Southern African Musicians to look for in 2022

Africa has relentlessly developed a vibrant music scene recently, instigating a plethora of new genres and putting its spin on the sound of the future – Afrobeats. Last year, Amapiano went from only being recognised from its origins in South Africa to embarking on a journey to global domination. This has all been possible through the collective effort of established and emerging Southern African artists who have individually and collectively impacted the scene and the diaspora.

Here’s our round-up of 10 raw talents Southern Africa has to offer that we think you need to keep your eye on in 2022…

1. JAY TRIGGA – Zambia 

Zambia’s next big thing, Jay Trigga, stays making power moves locally and internationally. He has collaborated with award-winning Nigerian hip hop recording artist and actor Ice Prince Zamani & Nigerian singer-songwriter and rapper Dremo of Davido Music Worldwide (DMW).

He recently shared his new 6-song EP, ‘Lover Boy’. The project sees him trying out different musical styles to put his spin on modern afro-fusion. “Loverboy is a project that is a mixture of slow Afro-pop, and a few upbeat Amapiano influenced songs that I wanted to create anticipation before I drop my debut album,” he mentions. He adds, “I wanted to create a project that would not only show my versatility but be a soundtrack for lovers worldwide because love is universal.”

2. VALEE MUSIC – Zimbabwe

British-Zimbabwean Afropop Songstress Valee Music is a force to be reckoned with. She did a cameo for Disney’s “Black is King” by Beyonce Knowles. As well as Sarkodie and Mr Eazi’s music video titled “Do You”. Valee is heavily influenced by the infectious sounds and culture of her native, which has led her to collaborate with notable names in the game such as; Inkredible Music, Delirious Productions (Big Tobz), and Ian Green (Matrix Soundtrack & Producer for Michael Jackson).

VALEE MUSIC

3. Ka’Rabo – South Africa

South Africa’s hottest new export, Afropop songbird, Ka’Rabo is already becoming a household name continuing to go against the mold. Having rose to prominence in 2019, Ka’Rabo is best-known for sustaining her creative flair on tracks through experimenting with various genres, such as; Amapiano, House and R&B. She remains one of the most promising talents to emerge from the Afropop scene of late and her career continues to jump from strength to strength, given her notable musical collaborations which includes burgeoning Nigerian singer-songwriter, rapper Dr.Sid among others.

She makes music for listeners to feel, giving them a combination of serenading tones, melodic symphonies, and an insight into her incredible lyrical ability and spirited stagecraft.

4. NTOSH GAZI – TANZANIA

Multi-talented actor, filmmaker and musician Ntosh Gazi , has made quite a name for himself in the Amapiano genre. After appearing on John Vuligate by Mapara A Jazz, he featured on Diamond Platinumz’s sensational single, IYO. Before releasing his solo singles. His presence in the game is not by mistake, and it seems as though right now is his time to shine.

Ntosh Gazi

5. PRIDO – ZAMBIA

PRIDO is Manchester’s (UK) own contemporary songwriter, singer and rapper. Being influenced by Hip Hop, Grime, Soul, R&B, and Afrobeats, Prido has found a way to fuse all these genres creating a sound that is unique to him, and at the same time telling a story of his history within the music. His music has featured as part of brand campaigns for Footasylum and Converse, to name a few.

6. NQOBILE – South Africa

South African born, the United Kingdom-based multi-talented entertainer, recording artist, dancer and model. Her credits include choreographing a recent campaign with Kenzo at Paris Fashion Week. As a dancer includes: Performing live at Drake’s Summer Sixteen tour, Davido’s ‘If’ music video, Maleek Berry’s ‘Kontrol’ music video, modelling for high profile magazine platforms such as; Vogue; Elle, South Africa and more!

7. LADY DU – GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

Lady Du is a rapper, singer-songwriter, producer, radio presenter, and dancer whobig break came when she started working with some of the biggest names sporting the Amapiano genre like; DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, DJ JazziQ and more.

Her discography so far further proves the range of her songwriting prowess, reminding us that she is a true gem to keep your eye on as one of the most exhilarating newcomers on the scene as her trajectory continues to elevate further with each release.

8. DEE KOALA – SOUTH AFRICA

Dee Koala is an award-winning artist from Cape Town, SA. She is the official brand ambassador for Adidas South Africa and has a brand partnership with Tommy Jeans. Dee has collaborated with notable names in the game, such as; Busiswa, Yanga Chief, Dj Dimplez, Moonchild Sanelly, to name a few. She was also listed on the 100 Most Influential People in South Africa’s Urban Culture list curated by The Plug Magazine and Castle Life in 2019.

9. YOUNG STUNNA – SOUTH AFRICA

Sandile Msimango, aka Young Stunna, is a South African singer. He is best known for his feature on Felo Le Tee and Mellow & Sleazy’s smash amapiano hit “Bopha” and his hit single “Adiwele”, which charted at number 1 across SA radio with a total of 23.4 million impressions. He has also extensively worked with DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small.

10. SHA SHA – ZIMBABWE

Sha Sha is a gifted singer with a soulful sound, which she debuted on her 2019 EP Blossom. The Zimbabwean-born singer’s stirring voice comes on strong over Amapiano sounds, which she opts for, which sets her apart.

Sha Sha was listed as one of the top 10 most streamed female artists on Spotify in South Africa in 2020, while her single ‘Tender Love’ featuring DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small was listed as one of the most streamed songs. Last year she also won “Best New International Act” at the BET Awards.

 Southern African Musicians to look for in 2022

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