Hold onto your headphones, buckle up, turn up the volume, and get ready to experience a musical journey like no other, as we dive headfirst into the hottest new releases that are sure to dominate the airwaves and leave a lasting mark on the world of music. Get ready, music lovers, because the revolution is here, and it sounds absolutely incredible!

Ckay “Nwayi”

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Emo-Afrobeats singer-songwriter and Africa’s Boyfriend, CKay stays true to his sound as he romances listeners with his new song, ‘ Nwayi.’ The single revisits themes of desire and infatuation, a fundamental element in his music that fans have long adored. Last year September saw the release of CKay’s debut album, Sad Romance, making 2022 a significant year for him as the album garnered over 380 million streams since release and continues to grow. Earlier this year, CKay released an upbeat Sad Romance Remix Pack followed by his first new offering of the year, HALLELUJAH, featuring fellow Nigerian superstar Blaqbonez. ‘Nwayi’ is CKay’s second offering from the Sad Romance Deluxe album that takes his fans on a journey of love. Produced by CKay and BMH, ‘Nwayi’ is within the superstar’s emo-Afrobeats realm as he professes his undying love and how he cannot live without his partner. The official music video for ‘Nwayi’ was shot in Lagos, Nigeria, and directed by Ahmed Mosh. The visuals for ‘Nwayi’ tell an alluring Shakespearean story featuring CKay and his love interest. As with CKay’s poetic lyrics, CKay tells a story of love with romantic scenes in a carriage on the beach but ends with a twist.

Dope Saint Jude “Alphas“

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South African artist, Dope Saint Jude, marked Pride Month with the new single “Alphas”. The track “Alphas” subverts the “alpha male” rhetoric that has dominated the internet for the last few years. This mischievous song showcases a cheeky attitude towards heteronormativity. It redefines what “alpha” means by playfully suggesting that an Alpha is in fact someone who can support, be equal to, and grow with a strong partner. The track celebrates equal partnerships and argues that true power is in the ability to rise up together. “I wanted to make a statement without taking myself too seriously. I find the “Alpha Male” rhetoric so absurd at times and I wanted to make my commentary without getting too worked up about it. So I made a song that calls that kind of thing out,” says Dope Saint Jude.

Shon G “Ekhaya“

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KZN native and pioneering Zulu rapper, Shon G, makes a mark with his latest single, Ekhaya featuring Zama Zee, released via Gela Creative a subsidiary of Gela Productions. “The song Ekhaya speaks of the social ills that plague our nation. Even though we are plagued by these ills, it’s still home and we should be proud of our home,” shares Shon G.

Tyson Sybateli “it worked”

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Tyson Sybateli is no stranger to the Hip Hop scene as he naturally grew into the art of producing, songwriting then later rapping. The Umlazi-born Pretoria- based rapper  has come full -circle and highlights his journey and all his achievements with a new single drop, which is evidence that ‘It Worked’. Speaking about the inspiration behind “It Worked” Tyson Sybateli shared, “When I was doing mixtapes and EPs building to my first project “Home” I never expected the reception it would garner. This latest single is a celebration of that growth and a change in my career for the better. It’s a big risk sonically and personally”.

Thapelo & Gino Lee “Love Has No Gender”

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“I believe music is a form of therapy,” says Thapelo. As a member of the LGBTQIA community, and a newcomer to the South African music scene, the singer is coming in guns blazing with a beautiful pop / RnB track and the message that ‘Love has no gender’. Teaming up with the renowned singer and producer, Gino Lee, the two not only put together a powerful composition, but the song, titled ‘Caught Up’, also served as a cathartic process for Thapelo and an anthem for same-sex relationships. Fresh from his own broken relationship, the songwriter was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions at the time and decided to put pen to paper. He explains, “I was in a relationship with someone I loved deeply. It was that ‘I’ll do anything for you’ kind of love. I gave everything I had but got nothing in return. I knew I was fighting a losing battle to the point where I was having sleepless nights.”

S`tukzin Da Djay x DJ 787 ft Sizwe Alakine, Kid X, and M.J “Ispharaphara”

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S`tukzin Da Djay, a rising star in the Amapiano scene,  releases his highly anticipated single titled “Ispharaphara” in collaboration with DJ 787. The track features an impressive line-up of talented artists, including Sizwe Alakine, Kid X, and M.J. This infectious Amapiano banger is bringing fans an unforgettable musical experience. S`tukzin, born Thuso Nemabaka, hails from the vibrant township of Tembisa in Johannesburg. Growing up, S`tukzin was immersed in music, inspired by his uncle who was a renowned local DJ. This early exposure ignited his passion for music, and he began honing his skills as a DJ at the tender age of 14. By 16, he had expanded his repertoire and delved into music production, with a particular focus on the captivating genre of Amapiano. Building on his uncle’s legacy, S`tukzin quickly made a name for himself in the music industry. Collaborating with esteemed artists such as Maphorisa, Mellow and Sleazy, Kid X, and MJ, he showcased his exceptional talent and versatility. Notably, S`tukzin’s distinctive style was highlighted on the hit single “The Rejects” by Mellow and Sleazy, cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with.

DJY Biza’ “Kgosi”

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June marked the beginning of the countdown to DJY Biza’s debut EP titled Kgosi. The Pretoria West native, who has been dubbed The Piano Meditator, kicks off the countdown with his new single Ta’Biza featuring Wels. The single is an ode to Biza and a juxtaposition from his fans, a young DJ creating music ahead of his age. The young Amapiano DJ, Producer and occasional vocalist describe the inspiration behind his latest single, DJY Biza shared, “Basically, the song is all about me… as it is also titled after my name.” The term ‘Ta,’ is normally used as a term of respect, he further explained, “It was just a random day in the studio when I started a project. Wels told me about the concept he had, and I instantly liked it. From there, he hopped on it. It was an incredible experience working with Wels, and ‘Ta’Biza’ became the first song we created together.”

Pontsho October ft Siiisa “YEKELEKEKE”

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Pontsho October is a recording artist and songwriter from Pretoria. A genre, sound and language hopper. A true definition of versatility. His music ranges from RnB, pop, afro-pop, dance, reggae, alternative and fusion. YEKELEKEKE is the brand new single. The song talks about togetherness that is brought by true friendship; good times roll when friends come together to celebrate life. Yekelekeke is not a real word but a celebratory chant. Born and raised in Limpopo and later moved to Pretoria. His music journey started in 015 with the release of a song “Ghuba Dance”. He released his debut album 2018 called Village Boy and re-released it again in 2023 under the title “Mmino Masala”. “Music is storytelling and every story needs its own sound and vibe” – Pontsho October

Bonga Kwana ft Drumpope & Bucie “Ndibize”

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Through a series of life’s turbulent events, a song came as an answer to Bonga Kwana in the form of an affirmation from God, saying “call on me in your times of troubles. This message of hope has now come to life as the new single “Ndibize” out now via Platoon. Adapted from the book of Genesis, the Xhosa hymn and chant are meticulously woven together with a modern day afro-house ‘je ne sais quoi,’ “Ndibize” is the definition of New Age Gospel. Bonga Kwana, the songwriter and SAMA-nominated vocalist, describes it as “an affirmation that came to me in the form of a song after a series of turbulent events in my life; a response from God, saying ‘call on me in your times of troubles.”

LAVI$H “You Made A Big Mistake”

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Arriving as an artist to watch in 2023, buzzing singer-songwriter LAVI$H unveils his anxiously awaited debut EP, You Made A Big Mistake, alongside a new video for the track “Big Mistake,” out now via Def Jam Recordings. “You Made A Big Mistake is the name of my debut EP, but in reality, the time for revenge has passed,” says LAVI$H. “My sentiment is that our time for war will never be over for them, but it’s over for me… it applies to so many areas of my life. This body of work is best illustrated by the words ‘success is the best revenge’, and I know my growth will haunt some people — but I think there comes a time when you realize it’s time to become timeless. My time is now and forever.”

DJY Biza “KGOSI”

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The Pretoria West native, who has been dubbed The Piano Meditator, kicked off the countdown with his new single Ta’Biza featuring Wels. The single is an ode to Biza and a juxtaposition from his fans, a young DJ creating music ahead of his age. Biza has delivered a collection of tracks that showcase his extraordinary talent and creativity, “I call it a meditated mix because there are some healing sounds”. The EP houses sounds of Amapiano infused with Black Is Brown’s Mozambique signature sound with DJ Biza’s uppercut and swing vibe.

Nasty C, Manana And Tellaman “Better Than This”

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Powerhouse artists Nasty C, Manana and Tellaman come together to drop a hot new single titled “Better than this”. Multi-award-winning South African rapper Nasty C is known for his unique rap skills and chart-topping melodies which have led him to garner a global audience, seeing him collaborate with pan-African and international artists such as T.I, Runtown and French Montana, dubbing hip hop royalty over the years. Singer/Songwriter Manana has graced us over the years with his participation across various artists’ projects, such as AKA’s “Mass Country” and Burna Boys’ “Twice as Tall” and adding South African record producer, singer & songwriter Tellaman to the mix seems to be a recipe for global domination. Tellaman needs no introduction, known for his number-one charting single Whipped which featured Mzansi’s darling Shekinah, his catalogue speaks for itself. The trio of musicians jumped on a beat produced by the phenomenal producer Lastee who stated the minute the guys came together; everything became organic delivering this Synth Pop single.

K.O X Toss “Rockabye”

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K.O dropped a video today for the “Rockabye’ single which features Umlando hit maker, Toss. Rockabye has garnered 230K worldwide streams, 230K views on YouTube and is currently in the top 10 on SA radio charts since its release. K.O also dropped the music video of ‘ROCKABYE’. Talking of the music video release, Mr Cashtime said; “I think it’s an amazing time because I just love the fact that in a time where a typical rap songs are getting harder to crack … we’re shaking up the industry and cracking through the surface of what music is these days. When we teased the song before it came out the traction online went viral, now we have a chance to finally give the official visuals based on how viral the teaser went…it was crazy; now the official video comes out and fans get to see the synergy between myself and TOSS and just how organic and authentic the entire collab was. there’s also obviously little quirky things like the dance routine that we do in the video, you know what I mean, like when people actually dance to the song when they hear it and they can incorporate some of those dance moves that we choreographed in the video. So yeah, I think it’s time for the actual picture to be painted, the audio did its thing now it’s time for the video to take it to the next level.”

Gigi LaMayne “Menzi Ngubane”

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Musical innovator Gigi LaMayne launches a revolution in sound as she enters her new musical era with her latest single “Menzi Ngubane,” out now via Berlin-based label Paradise Sound System. This electrifying new track offers a tantalising glimpse into what fans can anticipate from the artist’s forthcoming album which will further solidify the musical force she is both locally and globally. “Menzi Ngubane” is a ground-breaking blend of hip hop, amapiano, and Afrobeat that encapsulates Gigi LaMayne’s talent for merging genres and creating a sound that is unmistakably her own. Its infectious rhythm, compelling beats, and thought-provoking lyrics are sure to captivate listeners around the globe.

KhazinThemba “Hamba”

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KhazinThemba is a South African male Amapiano Afro-pop, Hip-hop songwriter & vocalist born and raised in Nqutu, KZN. He graces us with a heartfelt single titled ‘Hamba’ which he collaborated with amazing producer ‘Elliker’ & female vocalist ‘Vernotile’. ‘Hamba’ was inspired by a true and sad event of a romantic relationship whereby a fed-up broken partner was dumped by his girlfriend of 2 years for another man because of their selfish reasons for not being able to be grateful and appreciative of all their efforts. The sound beat and ‘Vernotile’s angelic voice gives you healing and the ability to face the world when you are unable to do so. It also imparts assurance of being happy again with someone who deserves your heart regardless of your past.

Mandisa Dlanga “Siyakha”

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Mandisa Dlanga, a quiet legend of the South African music industry, has left an indelible mark through her collaborations with a multitude of esteemed musicians. Her illustrious 40-year music journey has seen her lend her vocal talents, as a backing vocalist, to a diverse array of artists, including the likes of Simply Red, Paul Simon, Jennifer Rush, Johnny Clegg, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and Lucky Dube, among many others. The day after her 70th birthday she released her debut solo album ‘Siyakha’ (We Are Building) featuring the first single Ndim Lo. ‘Ndim Lo’ is a celebration of Mother Africa – an anthem of pan-African love and Ubuntu. “That’s me – I am the beauty of Africa… They will never sap my strength. Let this river of love overflow and collect all which it touches.” Siyakha sits in an African Adult Contemporary genre embracing several legacy styles (Mbaqanga, Maskandi, R&B / funk, Kwela) imbuing the music with a strong SA flavour. The lyrics are in isiXhosa, isiZulu, and English. The ten-track project focuses on contemporary South African social issues – women’s rights, polygamy, traditional belief systems, questions of African identity, Ubuntu, and xenophobia.

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This is a list and a half! Let us know which releases are your favourites!