Johannesburg-based fashion label Naked Ape has taken its next creative step beyond the runway with the release of “Old Earth, New Runway,” the debut single from Naked Ape Music. Featuring acclaimed South African lyricist Stogie T alongside L Tip and La Sauce, the release signals the beginning of a new chapter where fashion, culture and music converge.
Released under the brand’s newly launched House of Music banner, the single serves as the first offering from the upcoming Music Capsule project. It is a sonic continuation of Africa Unite/d: The 48 Collection, which premiered at South Africa Fashion Week on 23 April 2026.
Rather than simply accompanying the collection, the track extends its central themes into a new medium, carrying the story of movement, identity and unity from the runway into sound.
From Fashion to Music
For Naked Ape, music has always been woven into the creative process. The launch of Naked Ape Music formalises that relationship, giving the brand a dedicated platform to tell stories that move beyond garments.
Founder and Creative Director Shaldon Kopman says the music captures the spirit of the collection before audiences even experience it visually.
“Music has always been part of how we create. Old Earth, New Runway is the sound of the collection before you ever see it. When you hear it, it should feel like you’re already wearing the future.”
The collection that inspired the single responded to the historic expansion of the global football tournament to 48 participating nations, exploring ideas of continental connection, cultural identity and collective progress. Those same themes now resonate through the project’s musical direction.
A Collaboration That Bridges Generations
The single brings together some of South Africa’s most distinctive voices.
Leading the release is internationally acclaimed lyricist Stogie T, joined by rising artists L Tip and La Sauce. Together, the collaboration reflects the same balance found within Africa Unite/d: The 48 Collection—celebrating heritage while embracing emerging perspectives.
According to Apiwe Bubu, Executive Producer on the project, the collaboration represents the meeting point between history and the future.
“This single is where two worlds meet — the old earth we come from, and an extension of the new runway. Bringing my experience from Los Angeles and New York into an African context through this project has been incredibly meaningful.”
Launching the House of Music
“Old Earth, New Runway” is the first official release under Naked Ape Music, a platform introduced in April 2026 to expand the brand’s storytelling beyond fashion.
The release also establishes the creative direction for the broader Music Capsule project, which will continue exploring the dialogue between fashion, music and African culture.
At its core is Naked Ape’s Ethi-Eco² philosophy, a framework built around principles that are ethical, ecological and economical. As the brand continues to evolve, it positions itself not only as a fashion house but as a multidimensional cultural platform connecting design, sound and storytelling.
Available Now
“Old Earth, New Runway” is available now via We Want More and distributed through Virgin Music Group.
With its first musical release, Naked Ape demonstrates that the runway no longer ends when the final model exits. Instead, the story continues through rhythm, lyrics and sound, inviting audiences to experience Africa Unite/d in an entirely new way.
Listen
“Old Earth, New Runway” featuring Stogie T, L Tip and La Sauce is available now on all major streaming platforms via We Want More / Virgin Music Group: https://vmgafrica.lnk.to/
