Line-Up
Back by popular demand, HONOR doubled down on creativity in 2026, cooking up a bigger collaboration and adding a new flavour to the amapiano recipe. Just days ago in Johannesburg, studio doors opened for writing and recording sessions featuring a longer, unbreakable line-up of artists who came ready to shape the next future classic.
The line-up brought together DJ Tira, Dlala Thukzin & Thukuthela featuring Naledi Aphiwe, Jazzworx, GL, and Zeh McGeba — a powerful mix of visionaries representing diverse musical tastes and creative approaches. With that level of talent in one room, expectations were set high. This was not a sound meant to be boxed in, but one designed to hit the country with a fresher, bolder feel, waiting for one standout verse to take it to the next level.
Powered by the Unbreakable Spirit
Inspired by the success of HONOR’s Unbreakable Series, the HONOR X9d emerged as a device built for creators who refuse to slow down. From studios to street moments, the smartphone embodied innovation, value and performance — the same traits driving the Open Verse Challenge itself.
Last year, DJ Maphorisa summed it up perfectly when he said the HONOR X9c was the ultimate sidekick for capturing magic in and out of the studio. This year, the HONOR X9d took that creator-ready spirit and levelled it up, aligning seamlessly with artists who create fast, live loud and move with purpose.
Mzansi’s Moment to Step In
As the new track edged closer to release, the spotlight turned to the next dreamer ready to seize the moment. The Open Verse Challenge may have started in the studio, but its heartbeat remained firmly rooted in Mzansi talent — artists bold enough to step forward and claim the mic.
Entries officially opened on 6 February 2026 and close on 25 February 2026, with the winner set to be announced on 27 February 2026. Participation took place via TikTok, with Instagram serving as the hub for updates and highlights.
To enter, artists were required to:
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Follow HONOR South Africa’s official TikTok account (@honorza)
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Record their open verse and bring their unique flavour
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Post their entry using #HONORX9dOpenVerseChallenge
One winning verse would earn R30,000 cash, a brand-new HONOR X9d smartphone, and an exclusive studio session with DJ Tira, Dlala Thukzin & Thukuthela, alongside Naledi Aphiwe, Jazzworx, GL and Zeh McGeba.
HONOR X9d Availability and Offers
The HONOR X9d launched in Sunrise Gold and Midnight Black at a recommended retail price of R9,999, with redeemable gifts valued at R4,998. Consumers could choose between a HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip or HONOR Choice Airfryer, valued at R1,999, valid until 8 March 2026.
The device also came with HONOR Care Service Benefits valued up to R2,999, including 12 months of free accidental damage protection, available until 31 July 2026.
Retail offers included:
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MTN: R449 × 36 months
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Cell C: R549 × 36 months or R669 × 24 months
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Telkom: R499 × 36 months or R599 × 24 months
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Vodacom: R449 × 36 months or R569 × 24 months
As the track loaded and the heat turned up, one thing was clear — the #HONORX9dOpenVerseChallenge wasn’t just about finding a verse. It was about finding the next voice bold enough to shape the soundtrack of now.
