Top South African songs of 2024

‘Keneilwe’ by Wanitwa Mos, Nkosazana Daughter and Master KG ft. Dalom Kids

‘Keneilwe’ is an electrifying fusion of Afro-pop and hip hop – a seamless blend of all three artists’ distinctive styles to create an uplifting track.

‘Tshwala’ by TitoM & Yupe ft. S.N.E & EeQue

Titom & Yupe’s amapiano track ‘Tshwala’ offers a vibrant and infectious beat, fusing traditional elements with modern sounds. The catchy rhythm and energetic vibe makes it a solid addition to the amapiano genre, perfect for setting the mood on the dance floor.

‘Water’ by Tyla

This song earned Tyla a Grammy win this year and helped her become the first African female solo artist to chart in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.

‘Ebasini Wav.files’ by Tyler ICU ft. Leemckrazy, Tman Xpress, Ceeka RSA, Visca, AL Xapo and SjavasDaDeejay

The amapiano scene is set to be redefined by ‘Ebasini Wav.files’. The track is a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving amapiano genre. Tyler ICU’s production skills are evident on this meticulously crafted song, which blends infectious rhythms with soulful melodies.

‘Awufuni Ukung’Qoma’ by Big Zulu

With the release of ‘Awufuni UkungQoma’, Big Zulu showcases his immense talent again. Adding to his impressive discography, this captivating song serves as a testament to his musical abilities. The enchanting melody and heartfelt lyrics of the track makes it one of Big Zulu’s best songs.

‘Imithandazo’ by Kabza De Small and Mthunzi ft. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine and Umthakathi Kush

‘Imithandazo’ (Prayer) is a petition to God. A message of hope is conveyed through this track, which encourages believers to be patient until their prayers are answered.

‘Izenzo’ by Bassie and Aymos ft. T-Man SA

Since its release in September last year, ‘Izenzo’ has continued to climb up the music charts. It tells the story of two lovers who promise to celebrate each other’s accomplishments.

‘Masithokoze’ by DJ Stokie and Eemoh

‘Masithokoze’ (Let’s Be Happy) is an engaging love song by DJ Stokie and Eemoh, who have lent their vocal and production skills to this catchy tune. Considering the rich love lingo on the song, this track makes for the perfect soundtrack to a love celebration.

‘Mapara’ by Makhadzi ft. Babethe Gaoshazen

Following a string of successful Makhadzi releases, ‘Mapara’ has become one of South Africa‘s favourite tracks in 2024. Released late last year, the song is off her Mbofholowo album

‘Funk 55’ by Shakes & Les, DBN Gogo, Zee Nxumalo, Ceeka RSA and Chley

Produced by Sipho Nkabinde and Shakes & Les, this slow burner is perfect for a lounge setting and a conversation among friends.

‘Ok’salayo’ by Lindough ft. Freddie Gwala, King Short and DJ Active

Lindough collaborates with Freddie Gwala, Kingshort and DJ Active to create this energetic track. The song is an emphatic celebration featuring upbeat lines, catchy rhythms and dynamic vocals.

‘Makhelwane’ by Wanitwa Mos, Nkosazana Daughter and Master KG ft. Casswell P

This track gains an extra layer of depth and appeal thanks to Casswell P’s distinctive vocal style, resulting in an instant hit.

‘Truth or Dare’ by Tyla

‘Truth or Dare’ is from Tyla’s eponymous album released this year. The track was released on Fax/Epic Records with an accompanying music video that was directed by Nabil.

‘Seduce Me’ by Daliwonga ft. Nkosazana Daughter and Happy Jazzman

Despite hitting streaming platforms in September last year, the song is still dominating the airwaves after the release of its video in February.

‘iPlan’ by Dlala Thukzin, Zaba and Sykes

‘iPlan’ describes the socio-economic challenges many South Africans need to overcome to survive. In its video, viewers get an idea of the effects of South Africa’s sky-high unemployment rate.

‘Isgubhu’ by Sam Deep, Njelic and Aymos

Teaming up Sam Deep with Njelic and Aymos on this song could see it become an amapiano anthem in 2024. Its nostalgic video perfectly complements the track’s celebratory yet melancholy vibe.

‘Jealousy’ by Ceeka RSA & Tyler ICU ft. Leemckrazy & Khalil Harrison

The song was widely shared on Instagram and TikTok following its release. In addition to Tyler ICU, Ceeka RSA teams up with Leemckrazy and Khalil Harrison, two other music sensations.

‘Dubula’ by HarryCane, Master KG and DJ Latimmy ft. Eemoh

Based on his appearances on a few top amapiano hits, Eemoh is a big name in the making. Featuring his vocals, ‘Dubula’, released in December 2023, is still rocking the clubs and local radio stations.

‘Dalie’ by Kamo Mphela, Khalil Harrison and Tyler ICU ft. Baby S.O.N

With its tightly choreographed video, this song features some of the most popular amapiano artists in South Africa.

‘Amalobolo’ by Kelvin Momo and Babalwa M ft. Stixx and Nia Pearl

‘Amalobolo’ is off Kelvin Momo’s nine-track Kurhula album. Released mid-December, the album surpassed 30 million streams a month after its release. The song is a woman’s request that her lover pay the bride price.