What’s Popping in Afro Pop Music from South Africa in 2020

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Looking for the latest and greatest in Afro Pop music from South Africa? Look no further than this blog post! We’ve got all the latest and greatest hits from 2020, sure to get you moving and grooving.

Introduction

Afro Pop music from South Africa is enjoying a surge in popularity in 2020. This up-tempo, catchy genre is a fusion of traditional African sounds and modern pop, R&B, and hip-hop. It’s the perfect sound for getting people up and dancing, and many of the biggest hits are coming out of South Africa.

Some of the top Afro Pop artists to watch in 2020 include Mahotella Queens, Busiswa, Distruction Boyz, and Sun-El Musician. These artists are delivering infectious beats and captivating vocals that are sure to get you moving. If you’re looking for something new to add to your music collection, be sure to check out what’s happening in Afro Pop from South Africa.

The Rise of Afro Pop Music

Afro pop music is on the rise in South Africa, thanks to a new generation of artists who are blending traditional sounds with modern influences. Here are some of the biggest names in the genre to watch out for in 2020.

Nasty C
Nasty C is one of the most successful young rappers in South Africa. His debut album, Bad Hair Extensions, was nominated for a Grammy Award, and he has collaborated with international stars like Wizkid and French Montana. Nasty C’s music is a mix of trap and Afrobeat, with lyrics that tackle issues like poverty and crime.

Shekhinah
Shekhinah is a singer-songwriter whose music blends R&B, pop, and Afro-soul. She first gained attention as a contestant on The Voice South Africa, and she has since released two successful albums, Rose Gold and Troubled Waters. Shekhinah’s songs often deal with themes of love and heartbreak, and she has been praised for her powerful vocal performances.

Kwesta
Kwesta is one of the most popular rappers in South Africa. He first rose to prominence with his debut album, Daai Deng (2014), which won him several awards, including Best Hip Hop Album at the South African Music Awards. Kwesta’s music typically tackles social issues like poverty and crime, but he also writes about personal themes like fatherhood and love. In 2018, he was featured on the Drake song “Nonstop”, which helped increase his international profile.

Major League DJz
Major League DJz are twin brothers who make Afro house music. They rose to prominence with their 2014 single “Do Better”, which was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Major League DJz have released two studio albums, Universal Language (2017) and Pardon My French (2019), and they have collaborated with major artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Cassper Nyovest.

The New Wave of Afro Pop Artists

The term “Afro pop” is a broad one, used to describe music that combines African rhythms with pop sensibilities. In South Africa, the term encompasses a wide range of styles, from dance-oriented club bangers to more traditionally minded singer-songwriter fare.

The past few years have seen a resurgence in Afro pop music, thanks in part to the success of artists like Mr Eazi, who introduced the genre to a wider international audience. Today, there are dozens of artists making waves in the Afro pop scene, each with their own unique sound and vision.

Here are just a few of the new wave of Afro pop artists making noise in South Africa in 2020:

1. Busiswa
Busiswa is one of the most electrifying performers in South Africa today. A self-proclaimed “Gqom Queen”, she specializes in a high-octane style of dance music that draws heavily from traditional African rhythms. Her debut album, “My Story”, was released to critical acclaim in 2017, and she has since been nominated for several major music awards.

2. Distruction Boyz
Distruction Boyz are responsible for some of the biggest club hits in recent memory. The duo’s signature brand of gqom (a type of electronic dance music originating in Durban) has taken the country by storm, and their 2018 album “From All Angles” was one of the best-selling releases of the year.

3. Sho Madjozi
Sho Madjozi is a rapper, singer and songwriter with a unique style all her own. Drawing inspiration from her Tsonga heritage, her music is infused with traditional African sounds and themes. She burst onto the scene with her breakout hit “Huku”, and has since gone on to release two successful albums and win numerous awards.

The Sound of Afro Pop Music

South Africa has a rich and vibrant music culture, and Afro pop is one of the most popular genres. This type of music is a fusion of traditional African sounds with modern pop, hip hop, and electronic music. It’s catchy and upbeat, and it always gets people moving.

If you’re looking for some new Afro pop tunes to add to your playlist, check out these five artists who are making waves in 2020:

1. Prince Kaybee

Prince Kaybee is one of the biggest names in South African music right now. He’s a DJ and producer who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the country, including Black Coffee and Miss Pru. His latest album, The 4th Republic, was released in May 2020 and it’s already become a big hit.

2. Mafikizolo

Mafikizolo is a duo made up of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza. They’ve been making music together since 1996, and they’re considered one of the most successful groups in South Africa. Their sound is a mix of Afro pop, kwaito, and house music. In 2020, they released their tenth studio album, Twenty (The Anniversary Album), to celebrate their 20th anniversary as a group.

3. Shimza

Shimza is another big name in the South African music industry. He’s a DJ and producer who has won numerous awards for his work. His latest album, Dark & Light, was released in 2019 and it explores different genres like Afro pop, deep house, and techno. In 2020, he released a new single called “Wena” which quickly became a hit.

4.Distruction Boyz
Destruction Boyz are a duo made up of Gqom artists Thobani “Que” Mgobhozi and Zipho “Goldmax” Mthembu. They started making music together in 2016, and they’ve quickly become one of the most popular Gqom groups in the country. Their debut album, Gqom Is The Future, was released in 2017 and it features hits like “Omunye” and “Shut Up & Groove”. In 2020, they released their second album, From Durban With Love, which includes the hit single “Abashwe”.
5 . Major League DJz

DJs Bandile Mberengwa and brothers Thato Sikwane (aka Gemini Major) make up Major League DJz . The group rose to fame with their 2014 single “Skhaftin”, which featured vocals from R&B singer Riky Rick . Their debut album , New Age MTVB , was released in 2015 , followed by What’s The Level? In 2016 .Since then , they have continued to release chart-topping hits , including ” Do Better ,” featuring Cassper Nyovest , Somizi , Riky Rick & Vusi Nova ;and ” Uthando ,” featuring Dotcom & Senzo Izandi .In 2020 , they released their third studio album , MLTR 360° , which includes the singles ” Zoo Radio Cypher ,” featuring Kwesta & Eindo ;and ” Superman ,” featuring Cassper Nyovest & Focalistic .

The Future of Afro Pop Music

Afro pop music from South Africa is rapidly evolving and growing in popularity. A new generation of artists are experimenting with traditional African sounds and modern pop influences to create a unique and fresh sound that is capturing the attention of music lovers around the world. Here are some of the most exciting new Afro pop artists to watch out for in 2020.

Similar Posts