Every week, we highlight the very best of South African music for your listening pleasure. Check out our selection of the best new South African songs you need to hear featuring music from Kwesta, Rouge, Emtee, Focalistic and DJ Kaymoworld.

Kwesta – Njandini

The Ngud hitmaker comes back to us with a 2-track project named “2 Skeif”, composed of “Njandini” and “The Finesse” featuring Riky Rick. “Njandini” is a perfect example of what Kwesta is best at: authentic street tales and heavy hip-hip/kwaito instrumentals. The rapper has clearly elevated our hopes for his DaKAR III album, currently in progress. 

Rouge ft. AKA – One by one 

The Congolese/South-African singer/rapper just released the video for “One by One”, featuring AKA. The scenario? “Cupid’s agents scatter the internet in search to bring love and happiness”. Rouge’s light voice perfectly blends with SupaMega’s autotuned verse, making a pop and chill track. 

Emtee – Johustleburg

Emtee had teased “Johustleburg” during his battle of hits with Nasty C. The rapper finally released the official audio, a moving ode to eGoli, the city of Gold, Jozi a.k.a. Johannesburg. The track is clearly hip-hop oriented but still has a relaxing and calm vibe, to which Emtee brings nice story-telling verses. 

Focalistic – Christian Dior

Taken from his EP “Quarantined Tarantino”, “Christian Dior” is a song about Focalistic’s recent success and the contrast between his old and new life. The video was shot in what appears to be the Pretoria rapper’s house, as South Africa just recently got out of lockdown. 

DJ Kaymoworld ft. Costa Titch & Frank Casino – Nightmares

“Nightmares” is a classical SA rap track. The song sees Mpumalanga rapper Costa Titch spit his bars in English, and Frank Casino, close associate to Cassper Nyovest, deliver an energic and powerful verse. Kaymoworld’s instrumental is simple and strong, leaving enough space for the 2 rappers to have some real lyrics.