The music of South Africa exhibits a culturally varied musical heritage in conjunction with the multi-ethnic populace. Genres with the greatest international recognition being mbube, isicathamiya, mbaqanga, afrofusion, kwaito, South African pop music, afro house, South African hip hop, Shangaan electro, bacardi house, bolo house, gqom and amapiano.
The Zulu people are a South African ethnic group. Many Zulu musicians have become a major part of South African music, creating a huge influence in the music industry. A number of Zulu-folk derived styles have become well known across South Africa and abroad. Zulu music has dominated many genres in South Africa, especially house music, folk music, acapella, choral music and gospel. In fact, some of the most popular songs from South Africa are in isiZulu.
The South African Music Awards are the Recording Industry of South Africa's music industry awards, established in 1995. The ceremony is held annually, usually in late April or May, with the judging process starting in November of the previous year. The nominations are typically announced at the end of March. The winners receive a gold-plated statuette called a SAMA.
Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela, better known by her stage name Simmy, is a South African singer-songwriter.
Somizi Buyani Mhlongo is a South African media personality, television presenter, actor, choreographer and socialite. In 1992, he appeared on the musical and political film, Sarafina! which gained him prominence. Mhlongo became lead choreographer for numerous shows and events, including the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Shekhinah Thandi Donnell, known mononymously as Shekhinah, is a South African singer-songwriter, Shekhinah was among the Top 32 of M-Net's Season 7 of SA Idols in 2011 and among the Top 6 of Season 8 of SA Idols in 2012.
Gqom, gqom tech,sgubhu or 3-Step) is an electronic dance music genre and subgenre of house music that emerged in the early 2010s from Durban, South Africa, pioneered and innovated by music producers Naked Boyz, Rudeboyz, Sbucardo, Griffit Vigo, Nasty Boyz, DJ Lag, Menzi Shabane, Distruction Boyz and Citizen Boy.
Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif, known professionally as Sho Madjozi, is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter, actress and poet. Madjozi incorporates the Tsonga culture through her music and public image. In 2019, Madjozi was named as one of Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 for her contribution in the music and entertainment sector.
Jabulani Hadebe, known professionally as Sjava, is a South African singer, rapper, and actor. He began his acting career in 2005, starring in several drama series and films including uGugu no Andile (2009). He then rose to prominence on the drama series Zone 14, where he starred for three consecutive seasons, Isibaya and the second season of eHostela. Sjava ventured into the music industry and signed to record label Ambitiouz Entertainment. He gained mainstream popularity after he was featured on Miss Pru's acclaimed song "Ameni" in 2015.
Yellow is the debut studio album by South African rapper Shane Eagle, released on 31 August 2017 by Eagle Entertainment.
Rose Gold is the debut studio album by South African singer-songwriter Shekhinah. It was released by Sony Music Entertainment Africa on October 6, 2017. Rose Gold was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa on January 24, 2018 and later certified platinum on August 31, 2018. The album features guest appearances from South African rapper, Rouge, Asali and Jamali band member, Mariechan. Production is handled by David Scott, DJ Maphorisa, Mae N. Maejor, Shekhinah and Luke Goliath.
Bongekile Mildred Simelane prominently known as Babes Wodumo(also gqom queen), is a South African singer-songwriter and choreographer. She rose to fame following the release of her debut album Gqom Queen, Vol. 1 (2016) and furthermore subsequently being nominated at the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act.
The 25th Annual South African Music Awards ceremony was held at the Sun City Arena in North West on June 1, 2019. It aired live on SABC 1. The show was hosted by Bob Mabena, Melanie Bala, Twasa Seoke and hip-hop star Khuli Chana.
Amapiano, a South African music genre taken from the word pianos, is a subgenre of kwaito and house music that emerged in South Africa in the mid-2010s. It is a hybrid of deep house, gqom, jazz, soul and lounge music characterized by synths and wide, percussive basslines.
The 27th Annual South African Music Awards were the 27th edition of the South African Music Awards. The award show was broadcast live on SABC 1 on July 31, 2021 and was held virtually due to the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns.
Sihle Sithole, known professionally as Blxckie, is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer from Sydenham Heights, Durban. His debut studio album B4Now (2021) was certified gold in South Africa.
Makhosazana Princess Masango, professionally known as Azana is a South African singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Chesterville, her musical career began at the age of 15. Having signed a record deal with Big City Dreams, Azana's debut studio album Ingoma (2020), debuted number one in South Africa. Its lead single "Your Love" was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
Busisiwe Thwala, is a South African singer-songwriter and actress prominently known under the alias of Cici who gained recognition in late 2015 subsequent to the release of her single "Runaway".
Simphiwe Sihawu better known as Mr Thela, is a South African DJ and music producer. Born in Gugulethu and raised in Samora Machel, Philippi, his professional musical career began in 2016 at the age of 16. Aside from his solo career, Sihawu was a member of Mshayi & Mr Thela duo.
Ntokozo Mbambo is a South African singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Umlazi, Mbambo professional music career began as a member and lead singer of the gospel group Joyous Celebration at the age of 15.
