The South African music industry is packed full of talent. From rappers to EDM, there’s something for everyone. Not only have South African musicians made a name for themselves in Mzansi, but they’ve also taken their music overseas.
South African musicians like Black Coffee, Kwesta, and more have made a name for themselves in the industry. These SA musicians deserve plenty of recognition. Discover even more artists to watch in this post.
Top SA Music Artists
When it comes to popular South African music, these artists can’t be missed. We’re massive fans of all of these artists, and are in awe of all they have done.
Nasty C
Nasty C is a South African rapper from Durban. He’s made a name for himself as the coolest kid in Africa. He became famous when he toured the country with AKA.
But since then he’s signed with Def Jam Records and has taken his music overseas. He’s been the most streamed South African artist on Apple Music for 4 years.
He’s done collaborations with international artists like French Montana, A$AP Ferg, T.I., Major Lazer. He’s also made music with local heavy hitters like Cassper Nyovest and Blxckie.
He’s won plenty of awards, such as the Best Hip Hop Album at both the Metro FM awards and the SAMAs. If you’re looking for Zulu artists to follow, Nasty C has to be number one on your list.
Kwesta
You’ll struggle to find a South African who doesn’t know the name Kwesta. This South African rapper. His album DaKAR II, was certified 7x Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa. He’s also won plenty of awards!
He’s collabed with American music artists like Wale and Rick Ross. He’s also made music with South African artists like Cassper Nyovest, Focalistic, and Thabsie.
We’re such massive Kwesta fans, we even made a shoe with him! If you don’t already follow his music, you’re missing out.
Cassper Nyovest
A legend in the South African music scene, Cassper Nyovest is one of the best local artists. This rapper is considered one of the most successful South African music artists. With multiple awards under his belt, as well as his own record label, there’s no missing this artist.
In 2021 he launched his own liquor brand, Billiato. He even has his own TV show on SABC 1 called Braai with Cass. There’s a reason he’s one of the most famous South African musicians.
His collabs with other artists are impressive to say the least. He has worked with local music artists like Kwesta and Nasty C. He’s also made music with Talib Kweli, DJ Drama, and Black Thought.
AKA
One of the biggest South African artists, this rapper has been making killer music for over a decade. He’s won plenty of awards, including music video of the year, a Kids’ Choice Award, song of the year, best hit single and best male artist.
He’s made music with HHP, J Something, Anatii and YoungstaCPT. If you want to catch him live, he’s known for performing at plenty of music festivals, including Joburg Day.
Riky Rick
Rapping, acting and producing music are just a few of the things Riky Rick has to show for himself. He has his own record label, Cotton Club Records.
His music is a blend of kwaito and South African hip hop, which has made him a favourite of many South Africans.
His album Family Values was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa. And was nominated as artists of the decade at the South African Hip Hop Awards. If you haven’t listened to Riky Rick’s music, get on it ASAP.
Black Coffee
This South African DJ has made his name known all around the world. He’s made it clear that he is without a doubt one of the hottest music producers out there.
He’s made music with international legends like Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, Drake, David Guetta, Usher, Pharrell Williams and Diplo. He’s also worked with plenty of local artists as well. He even performed with Usher at the Global Citizen Concert.
More recently, his song “Inkodlo Kamashimane,†was featured in the new Matrix movie. Black Coffee is definitely one of the biggest South African artists, and a must-watch.
Blxckie
Blxckie is largely considered one of the most promising young artists in South Africa at the moment. He’s incredible to watch live and has undeniable talent. This rapper/ trap artist is from Durban and is a member of the Clout Internet Boyz.
It seems he came out of nowhere, but he’s been hard at work on his music for many years. Despite how young he is, his music speaks for itself.
South African Music
From street art to rap music and even rock bands, South Africans have so much talent. And we love bragging about it. UrbanArt loves collabing with local artists, so watch this space.
We can’t wait to see where these artists end up. We’ll be following them closely and you should too.
Are there any other South African music artists you think deserve to be on this list? Leave us a comment and let us know.