South African Music

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Indelible storyteller: Pilani is a singer-songwriter, poet and TV presenter with seven albums behind her and an eighth on the way. She has a Sama on the shelf, four Netflix syncs to her name and performances in more than 25 countries across Europe and Africa.  She also founded the Folklore Festival. Photos: Supplied

Pilani Bubu is defying gravity

Award-winning musician Pilani Bubu has spent 15 years writing her own playbook. As she releases her introspective new single 'Caged Heart', she reflects on creative independence,…

Tributes pour in for Babsy Mlangeni who died at age 83

Tributes are pouring in for legendary South African singer, guitarist, and songwriter Babsy Mlangeni, who has passed away at the age of 83 following a short illness.

Spring Fiesta brings dance music heavyweights together across five stages

Spring Fiesta returns with an explosive multi-genre lineup across five stages, bringing together South Africa's dance music legends and rising stars in Amapiano, Deep House, Afro…

Living on: Busi Mhlongo's legacy is easy to hear in the voices of her descendants, the many musicians she inspired. Photos: Supplied

Three voices, one spirit: honouring Busi Mhlongo at Joy of Jazz

At the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, vocalists Zawadi Yamungu, Xolisa Dlamini, and Buhlebendalo join forces to celebrate the enduring legacy and fearless spirit of music icon Busi…

Homegrown: FNB Stadium might be massive but the energy Scorpion Kings are bringing comes from the intimate spaces where Amapiano was
born. Photos: Supplied

Amapiano Royalty: Scorpion Kings return for their largest show yet at FNB Stadium

Amapiano pioneers Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa reflect on scaling their sound, cultural ownership, and their massive 70,000-capacity Scorpion Kings Live show at FNB Stadium.

Lusanda is learning to trust her voice

After going viral on TikTok with soulful covers, multidisciplinary artist Lusanda releases her debut EP 'By The Time I Wake Up' and steps into the spotlight as Spotify’s EQUAL…

Celebrating a Legend: Caiphus Semenya's timeless songbook takes centre stage at Joburg Theatre

Joburg Theatre will celebrate the timeless legacy of musical icon Caiphus Semenya with a special three-day production featuring top contemporary South African artists.

Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis speaks about creative independence, the realities of streaming and why women need to understand the business behind their art

Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis knows the value of owning her music

Jazz musician and scholar Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantis discusses her latest album Ndilapha, creative autonomy, the realities of music streaming, and the importance of business…

Organic: Dyer isn't an artist who works to a fixed timeline. Traditions took its own unhurried route to completion. Photos: Supplied

Bokani Dyer looks back to move forward on ‘Traditions’

Jazz pianist Bokani Dyer reflects on turning 40 and delves into his South African musical inheritance, from struggle songs to his father's influence, on his new album Traditions.

New arrival: After more than 50 years in the music industry, Don Laka speaks about his latest album with the excitement of someone at the beginning of a journey rather than the end of one. Photos: Supplied

Don Laka’s ‘Invitation 2’ is a meeting point between generations

Nearly two decades after his seminal release, South African music legend Don Laka returns with 'Invitation 2', an expansive 24-track project bridging generations, genres, and…

 Manana performs during his Mending Broken Hearts Tour in Pretoria, where fans sang along to his music and welcomed him back to a city he says gave him a chance early in his career. Credit: @iamkwame_

Manana returns to Pretoria, where the music feels personal

Singer-songwriter Manana reflects on growth, emotional honesty, and the vibrant space for alternative sounds in South Africa during his Mending Broken Hearts Tour stop in Pretoria.

Man in motion: Moloi is difficult to pin down. He’s a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who moves between folk, blues, jazz, mbaqanga and maskandi without ever landing in one of them. Photo: Supplied

The Many Sounds of Tubatsi Mpho Moloi

From Soweto roots to international acclaim with Urban Village and collaborations with Msaki, multi-instrumentalist Tubatsi Mpho Moloi discusses his genre-defying music journey…

Rowlene is figuring out which strings to keep attached

South African R&B singer-songwriter Rowlene releases her new album, Some Strings Attached, a collection of ballads exploring relationships with lovers, friends, family, and fans.…

 Tyla was honoured with the AfriPure International Achievement Award.

Sama32 celebrates South Africa’s musical excellence, diversity and global influence

The 32nd South African Music Awards (Sama32) concluded its Homecoming Edition at Sun City, honouring the rich diversity and evolution of South African music over two nights. The…

Life lessons: Matau’s story is one of resilience, community and an almost stubborn belief in what is possible. Photo: Supplied

Hloni Modise Matau is giving women their flowers, now

Hloni Modise Matau, founder of the Basadi in Music Awards, has dedicated years to building a platform that celebrates women in an industry that often overlooks them. Her story is…