Top South African songs of 2023

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.

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!

‘Water’ by Tyla

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. 

‘Mnike’ by Tyler ICU & Tumelo.za ft. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee

‘Mnike’ 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.

‘Umbayimbayi’ by Inkabi Zezwe (Big Zulu & Sjava)

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.

‘Sgudi Snyc’ by De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef, Eemoh ft. Sipho Magudulela

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.

‘Ngeke’ by Big Nuz ft. DJ Yamza

‘Ngeke’ 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. 

‘Hamba Juba’ by Lady Amar, Cici, Murumba Pitch and JL SA

A sad message about missing departed ones accompanies the song.

‘Thath'Indawo’ by Spirit of Praise 8 ft. Mpumi Mtsweni

There is a strong spiritual feeling in ‘Thath'Indawo’, 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.

‘SETE’ by K.O ft. Young Stunna and Blxckie

Released in 2022, ‘SETE’, 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.

‘Awukhuzeki’ by DJ Stokie ft. Omit ST, Sobzeen and Zee_nhle

The song is off DJ Stokie’s 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.

‘Niazwifha’ by Makhadzi ft. Fortunator and DJ Gun-Do SA

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.

‘Stimela’ by 2Point1 ft. Ntate Stunna and Nthabi Sings

There is something enchanting about the music in ‘Stimela’. This project is perfectly tied together with a beautiful video featuring subjects dressed in retro outfits.

‘iMpumelelo’ by Sam Deep, Eemoh ft. Da Muziqal Chef

‘iMpumelelo’ (which translates to ‘success’) is for everyone who wants to pursue their dreams, and Eemoh’s vocals resonantly express fighting for success despite the detractors.

‘Khekheleza’ (Dlala Dlala) by Focalistic, EeQue and Thama Tee

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’s music scene with the help from EeQue and Thama.

‘No More’ by Nasty C

‘No More’ is the lead single to Nasty C’s 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.

‘Bhebha’ by ShaunMusiQ, Ftears and Xduppy

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 “disturbing new phenomenon” among young people. According to the journalist, they are spending all their money on “flashy designer gear”...

‘Thando’ by Wanitwa Mos, Master KG and Seemah ft. Lowsheen

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, ‘Thando’ is a love song that is perfect for any romantic occasion.

‘Yey’ by uLazi by ft. Infinity MusiQ

The song’s slow tempo blends well with the dancing team, making ‘Yey’ one of the best amapiano songs, and performances, of 2023.

‘Uyavala’ by Busta 929 ft. Pcee

Pcee helps Busta 929 display his production skills on this song, which ranks among the top South African tracks making waves in 2023.

‘Kwelinye’ by Mellow & Sleazy and TmanXpress ft. Keynote

‘Kwelinye’ 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’t gotten into amapiano (we don’t know who they actually are).

‘Fatela’ by Aymos and Ami Faku

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.

‘Dali Wam’ by Pabi Cooper and Yumbs ft. MaWhoo and Nkosazana Daughter

‘Dali Wam’ 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’s singers. 

‘Wena Dali’ by Murumba Pitch and Omit ST ft. Soa Matrix, Dinky Kunene and Buhle Sax

With a smooth, jazzy accompaniment and heartfelt vocal performances, ‘Wena Dali’ 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’s saxophone solo builds to a climax, listeners are swept away by the intense passion and emotion of the song.