From Jozi to Bali, the “Podcast and Chill Network” crew is making waves internationally.
Popular South African podcasters MacG and Sol Phenduka recently travelled to Indonesia to record a special episode with American hip hop veteran Russell Simmons in Bali.
A video shared on Instagram by Simmons featured a humorous interaction involving South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe.
In the clip, Simmons sent a shout-out to Motsepe while MacG interjected with the Sepedi greeting “Kgotsong”, which translates to peace in English.
The moment left Simmons briefly confused, with the hip hop mogul initially thinking MacG was mocking him before the podcaster explained that he was greeting him respectfully.
“Wake up man. I got these n****s here, I’m taking care of them,” Simmons said in the video addressed to Motsepe.
Simmons later reflected on the experience in an Instagram post, praising the South African podcast crew.
“The biggest podcaster The great mac g brought his whole crew ALL OF SOUTH AFRICA to tape with me We had a great time ❤️ we talked about everything from hip hop yesterday and today, comedy yesterday and today to the pitfalls of economic and social integration Lots of In depth discussion with these fun crazy people❤️,” he wrote.
The clip quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread reactions online.
Phenduka also documented the Bali trip on Instagram, sharing his experience with Simmons at the Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort.
The broadcaster posted a selfie with the music mogul and jokingly promised to improve his fitness.
“An honour 🙏🏾. We are working on those potbellies Unc . Promise 🤣 @unclerush 👊🏾,” he posted.
Simmons has been living permanently in Bali, where he has embraced a lifestyle centred on yoga, meditation and wellness.
The music executive frequently shares snippets of his daily routines and spiritual journey on Instagram.
The Def Jam co-founder reportedly relocated to Bali following multiple sexual assault allegations made against him over the years, all of which he has denied.
He has since obtained a retirement visa in Indonesia.
Earlier this year, Simmons’s daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, also made headlines after revealing that she had decided to move to Bali.
In an Instagram story, the 23-year-old Harvard graduate and model explained why she had no intention of returning to the United States anytime soon.
“Move back to the US this, move back to the US that. I get to wear a backless sundress every single day and I never have to wear shoes, the answer is no.”
Despite embracing life in Bali, Aoki admitted that she still missed her loved ones back home.
“But I miss you all!” she added.
Last year, on Aoki’s birthday on August 16, Simmons shared an emotional tribute to his daughter on Instagram.
“Happy 23 Bday Angel Living with you this year has been one of the high lites of my adult life I learn so much and I’m so much of a better person because of your presence Love you more then any words ps I wrote so much I began to cry so I erased it all and I’ll leave it at this Again No words can adequately express my gratitude or love for you,” he wrote.
