South African music keeps growing from strength to strength in the face prevailing global crisis. This weeks’ shortlist comprises some elements of Afro-folk, Afro-soul, Hip-hop, and of course Amapiano, the new sound wave taking over South Africa at the moment.
Loki ft. K.O – Section
Skhanda World’s new recruit unveiled this irresistible video earlier this week. With heavyweight K.O on the hook, the result is a funky and melodic track, deeply empowering the Durban rapper. Loki is clearly prepared to cement his name in the SA industry.
Muzi – Sondela Forever
“Sondela” is a track taken from Muzi’s last album “Zeno”, released last October. Chris Martin, leader of Coldplay, was spelled by the producer’s sound and proposed him a remix of the track. The result, “Sondela Forever”, is this light-hearted video, sublimed by Muzi’s vocals and a beautiful piano loop.
Nasty C – There They Go
This week, the return of the “coolest kid in Africa” couldn’t be missed! Coming back fresh from a new deal with Def Jam, the rapper went back to his home city Durban for a powerful flex. “There They Go” will feature on Nasty’s forthcoming album, “Zulu Man With Some Power”, the rapper’s third studio album.
Simmy ft. Sino Msolo – Ngihamba Nawe
In Simmy’s own words, “Ngihamba Nawe” is a song about “a lady and a guy who like each other but aren’t sure if the other feels the same”. We definitely feel the romantic vibe in this afro-house/soul track featuring Sino Msolo. Simmy is currently working on her new album.
Bongeziwe Mabandla – Khangela
The afro-folk Xhosa singer has just released his new album “iimini”, a metaphor about finding love, losing it and moving on. This beautiful track sets the tone for a particularly accomplished body of work. “Khangela” translates to “Look, search, browse”.
Audiomarc & Nasty C – Audio Czzle
Hip hop producer Audiomarc and Nasty C give us another smash titled “Audio Czzle”, and if you ask me, Audiomarc definitely added some sizzle on Nasty C’s infectious, subtle flex raps with the production put together with the assistance of Zino D & Nani Chehore.
Gigi Lamayne ft Bri Biase – Mojo Jojo
Gigi Lamayne finally unleashes highly anticipated single “Mojo Jojo”. As South Africa meets the United States, Soweto‘s Gigi Lamayne brings in Atlanta’s own Bri Biase for her new single. Creating an entire “stay at home” vibe, the song is vibey in its nature, with the two rappers delivering some impressive flows.
DJ Juls ft Busiswa & Jaz Karis – Soweto Blues
Juls taps into a soft sound of house and soul with some elements of Amapiano, the new sound wave taking over South Africa at the moment. The song dubbed “Soweto Blues” is a song depicting the love, sadness and fun times that Soweto tends to offer its people. He recruits South African diva Busiswa and South London artiste Jaz Karis on this one.
