Freshlyground was a South African band formed in Cape Town in 2002 and whose genres span between jazz, blues and kwela. The band members have different backgrounds, including those from South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Freshlyground's musical style blends various elements such as traditional South African music which the band dubbed as "Afro fusion". They are best known for their performance on the single "Waka Waka " with Colombian singer Shakira, which received worldwide recognition. The music video – featuring the group – also received over 3 billion views on YouTube.
The Parlotones are a renowned South African indie rock band hailing from Johannesburg, formed in 1998. The ensemble features Kahn Morbee on vocals and rhythm guitar, Paul Hodgson as lead guitarist, Glen Hodgson handling bass guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals, and Neil Pauw on drums and percussion. Originally rooted in Britpop, The Parlotones' music has evolved to encompass a diverse range of genres, with lyrics centered on relatable themes such as love and everyday life, complemented by engaging and memorable melodies.
Mi Casa is a house trio based in Johannesburg, South Africa and consisting of three members, Dr. Duda, J'Something, and Mo-T (trumpeter). The band was formed in early 2011 in Johannesburg when all three future members were at a night lounge and decided to perform together.
"Khona" is a song by South African duo Mafikizolo. It was released as the lead single from their eighth studio album, Reunited (2013). The song features additional vocals from Uhuru and was released by Kalawa Jazmee Records. "Khona" peaked at number one on Afribiz's Top 100 chart and reached number two on the Metro FM music chart. The song made Prisoner of Class' list of the top 10 African songs of 2013, landing at number one.
The MTV Africa Music Awards 2014 took place on 7 June 2014, at the Durban International Convention Centre. The awards aired live across Africa on MTV Base and MTV. The ceremony was sponsored by KwaZulu-Natal Province, Absolut and the City of Durban. The show was hosted by American comedian and actor Marlon Wayans. The ceremony featured performances from artists such as Miguel, Trey Songz, Flavour N'abania, French Montana, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Oskido, Professor, Diamond Platnumz, Phyno, Yuri Da Cunha, Sauti Sol, Sarkodie, Ice Prince, The Arrows, Khuli Chana, Dr SID, Fally Ipupa, Michael Lowman, Don Jazzy, DJ Clock, Beatenberg, DJ Kent, Big Nuz, Toofan, D'Banj, DJ Vigi, DJ Tira, DJ Buckz, and Burna Boy. On 27 May 2014, the nominees for the MTV Base Leadership Award were announced. On 28 May, MTV Base revealed Drake, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, and Miley Cyrus as the nominees for the Best International Act category. Davido and Mafikizolo received the most nominations with four each. Mi Casa and P-Square received three nominations. Diamond Platnumz and Wizkid were nominated twice for both Best Male and Best Collaboration.
Reunited is the eighth studio album by South African duo Mafikizolo. It was released physically on 10 April 2013 and digitally on 11 April 2013 via iTunes. "Khona", the album's lead single, debuted on January 10, 2013, and was met with critical acclaim.
Ntokozo Mdluli, known professionally as K.O, is a South African rapper. He began his career as a member of Teargas, a hip hop group which released its debut album titled K'shubile K'bovu (2006), followed by Wafa Wafa (2008), Dark or Blue (2009) and last album Num8er Num8er (2012).
Uhuru were a South African musical group best known for producing the hit single "Khona" performed by Mafikizolo. Signed to Kalawa Jazmee, the band consisted of Nqobile Mahlanu (Mapiano), Sihle Dlalisisa, Xelimpilo Simelane (Xeli) and Themba Sekowe. Independently, Uhuru is best known for hit remixes like "Y-tjukutja" and "The Sound".
Zonke Dikana, known simply as Zonke, is a South African singer-songwriter and record producer. Her rise to stardom came in 2011 following the release of her third album, Ina Ethe, which was certified double platinum and was nominated at the 18th South African Music Awards. In 2013, she recorded and released Give and Take Live, which was certified gold just two months after its release and earned her a place in the Channel O list of "Africa's Top 10 Female Singing Sensations". In September 2015, Zonke released Work of Heart, her fifth album, to critical acclaim with nominations in several categories at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards and 22nd South African Music Awards. She signed a record deal to Sony Music Entertainment in 2013. On 15 June 2018, she released L.O.V.E, her fifth studio album, with Sony.
Lehlogonolo Ronald Mataboge, known professionally as A-Reece, is a South African rapper, songwriter and record producer. He was raised in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Mkhonzeni Langa better known by his stage name Professor is a South African Kwaito musician from Durban. He first rose to prominence as part of the Durban-based Kwaito duo Tzozo and Professor before branching out on his own making a huge mark on the South African music industry with hit songs such as Jezebel, "Imoto", "Lento", "Fingerprints", "Speaker" & "Unobenga".
Revolution is a house band formed in Johannesburg, South Africa, consisting of twin brothers George and Joseph Mothiba. They emerged into the spotlight with the release of their third album The Journey in 2002, supported by the hit single Vhavenda, it was recognised as the Best Selling Release at the 2003 South African Music Awards. Since then, they have released a further twelve albums at a rate of close to one per year, achieving some degree of commercial and critical success.
Big Nuz was a South African Kwaito trio from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, founded in 2002. The group was composed of three members known by their stage names Mampintsha, R Mashesha, and Danger.
Manando is the second studio album by South African rapper and singer Emtee, released by Ambitiouz Entertainment on September 15, 2017 and features guest appearances from fellow Ambitiouz label-mates Sjava and Saudi, as well as Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. The album was produced by Ruff, Tweezy, Christer, Lunatik, Ron Epidemic and Bizz Boy.
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.
The 24th Annual South African Music Awards was held at Sun City, in the North West on 2 June 2018. The list of nominees was announced on 19 April 2018 at Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni. Mafikizolo, Mi Casa and Shekhinah each received a node of nomination Other artists with multiple nominations include Mobi Dixon, Distruction Boyz and Riky Rick. It was aired live on SABC 1 at 20:00 SAST (CAT). The show was hosted by Somizi Mhlongo, Dineo Ranaka and Mpho Popps.
Yamikani Janet Banda, professionally known under the alias of Lady Zamar, is a South African singer, songwriter and author.
Siyabonga Nene, known professionally as Big Zulu, is a South African rapper and songwriter. He rose to spotlight after releasing the single "Donsa Nkabi" in 2016.
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.
