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Here’s a Playlist of Love Songs From South Africa’s New Wave

Listen to a selection of love songs from South Africa's new wave.

Here’s a Playlist of Love Songs From South Africa’s New Wave
Photo by Sabelo Mkhabela.

Throughout all eras and genres of music, the love song will always be a staple. Because love forms a huge part of everyone's life (for better or for worse).

In light of Valentine's Day, we present you a selection of love songs from South Africa's new wave of artists, from the emo rap of Shane Eagle, to the vocal jazz of Zoë Modiga and Thandi Ntuli, the R&B crooning of Una Rams, KLY, Shekhinah, Rowlene, TellaMan and more, to feast on as you celebrate your loved one(s) on Valentine's Day.

The songs in the playlist explore love in happy and sad settings, from when love is new to when it's fully-fledged and until it festers and eventually disappears.


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OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

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