South African musicians such as Tyler ICU, De Mthuda, Murumba Pitch, Tyla, Focalistic, ShaunMusiQ, Aymos and Makhadzi, among many others, have demonstrated their tremendous contribution to the music industry this year. Apart from amapiano, South African house and hip hop are still making their mark, with artists like Master KG, Busiswa, Oskido, Nkosazana Daughter, K.O and Nasty C pushing hard to stay on top.<\/p>\n
As 2023 draws to an end, Music In Africa has compiled a playlist with some of the biggest songs of the year for you listening pleasure. Enjoy!<\/p>\n
\u2018Water\u2019 by Tyla<\/p>\n
This song earned Tyla a Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category. The song broke the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart making her the highest-charting African female solo act of all time.<\/p>\n
Mnike\u2019 by Tyler ICU & Tumelo.za ft. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee<\/p>\n
\u2018Mnike\u2019 was released on 28 April on Sony Music Entertainment Africa, with exclusive licensing from New Money Gang Records. The song became a sleeper hit on video sharing platform TikTok within moments of its release. It peaked at No1 on the Billboard South Africa Songs chart and sold 1 million units within two weeks of its release.<\/p>\n
Umbayimbayi\u2019 by Inkabi Zezwe (Big Zulu & Sjava)<\/p>\n
With this song, KwaZulu-Natal born Big Zulu and Sjava prove their vocal prowess. It is in itself a success that the duo, who are known mainly for their rapping abilities, cross over the floor to exhibit their vocal talent.<\/p>\n
Sgudi Snyc\u2019 by De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef, Eemoh ft. Sipho Magudulela<\/p>\n
South Africans are in the grip of economic hardship, which De Mthuda communicates in this song, with its video depicting workers protesting against low wages.<\/p>\n
Ngeke\u2019 by Big Nuz ft. DJ Yamza<\/p>\n
\u2018Ngeke\u2019 was an instant success after its release and became an even bigger hit after Big Nuz member Mampintsha passed away in December 2022. There is a nostalgic feel to the song that appeals to diehard fans of Big Nuz.<\/p>\n
Hamba Juba\u2019 by Lady Amar, Cici, Murumba Pitch and JL SA<\/p>\n
A sad message about missing departed ones accompanies the song.<\/p>\n
Thath’Indawo\u2019 by Spirit of Praise 8 ft. Mpumi Mtsweni<\/p>\n
There is a strong spiritual feeling in \u2018Thath’Indawo\u2019, a gospel track whose message draws believers closer to God. The song is among the top songs in South Africa and shows the power of gospel music in the country. It is led by Mpumi Mtsweni, a top gospel artist in the Southern African region.<\/p>\n
SETE\u2019 by K.O ft. Young Stunna and Blxckie<\/p>\n
Released in 2022, \u2018SETE\u2019, which took music platforms by storm and claimed the No 1 spot on Spotify and Radio Monitor for nine consecutive weeks, received gold status five days after its debut. The song then reached platinum status in September 2022 and continued to be popular throughout 2023\/ It won the Best Video, Best Collaboration and Song of the Year accolades at the South African Hip Hop Awards.<\/p>\n
Awukhuzeki\u2019 by DJ Stokie ft. Omit ST, Sobzeen and Zee_nhle<\/p>\n
The song is off DJ Stokie\u2019s album My Journey Continues. The track is sung entirely in Zulu and features Omit ST, Sobzeen, and Zee_nhle, whose vocals adds nothing but magic to the track.<\/p>\n
Niazwifha\u2019 by Makhadzi ft. Fortunator and DJ Gun-Do SA<\/p>\n
Following here fallout with her previous management company, Open Mic Productions, Makhadzi returns to awe her fans. With this song, she marks another milestone in her illustrious career. The song is not only a showcase of her talent, but also marks a significant milestone under her very own Makhadzi Entertainment.<\/p>\n
Stimela\u2019 by 2Point1 ft. Ntate Stunna and Nthabi Sings<\/p>\n
There is something enchanting about the music in \u2018Stimela\u2019. This project is perfectly tied together with a beautiful video featuring subjects dressed in retro outfits.<\/p>\n
iMpumelelo\u2019 by Sam Deep, Eemoh ft. Da Muziqal Chef<\/p>\n
\u2018iMpumelelo\u2019 (which translates to \u2018success\u2019) is for everyone who wants to pursue their dreams, and Eemoh\u2019s vocals resonantly express fighting for success despite the detractors.<\/p>\n
Khekheleza\u2019 (Dlala Dlala) by Focalistic, EeQue and Thama Tee<\/p>\n
There is a strong resemblance to the regalia worn by kwaito musicians in the 1990s in this video, while the song itself propels Focalistic to the forefront of South Africa\u2019s music scene with the help from EeQue and Thama.<\/p>\n
No More\u2019 by Nasty C<\/p>\n
\u2018No More\u2019 is the lead single to Nasty C\u2019s fourth studio album I Love it Here. The song caught the attention of US rapper 50 Cent, who sings along to track at the back of a car.<\/p>\n
Bhebha\u2019 by ShaunMusiQ, Ftears and Xduppy<\/p>\n
There is a lot of buzz about the song on digital platforms and local radio stations. Its video opens with a female news reporter saying there is a \u201cdisturbing new phenomenon\u201d among young people. According to the journalist, they are spending all their money on \u201cflashy designer gear\u201d…<\/p>\n
Thando\u2019 by Wanitwa Mos, Master KG and Seemah ft. Lowsheen<\/p>\n
The versatility of Master KG has made him a major force in the South African music industry, by making music in both the amapiano and SA house genres. With powerful vocals by Lowsheen and well-arranged beats, \u2018Thando\u2019 is a love song that is perfect for any romantic occasion.<\/p>\n
Yey\u2019 by uLazi by ft. Infinity MusiQ<\/p>\n
The song\u2019s slow tempo blends well with the dancing team, making \u2018Yey\u2019 one of the best amapiano songs, and performances, of 2023.<\/p>\n
Uyavala\u2019 by Busta 929 ft. Pcee<\/p>\n
Pcee helps Busta 929 display his production skills on this song, which ranks among the top South African tracks making waves in 2023.<\/p>\n
Kwelinye\u2019 by Mellow & Sleazy and TmanXpress ft. Keynote<\/p>\n
\u2018Kwelinye\u2019 gained traction on various digital platforms two weeks after its release. The song has tinges of gospel and R&B and will surely attract listeners who still haven\u2019t gotten into amapiano (we don\u2019t know who they actually are).<\/p>\n
\u2018Fatela\u2019 by Aymos and Ami Faku<\/p>\n
Produced by Mas Musiq, the song is about two lovers seeking forgiveness from each another. The joint effort is accompanied by an impressive video, which is racking up millions of views every month.<\/p>\n
\u2018Dali Wam\u2019 by Pabi Cooper and Yumbs ft. MaWhoo and Nkosazana Daughter<\/p>\n
\u2018Dali Wam\u2019 showcases the powerful vocals of Pabi Cooper and Yumbs along with MaWhoo and Nkosazana Daughter. It serves as a constant reminder of the power of the South Africa\u2019s singers.<\/p>\n
\u2018Wena Dali\u2019 by Murumba Pitch and Omit ST ft. Soa Matrix, Dinky Kunene and Buhle Sax<\/p>\n
With a smooth, jazzy accompaniment and heartfelt vocal performances, \u2018Wena Dali\u2019 captures the essence of falling deeply in love with someone special. While acknowledging the challenges and emphasising the importance of cherishing and nurturing love, the artists sing about the joy and happiness that love brings them. As Buhle Sax\u2019s saxophone solo builds to a climax, listeners are swept away by the intense passion and emotion of the song.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The South African music industry saw another strong year with a host of hits that not only made an impression in the country but also abroad. Fans from around globe are tapping into South African sounds, especially amapiano, which is now the country\u2019s biggest music export.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12963,"featured_media":37755,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,31],"tags":[7,14,32],"class_list":{"0":"post-37758","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-entertainment","8":"category-music","9":"tag-apie-project","10":"tag-entertainment","11":"tag-music"},"yoast_head":"\n