The #HONORX9dSongChallenge is Back with an Unbreakable Line-up of Diverse Artists and the finest moments.

Last year, the HONOR X9c Open Verse Challenge wasn’t just a competition. It was a challenge in a moment, where many in Mzansi need to find their feet and voice. This stop-the-scroll celebration of artistry and creativity will soon make an entrance with bars, hooks, harmonies and attitude, all on one sound.

The last time around, Thaphelo Khoza took the crown, walking away with R20,000 cash, an HONOR X9c AI smartphone, and an exclusive studio session with DJ Maphorisa and DJ Tira. That’s not just a “well done” but a stage door to a massive audience of potential new fans.  Back by popular demand, HONOR is building on last year’s success by cooking up a competition that sounds like a collaboration.

In 2026, the studio doors open again for writing and recording sessions that feature a longer line-up – artists that don’t come to play. These are the masters at work:  DJ Tira, Dlala Thukzin, Jazzworx, Thukuthela, Campmasters, Naledi Aphiwe and more. A diverse Mzansi-level mix of musical tastes in one room, don’t expect something you can box in. This mix is on track to hit the country with unexpected flavours – a bold mix ready to be seasoned by that one person who enters the studio ready to win the #HONORX9dSongChallenge. Building on the incredible success of the Unbreakable series, the HONOR X9d is serving up even more of what the country wants, as well as innovation and value which wasn’t expected by many, even just a few months ago. From the studios to the streets, this is the spirit of innovation that will soon have its own soundtrack.

With the track on the verge of release, the attention will soon turn to the person who is about to experience what few dreamers and artists experience. The Open Verse Challenge may start in the studio, but its ideas are shaped by the talent that seize the moment and then the spotlight. Powered by next-level thinking that moves Mzansi, the HONOR X9d is built for creators who refuse to go slow, who create fast, and live loud. DJ Maphorisa said it best last year, “Whether you’re vibing in the studio or capturing unbreakable moments, the HONOR X9c is your ultimate sidekick.” This year, the HONOR X9d takes that creator-ready spirit and levels it up.’

For this year’s instalment, Afrotainment boss, DJ Tira, mentions that “this year, we’re going bigger and better with the music, and the variety of collaborations. I’ve been making music for over 20 years, and a trusted device is always needed, especially when different lyricists and producers are working on something this big. This is where the HONOR X9d comes in with its unbreakable capabilities, making sure that our sessions result in nothing but a hit”.