Top SA house songs of 2020

Nonetheless, house and its leading artists, many of whom are making amapiano anyway, can take solace in the fact that amapiano, like gqom, could be just another fad that comes and goes. After all, house and kwaito are the progenitors of these sub-genres and constitute the foundations on which newcomers rest.

This year’s top house tracks include 2019 hits like ‘Kobanini’ and ‘Jerusalema’, which were released in November and December. Both tracks feature vocalist Nomcebo, who has cemented her presence on the local house music scene. Big names like Heavy K, Professor, Dr Malinga, Mpumi, Sun-El Musician, DJ Tira, NaakMusiQ and TNS have also hit the right notes with new releases in 2020.

Below is Music In Africa's dynamic playlist of the top SA house songs of 2020, in no particular order. The playlist will grow until the end of the year, so make sure you bookmark it for your continuous listening pleasure.

Xola Moya Wami by Nomcebo Zikode ft. Master KG

The song is off Nomcebo Zikode’s eponymous album. She is better known as the golden voice of the world-renowned hit ‘Jerusalema’, a song by Master KG. Zikode is also known for blessing DJ Ganyani with sweet vocals for his smash hit ‘Emazulwini’.

Siyafana by Nomcebo Zikode

The song’s fast tempo alongside Zikode’s pleasant-sounding vocals makes it one of the top house songs of 2020.

Indlela by Nomcebo Zikode

This is another top song off Zikode’s debut album. ‘Indlela’ is a perfect song for someone on a long road trip.

Njabulo by Nomcebo Zikode ft. Master KG

Zikode and Master KG’s constant collaborations are bearing fruit and ‘Njabulo’ is no doubt a club banger. The song lacks a video, which could generate more attention.

Ase Moruti by King Monada

This song gets people moving on the dance floor. ‘Ase Moruti’ is among the songs which have propelled King Monada into a league of dance music stars who have become revellers’ favourites and a crowd puller at concerts.

Ngiyesaba by Character ft. Q Twins and Ntencane

‘Ngiyesaba’ was made popular by 2019 Idols SA constants Q Twins. The track is a love song whose other parts of the video were shot on a beautiful waterfall.  

Uwrongo by Prince Kaybee, Shimza, Black Motion and Ami Faku

‘Uwrongo’ is the hitmaking Prince Kaybee’s first single of the year. The song attained gold status in South Africa and reached No 1 on various South African radio stations. It took the first spot for multiple weeks on Radiomonitor's South Africa Top 100 chart.

Thatha by Heavy K ft. Mbuso Khoza

Heavy K never disappoints. The song was released in late April and is making big waves.

SBCNCSLY by Black Coffee ft. Sabrina Claudio

Black Coffee and American singer Sabrina Claudio's collaboration is probably one of the classier releases of 2020. Claudio's multi-layered vocals make for a dreamy composition, while Black Coffee employs various keys (amapiano) to add melodic complexity to the track.

Tsamaya by Heavy K ft. Professor

Another Heavy K club banger featuring top house artist Professor. This is among the top house collaborations of 2020 and relies on the now well-known gqom/kwaito signature beat.

Ngikwenzeni by Dr Malinga ft. Mpumi & Villager SA

The song is based on a true story that happened Dr Malinga – one that is about betrayed by his friends. It was produced by Limpopo-based producer Villager SA.

Ayabonga by TNS and Skillz ft. Le Soul

What makes the song powerful are the beats and slowed-down aesthetic in the video. The combination between TNS, Skillz and Le Soul is as smooth as a house track can get.

Yasha Imizi by Claudio and Kenza ft. Mpumi and Sun-El Musician

Music duo Claudio and Kenza team up with house favourites Mpumi and Sun-El Musician on this vocally laden composition. This one will give you goosebumps. Cheers!

Everything by Black Motion and Afrotraction ft. Mo-T

House duo Black Motion are the masters of the percussive house sound. This song also bears jazz, funk and R&B influences, which makes it quite unique compared to most of the other house releases this year.

Kobanini by Mobi Dixon ft. Nomcebo and T-Love

The song was released in November 2019 but still finds itself among the top 2020 releases. The presence of Nomcebo, who featured on the well-known  ‘Jerusalema’ (also added to this playlist), could be the reason for its success.

Insimbi by Sun-El Musician and Mthunzi

Sun-El's melodic progressions are arguably the catchiest. They also have a certain purity and feeling of nostalgia that cannot but move the listener. This track is perfectly complemented by Mthunzi's Zulu lines.

iBhari by TNS ft. Luqua

This track relies mostly on its thumping beat, and is a true lockdown release, dropping in April. It's sung in Zulu and English.

More and More by Lady Zamar

This is a love song and its video stars Lady Zamar as a bride. ‘More and More’ is the kind of track any house fan could play for their lover when things aren't going too well.

Ngi Linde Wena by Mo Flava ft. Nomcebo

Mo Flava sought the voice of Nomcebo for this track. The chanteuse seems to be the go-to singer if you want a hit at the moment. This is totally understandable – there are few powerful voices like Nomcebo's currently on the SA house scene.

Jerusalema by Master KG ft. Nomcebo

Without doubt one of the biggest house tracks of 2019, ‘Jerusalema’ was released in December and is still receiving plenty of airplay. The song was sitting at more than 35 million YouTube views at the beginning of July 2020.

SuperHero by DJ Tira ft. NaakMusiQ and DJ Clock

This song has an old techno flavour and a strong Kwaito feel. What's better than that for the older house heads? The ‘SuperHero’ music video was shot with DJ Tira and NaakMusiQ’s cellphones.