The Best Southern African Songs Right Now

For the month of May, OkayAfrica brings sounds from the Northern parts of Southern Africa, starting with the frenetic pace of Serokolo7’s lepanta sounds, through Tkay Maidza and Young Gemini’s raps, and right into the boastful dancehall of Jnr Spragga. 

These are the best Southern African songs right now.

Serokolo7 - "Dinaka" (South Africa)

Serokolo7 is having a moment. Following the April release of his debut album, Maramfra Music Pro, the Limpopo-based producer caught the attention of international media, while a recent clip of Björk playing one of his songs during her set at the Venice Biennale put him in front of even more eyes. Dinaka, a traditional dance of the Bapedi people, is a well-established form also known as kiba. In Serokolo7's hands, its frantic energy — the reed and metal pipes, the drums, the antelope horn — finds electronic counterparts, bringing the directness and life of the party straight to our ears.

Tkay Maidza - "Pressed" (Zimbabwe/Australia)

Tkay Maidza activates infernal flows on "Pressed," unleashing razor-sharp raps over a bop guaranteed to keep the dancefloor full. The way she settles into the rhythm, her word choice, and the aura she carries create an unusual level of joy, one that the Zimbabwean-born, Australia-based, multi-award-winning emcee and vocalist sustains throughout. Tough!

Jnr Spragga - "Twerka" (Zimbabwe)

Jnr Spragga does gymnastics on "Twerka," bringing a distinct Zim dancehall flavor and a slang the streets can immediately relate to. One of the best out right now, the artist doesn't miss a beat, threading together words and worlds that demonstrate a pristine understanding of the form he operates in. Jnr Spragga is exceptional with the bars.

Runna Rulez - "Mugove" (Zimbabwe)

Melodic and intoxicating, Runna Rulez's "Mugove" is for the ravers, the ragers, the oddballs, and the alt kids who've made it their mission to express themselves fully and without inhibition. It's a search for self, a dislocation of norms disguised as music; a middle finger to the establishment, and an experiential, artful celebration of global influences channeled through a distinctly local interface. This is the sound of now.

Denim Woods - "LVLM" (Zimbabwe/DRC)

Zimbabwe doesn't get enough credit for constantly giving African rap some of its grandest ambassadors. Denim Woods is one such artist: an emcee so convincing in his outlook and so engaging in his content that it's a wonder he isn't part of mainstream conversations more often. "LVLM" — pronounced "leveling me" — is another imprint on his sonic legacy: flawless, effortless, and packed with standout moments.

Young Gemini - "Zvekutokonzeresa" (Zimbabwe)

Young Gemini is Zimbabwe's pride and joy, an emerging talent whose award-winning streak has brought her music to an ever-growing audience. "Zvekutokonzeresa" is minimal, almost old-school in approach, and the emcee arrives with her A-game, adapting her flow to the beat while injecting it with a heavy dose of personality. Play on repeat for maximum impact.

Atenda Chinx - "My Man" (Zimbabwe)

Atenda Chinx's relatively short time in the music industry has already yielded hits, with songs like "Ndodi," "Ndiwe," and "Makoti" making a dent in the Afropop ecosystem. "My Man" is the latest entry in her easy-going, free-flowing explorations of young romance and the self-discovery that comes with it.

Voltz JT - "Isa Matext" (Zimbabwe)

Voltz JT can never put a foot wrong. It's practically a statistical impossibility — just look at the discography. "Isa Matext" showcases his version of Harare: bold, restless, and undulating. Rapping over JaxTheBeatBully's trap production, words form effortlessly on his tongue. His restraint is his strength; he knows he can rap, but that's secondary to making you feel something. That's where the melodic cadence comes in, wriggling its way into your soul while he delivers some of the meanest bars in African rap today.

Takura - "Handizvione" (Zimbabwe)

Takura is one of Zimbabwe's most promising artists right now, and his recently released EP, Vanialla, has quickly become the talk of the town. "Handizvione" interpolates the melody of “Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye, resulting in a modern meditation on affection and sensuality.