In mid-2025, a new grocery store named Skubu opened its doors in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, offering essential items at prices up to 50% lower than established competitors like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Checkers. This development, reported on July 1, 2025, is not directly tied to the music industry but has significant economic implications for South African musicians, particularly those from underserved communities like Diepsloot, where many emerging artists reside. By reducing the cost of living, Skubu’s competitive pricing is empowering musicians to allocate more of their limited budgets to their craft, potentially transforming the local music scene.
Skubu’s impact is rooted in its affordability. A price comparison from May 2025 revealed that a basket of essential items at Skubu was significantly cheaper than at other retailers. For example, a 10kg bag of maize meal cost R85 at Skubu compared to R120 at Checkers, while a 2-liter bottle of cooking oil was priced at R45 versus R65 at Shoprite. These savings are critical for musicians like amapiano producer Thabo “T-Man” Ngubane, who lives in Diepsloot and relies on gig income to fund his studio sessions. “Every rand saved on groceries is a rand I can spend on a new microphone or software,” he says.
The economic context amplifies Skubu’s significance. South Africa’s inflation expectations dropped to 3.9% in Q2 2025, the lowest in over four years, according to Reuters. However, household food basket costs remain out of reach for low-income consumers, as noted in a June 2025 report by What’s on Gauteng. Skubu’s low prices directly address this issue, easing financial pressure on communities where musicians often double as breadwinners. In Diepsloot, where unemployment exceeds 40%, affordable groceries can mean the difference between a musician pursuing their career or abandoning it for more stable work.
The broader impact on the music industry is indirect but tangible. By reducing living costs, Skubu enables artists to invest in their careers, whether through equipment, marketing, or travel to performances. This is particularly crucial for genres like amapiano and gqom, which thrive in township settings but require significant upfront investment to produce polished tracks. For instance, the success of artists like Griffith Malo, whose 2025 tracks “MIND OVER MATTER” and “UMZWANGEDWA” gained traction, highlights the importance of financial stability for creative output.
Skubu’s model also sets a precedent for economic innovation in underserved areas. Unlike traditional retailers, Skubu sources products directly from local suppliers, cutting costs and supporting small businesses. This approach could inspire similar initiatives in other townships, creating a virtuous cycle of economic empowerment. Music industry advocates are taking note, with some calling for partnerships between retailers and arts organizations to sponsor local talent. “If businesses like Skubu can thrive, they could fund music programs or festivals, giving artists more platforms,” says Naledi Mokone, a community organizer in Johannesburg.
Challenges remain, including Skubu’s limited reach—currently confined to Diepsloot—and concerns about sustainability as competitors may lower prices in response. Yet, for now, Skubu is a lifeline for musicians in one of South Africa’s most vibrant creative hubs, proving that economic interventions in everyday life can have profound effects on cultural
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