The Best South African Songs Right Now
Featuring new South African music from Tyla, A-Reece, Blaq Diamond, Nomcebo Zikode, Muzi and more.
Here are the South African songs and music videos that caught our attention this month.
Tyla "Water"
South Africa’s pop princess Tyla has been rocketing over the past few months. Her viral single “Water,” along with its accompanying dance challenge, has become a global smash and has peaked at number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. To continue the glaring momentum, the sensation shared the visuals of the track, which has already amassed over 20 million views.
Zakwe "Thixo Wami" feat. Zola, Big Zulu & Roit
Durban-born rapper Zakwe joined forces with Zola, Big Zulu and Riot for his Gospel-leaning single “Thixo Wami.” Since its release in June, the song has been picked up as the theme song for the telenovela Isitha (The Enemy). Excerpts from the television series have been included in the music video, and the cast makes a cameo.
A-Reece ‘P2: THE BIG HEARTED BAD GUY’
Revered lyricist A-Reece has finally released his long-awaited third studio album P2: The Big Hearted Bad Guy. The LP, which serves as a sequel to his 2016 debut Paradise, sees the prolific MC enlist his contemporaries such as Blxckie, Jay Jody, Joey Fatts, Sjava, Shekinah and M.anifest to assist in bringing his vision to life.
Blaq Diamond, DJ Maphorisa, Tman Xpress "Izikweletu"
Afropop duo Blaq Diamond teams up with the iconic DJ Maphorisa and TmanXpress on their new single “Izikweletu,” (which translates to “loans”). Over an Amapiano-meets-Afrobeats inspired instrumental, the artists sing about how debts have them in a chokehold.
Muzi 'uMuzi'
For his fourth studio, electronic producer and Afro-futuristic musician Muzi returns to self. The title is a play on his real name, which also translates to “home” in Zulu. In the artwork, a young, stylish Muzi is photographed while being on a telephone. In true Muzi fashion, uMuzi reimagines and draws inspiration from music from the past and stylistically teleports it into the future. The 13-track project boasts features from the iconic Madala Kunene and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Pushkin “Zulu” feat. Amaqhawe and Philharmonic
“Welele” hitmaker Pushkin alongside Amaqhawe and Philharmonic finally shared their infectious track “Zulu.” Before its official drop, the track started gaining traction on social media platforms thanks to its catchy hook and dance challenge. The banger dynamically melds elements of Afro house/tech and Amapiano with Pushkin’s soulful vocal approach.
Nomcebo Zikode “iNkanyezi” feat. Exclusive Drumz
After three years of not releasing, Grammy-winning artist Nomcebo Zikode finally returns with a new single titled “iNkanyenzi.” Since her debut, 2020’s Xola Moya Wam’, the Jerusalema hitmaker has been touring the world and collaborating with other artists. On “INkanyezi,” she returns to her dance-centric roots with the production assist from Exclusive Drumz.
ilabo
Esteemed deep house producer/DJ CocoSA returns to the scene with a new thrilling album. Healing Through Music sees the artist expand on his signature, distinctive sound by adding more live instruments and elements to the body of work.
Duncan “Ngiyabonga” feat. Skye Wanda & Q Twins
Revered rapper Duncan recruits Skye Wanda and his Afrotainment labemates Q Twins for his new track “Ngiyabonga.” On the spiritual-indebted song, the artists express their gratitude and are thankful to a higher being for the gift of life.
Inkosi yamagcokama & Blaq Diamond "Ifoni"
Contemporary Maskandi artist Inkos’yamagcokama links up with Afropop duo Blaq Diamond on his new buzzing track “Ifoni.” On the song, the trio seamlessly blend their individual styles for a head-bopping tune, as they dovetail about missing their romantic partners.
Majorsteez & AKA "Smooth Operator"
For their latest collaboration, ascending duo Majorsteez posthumously enlists the talent of the iconic, AKA. The track, which was made before the musician’s tragic passing, compliments both artist’s melodic styles and approach to hip-hop. As a way to pay homage, Majorsteez reimagines the unmissable Touch My Blood cover for the artwork of “Smooth Operator.”
Darkie Fiction "Free"
On their single “Free,” dynamic Darkie Fiction reiterates their resistance towards confirming or following the status quo. The musicians sing about the expectations they had coming into the game and express that they would rather be true to themselves than to change their ways in order to attain mainstream acclaim.
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