The 10 Best Southern African Songs Right Now
We bring some heat from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa. The beats are solid, and the songs will get you instantly hooked.
The Southern African musical landscape is one that’s forever-giving. This month, we bring an incredible selection of music from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Swaziland. The vibes are eternal, and the mixed bag is wide-ranging. Dig in and get a taste of this month’s beats from the region.
Langa Mavuso - “Best Friend (Control)” (South Africa)
“Best Friend” is a song about treading lightly in the face of a looming romance. It encourages the listener to embrace possibilities and remain open for wherever an encounter may lead. Langa Mavuso recently celebrated seven years in the music industry by releasing this song. It leans towards soul music, and Mavuso’s commanding voice demands that the listener pay attention. Play this one on an easy Sunday afternoon and let the pulsating beats that underscore these infectious melodies take control.
Moonchild Sanelly - “Sweet & Savage” (South Africa)
Moonchild Sanelly’s upward trajectory in South African music needs to be studied. She has been consistent since her early days in the Durban and Johannesburg underground circuits, and demonstrated a staying power that most artists can learn from. Musically, she has collaborated with the likes of Diplo and Ghetts, and even had a song featured on the Black Panther soundtrack. On “Sweet Savage,” the musician and fashion designer gives us more of the electro-funk steez we’ve got used to over the years. “I like girls, I nibble on boys now and then,” she sings, a confirmation of her wide-ranging preferences.
Asher Gamedze & The Black Lungs - “Find Each Other” (South Africa)
Cape Town-based drummer Asher Gamedze has demonstrated impressive growth since his debut on the South African jazz scene four years ago. That project introduced him to the Chicago-based International Anthem, who signed him on for the follow-up, Turbulence and Pulse, which featured the same personnel from his first outing. “Find Each Other,” from his forthcoming album Constitution, is a gigantic undertaking from Gamedze’s 10-piece ensemble, The Black Lungs. It features the spoken word of Fred Moten, who adds another dimension to the revolutionary zeal of the collective. With every composition, Gamedze attempts to peel back layers of our forgotten past. He stands as a constant reminder of the beauty of living in hope and fighting for a liberated future. This music reflects the times we are living in — it’s urgent, it’s driving, it speaks to the soul.
JC Kalinks - “Ichibyongo” (Zambia)
Zambia’s JC Kalinks, affectionately known as The Bluetooth due to his ability to effortlessly connect to his growing fanbase, has unleashed an undeniable banger in “Ichibyongo,” an Afropop-flavored head-nodding jam that instantly gets heads bopping. The vocalist and producer has been in the music industry since 2014, and has a valuable discography of hits to his name. “Ichibyongo” is the follow-up to the similarly-themed “Akale” released back in March.
Killer T - “Kana Ndanyura” (Zimbabwe)
We slept on Killer T’s mega hit when it dropped some two months ago. “Kana Ndanyura” trended shortly after its release, and is currently one of the biggest songs in Zimbabwe, a testament to the dancehall star’s ability to craft songs that resonate with the masses.
K. Keed - “Year 24” feat. Nasty C (South Africa)
Gugulethu-born K. Keed has been bubbling beneath the surface for the past few years, and his dedicated base has been growing naturally over time. She is one of the most exciting emcees in South Africa right now, and teams up with Nasty C on “Year 24,” a chaotic slapper fit for consumption by esteemed hip-hop heads worldwide.
Oriiginelle - “16s & Some” ft. Ntatao & Novl (Swaziland/South Africa/Lesotho)
Swaziland’s Oriiginelle is an exciting new voice in the Southern African rap scene. She packs all the essentials of a dope emcee: a vocal tone that draws you in, an unsettling command of the pen, and a relentless desire to deliver a banger everytime. She’s joined on this song by Lesotho’s Ntatao and South Africa’s Novl for “16s & Some,” and the result is an astounding degree of reality raps. This is a match made in rap heaven.
Denimwoods - “DAISO” feat. Takura (Zimbabwe/DRC)
Denimwoods is known for his witty lyricism, sharp performance style, and enigmatic persona. “Daiso” is the artist’s latest single and comes cushioned in all the tasteful sensibilities of modern day rap. The rapper incorporates elements of French in his songs, and the effect is long-lasting.
Boohle & Woza Sabza - “Impumelelo (Amapiano)” feat. Ghost ZA (South Africa)
Boohle makes a welcome return to amapiano on “Impumelelo,” a song about hard work and the success it promises. One of the genre’s most trusted voices doesn’t fail to deliver.
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