July’s new music releases highlight cultural unity, personal experiences, and social impact. Bravo Le Roux’s “War Cry” emphasizes family unity, while Joya Mooi’s “Poster Child” offers a reflective story. The mixtape “Mix It Up Vol.3” connects the UK and South Africa, promoting education and empowerment through music. Skhindi’s hip-hop anthem “Emzini Wezinsizwa” and Nanette’s EP “The Waiting Room” show the evolving music scene. See who else released music below.
Mandz Not Hot x Chley x Genesis DJs “Kwanele”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
A$AP NAST x Teni x Unknown T x Duppy x Nkulee x Uknown T x Toby Franco “Mix It Up Vol.3”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“Mix It Up bridges the gap between the UK and SA, showcasing young talent and providing a platform to spread our message on education, empowerment, and community building. It directly integrates into Bridges for Music’s mission to create positive social impact through music, helping to pave the way for a brighter future for creative youth from under-resourced communities,” shares Valentino Barrioseta, Bridges For Music Founder and CEO.
Dean Slotar, Bridges For Music Cultural Manager adds: “We hope that the mixtape will help the world celebrate and indulge in the unique cultural expressions and musical styles of our community. We want people to feel inspired, empowered and uplifted so that our community can become their community. Together, we can build a world where creativity thrives, creating positive change and developing new talent within the community.”
Bravo Le Roux “War Cry”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“The sample on the song was intended to unite as it touches on family or DNA ties,” says Bravo. “As people, we need to be reminded about how great we can be if we unite, and sing these songs for the rest of the world.”
Langa Mavuso “Best Friend”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Yumbs x Zuma x Eeque x TitoM x Yuppe x PRVIS3 x Eltee x Senjay “Danko”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“The song is a declaration of appreciation to all the trailblazers in the industry who have led the way in piano and kwaito. It’s my personal ode to industry,” says Yumbs.
Kenza x Ami Faku x Msaki x Sun-El Musician “Unozala”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Caiiro x Ami Faku “Ndisize”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Zubi “Nepa”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Reflecting on the inspiration behind his new track ‘NEPA’, Zubi shares, “this song is inspired by a deeply personal experience of betrayal by someone I deeply cared for. It left me feeling a profound sense of anger and hurt. I felt like I deserved some form of compensation or acknowledgement for the emotional turmoil I endured. To cope with these intense emotions, I turned to music as my sanctuary and therapeutic outlet. Creating this song was a therapeutic process for me, allowing me to channel all my feelings of betrayal, anger, and hurt into something that could express and process those emotions”.
Joya Mooi “Poster Child”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Reflecting on the song, Joya explains, “While I’ve previously penned songs about art, this particular piece made me think about all the people we gaze at in museums, yet know so little about. The song reflects on Lou Drenthe, did he ever know he got mistaken for someone else in this painting?” “Poster Child” captures the essence of feeling unnoticed or unrecognized for who we truly are, echoing the untold stories of those often forgotten in history.
Angélique Kidjo “Sunlight To My Soul”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Baby S.O.N x Raspy x Yumbs x Zwayetoven “Njalo”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
In ‘Njalo’ Baby S.O.N delves deep into themes of resilience and passion, delivering a performance that’s both heartfelt and uplifting. “We wanted to create a song that resonates with people’s experiences and emotions. ’Njalo’ is about perseverance and finding joy in the journey,” commented Baby S.O.N.
“Collaborating on ‘Njalo’ was a fantastic experience. The energy and creativity we brought to this track are something we believe listeners will connect with.” said Raspy.
Rainbow Nation Kids “Mzansi Lullabies”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
The second album emerged from Lungi’s recent re-entry into motherhood with her newly born twins. “This album comes from me spending most of my time humming Melodies to my twins. They loved it when I hum songs to them to help them sleep. So I decided to put together a few songs that I hummed just for them so I could play them in the background for the twins. Ryan and I decided that if this helped my twins, maybe it could help other moms with their babies. We took our songs from the nursery rhymes, added my humming tunes, and created this beautiful album for new moms like me.”
Linda Sikhakhane “iLadi”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“Iladi is a multi-purpose ceremony in our African tradition,” explains Linda. “I felt a strong sense of using this offering as my response to grace, seeing how my journey has unfolded over the years with a deep level of guidance.” The album serves as a testament to Linda’s artistic evolution, blending his imaginative style with compositions rich in cultural significance.
Desiree Pooe, Head of Sponsorships at Standard Bank is proud of the headway made by the 2022 Standard Bank Young Artist (SBYA) for Jazz. “Each ounce of support builds on the contributions of others,” says Pooe. “We are proud of the catalytic support that we have given through the SBYA and elated that Linda Sikhakhane’s signing to Universal Music Group Africa and Blue Note is taking his career to greater heights. The release of Iladi represents an important milestone in Sikhakhane’s artistic growth and is a beacon for other musicians. We are ecstatic about his progress and believe music lovers will also find joy in his work.”
Ananya “bad for you”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“I feel more connected to this version because it’s how the song originally began,” Ananya explains. “Some lyrics are sad and reveal painful truths. In the acoustic version, I think the me singing is very honest about those emotions, while in the original version, the me singing reflects having overcome the pain and feeling empowered to move forward. It’s special!”
Chike “Son of Chike”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Tycoon x Malemon x Mdu aka TRP “Shaya In Wena”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Noluthando “Black Girls Deserve Good Love Too”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Mentor to Noluthando and esteemed singer and songwriter, Msaki praises Noluthando’s ability to connect through her music: “One of the things I really see in her is her big heart to see healing, soothing, and genuine music move from her soul to other people’s” – Msaki
Bontle Phiri, Marketing Manager, Culture, at Nando’s further elaborates: “At Nando’s, our purpose is changing lives, and we do this through creativity (art, design and music) by nurturing and showcasing local talent in a way that makes a meaningful difference. Supporting a talented emerging musician like Noluthando in her journey is an example of how we do this and it’s a joy to celebrate this launch with her.”
About her up-coming release Noluthando says: “Black girls deserve good love too” is a gentle anthem that depicts the story of love in its tenderness and simplicity. Oftentimes, black women don’t have soft and safe places to land, and this song is meant to encourage us to verbalize the longing within our hearts to be treated with an element of softness and care. Although this description of love is soothing, it does not mean it should be without desire or passion.”
PapaRaZzle “I’m In Paris And I Miss You”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Speaking about the inspiration behind his I’m In Paris And I Miss You project, PapaRaZzle says, “This EP captures a wide range of emotions, feelings, and moods that we all experience as humans. As we navigate through life, we learn, we grow, and we crave companionship. We meet people who impact us profoundly, and in turn, we leave our mark on them. Strangers become integral parts of our story. This collection of experiences is what makes our life, and what makes it beautiful. This EP marks the beginning of a series of city-themed projects I’ve always envisioned, and I’m excited to share this journey with you. I hope this particular project brings a piece of Parisian magic into your lives”.
Rayvanny x Lee McKrazy x Yumbs x Raspy “Namtaka – A Love Anthem”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Rayvanny expresses his excitement about the release, stating, “Working on ‘Namtaka’ has been an incredible journey. The chemistry between all of us was undeniable, and I believe that comes through in the music. It’s a song that speaks to the heart, and I can’t wait for our fans to hear it.”
Lee McKrazy adds, “This track is all about love and unity. It’s a song for everyone who’s ever felt a deep connection with someone else. We poured our hearts into this, and we’re excited to share it with the world.”
Skhindi “Emzini Wezinsizwa”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“The Skhindi signing was a no-brainer when his upcoming single popped up on our watchlist. The use of the Emzini Wezinsizwa sample was an office favourite, and after meeting him, we knew we had a star on our hands. The rapping Taxi Driver is about to take over!” – Shares Senior A&R Manager, Gavin Gutu.
Skhindi expressed his excitement about signing with Sony Music Entertainment Africa: “Signing to Sony Entertainment Africa feels as if it’s been a lifelong goal of mine to reach this point. I’m honoured and just want to prove my worth,”- Skhindi shares. This milestone marks a significant step in Skhindi’s musical career, showing his dedication and passion for music. “Emzini Wezinsizwa” is a powerful hip hop anthem about unity and respect. “The song is about how we are united and wherever we go, they shall respect us,” Skhindi explained. Skhindi said that he enjoyed working with Dando on this track. “Since I started making music, we’ve been working together, so it is always comfortable to work with him.” Skhindi said. The single’s creation process was lively and collaborative, with the studio often filled with diverse artists contributing to the vibrant energy of this track.
Skhindi describes his rap style as “IsiZulu Saphesheya,” a unique blend of his native Zulu language and Trap music. This innovative style features simplified Zulu mixed with a touch of English, making his music accessible and relatable to a broad audience. “It’s important to me that everyone can understand what is being said, regardless of whether they understand vernacular or not,” Skhindi shared.
Bien “Alusa Why Are You Topless?” Delux Album
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Bien says: “The album was called ‘Alusa Why Are You Topless’, Alusa is my name, and the why are you topless part represents my new season being audacious, new beginnings and freedom. It also represents discipline. That’s my mantra for this next season in my life. I love comic relief, so that’s how I wanted to express this journey. I am so grateful for everyone who was part of this project, and the sleepless nights we all shared to make this project a success.”
Jandas x Mr Jazziq x Nobantu Vilakazi x LeeroSoul x MK Soul “Achuz Asamba”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Mr Jazziq reflects on Jandas’ growth and shares his excitement for his future endeavors in the music scene; “It’s been a great pleasure to watch Jandas harness and grow his production skills in such a short period of time, he has produced hits such as Sjanda 1 and Sjanda 2 but now its time for him to take iSjanda and turn it into a whole new sound created by him and his peers, God bless him and his hard work”. “I have so much music that I want to offer the world and this is just a taste of what I have been working on, I love music so much and respect the lessons and qualities I have picked up along the way, all I can say for now is nina nizova ngami masengifikile” Jandas’ shares.
Wanitwa Mos x Nkosazana Daughter “Makhelwane”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Duas Caras “Fala Como Homem”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Aymos x Mas Musiq x MaWhoo “Amabhoza”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Aymos expresses his gratitude, saying, “Working on this project has been amazing, and collaborating with Mas Musiq and MaWhoo was probably a blessing in disguise. We all blended well in the studio while making the music and shooting the music video. All I can say is people need to watch this space as there will be an album released soon.”
Eon Le Roux “Legacy”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“‘Legacy’ is a song I wrote for my grandmother when she turned 100 years old,” says Eon. “She always believed that your legacy is what people will remember about you. So chase your dreams, be kind to others, and never give up in the face of adversity.”
Phila Dlozi “Babekazi”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“Babekazi is a very special song and very close to my heart because it’s a reality in many African homes that people have experienced or witnessed others going through. I came up with this song about two years before I sang it out loud because I wasn’t sure how people would receive it, given its sensitive and touching storyline,” shared Phila Dlozi.
Childish Gambino “Bando Stone and The New World”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
ZhuriX “Midnight Thoughts”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“I am thrilled to share ‘Midnight Thoughts’ with the world,” said ZhuriX. “This EP is a reflection of my personal journey and experiences, and I hope it resonates with listeners on a deep level.”
Minz “Diallo”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Speaking further about the inspiration behind ‘Diallo’, Minz says, “this song is a feel-good summer anthem and a song of surrender and vulnerability. When I say, ‘take my money, take my life’, I mean I’m completely devoted to this love and adoration I have for ‘Diallo’. It’s inspired by my view on Africa and the beauty on the continent. The little I’ve seen from my travels has left me in awe of us as a people. This song means so much to me because I feel like this is the most connected that I’ve been to my roots as an African, and it created a rare moment of utter vulnerability in my discography”.
Carletheia “I’ll Always Be There”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Reflecting on the creation of the song, Carletheia shares, “I am very fortunate to have an incredible manager who understands my vision of spreading joy and positivity through my music. He also manages PJ Morton, and he played me an early demo of a song that PJ wrote called ‘I’ll Always Be There,’ which I instantly loved. In an unexpected gesture, he asked PJ if I could have the song, and to my surprise, PJ agreed. Adding the beautiful voices of my sisters Mpilwenhle and Milly to the track was a dream come true. I believe everyone will be able to see themselves and their relationships in it.”
The recording process for “I’ll Always Be There” was a journey of connection and collaboration. Mpilwenhle, based in Johannesburg, flew to Cape Town for the recording session, creating a unique bond between the artists. “Meaningful moments were spent getting to know both Milly and Mpilwenhle. They are two exceptional women with incredible talents, and I can’t wait for the world to hear this song,” adds Carletheia.
“I’ve been blessed to travel the world with PJ Morton and it’s rare to find an artist that not only can sing – everybody can sing – but has the heart and work ethic to really work and create a lasting career. Carletheia’s work ethic is mind-blowing, but the most important thing to me is the person. Carletheia is an absolutely incredible and caring person, and that’s what makes me insanely excited about this journey that we’re on,” shares Wade Jordan, business manager to PJ Morton and Carletheia.
Armada Music “AMAPIANO TO IBIZA”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“We are delighted to announce this innovative partnership with Warner Music Africa and Africori,” said Maykel Piron, CEO of Armada Music Group. “House music has been adopted and adapted by various genres worldwide over the years, and this project underscores its potential to transcend traditional genre boundaries once again. We are excited to continue our mission to insert creativity into our extensive catalog and breathe new life into classic dance music.”
Nanette “The Waiting Room”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“The Waiting Room” captures a significant transition phase in Nanette’s life, where everything was shifting and readjusting. Nanette explains that during this period, she felt the need to pause her music career, reflecting on the importance of patience and timing. “I felt like I was rushing through everything,” Nanette shares. “This EP is about understanding the value of waiting, and embracing those moments when life asks you to slow down.” And that is what this whole project is all about.
MDU aka TRP “The Originator”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Bholoja x Stewart Sukuma “Mother”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“CollaboNation connects and unites the continent through a series of unique cross-border and cross-genre music collaborations, weaving together Africa’s rich and diverse musical genres to create a game-changing creative narrative and inspire social cohesion in an increasingly divided world,” said MTN Bushfire Director Jiggs Thorne. He also pointed out that “CollaboNation is designed to extend the reach of African artists by cross-pollinating fan bases, and linking them with new markets, media, promoters and other industry professionals in different countries.”
A veteran arts activist, Stewart Sukuma wholeheartedly agrees. “As a citizen in a country you have social responsibilities. As an artist, as a musician, your responsibility grows as you have access to bigger crowds. The way men treat women in Mozambique is still very dubious and very violent and I think this song brings that subject up just to remind the people that our mothers, our sisters, they are part of us – or the other way around, we are part of them. Without them, we wouldn’t exist,” he says.
For Bholoja, CollaboNation has fulfilled his desire to collaborate with a Mozambican artist. He remarks, “Collabonation has been a dream come true; my wish to experience Eswatini sounds fused with Mozambican sounds came to reality. l am blessed to have collaborated with Stewart Sukuma, together advocating for women and against Gender-Based Violence. We both saw that it was crucial for us to address this issue through a song,” he said, adding, “Unity is power. Through CollaboNation, [MTN Bushfire] have made it possible, and they have found a simple way of uniting Africans, of uniting musicians, to come together and speak one language.”
Inkabi Nation “Tilili”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Big Zulu says, “Ngithanda ukubonga onke amafans axhasa Inkabi Nation , njengoba singumdenii ozama ukuphuhlisa Ushuni ngiyanithembisa ukuthi nizoyijabulela lengoma ‘Tilili’ njegoba siyibalele nina siyiNkabi Nation. Ngalomazwi ngithi Shwele!!”
Rosey Gold x Jay Music “Dominator”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
“‘Dominator’ is a special project for us,” says Rosey Gold. “It’s about honoring the legacy of house music while infusing it with the vibrant, rhythmic energy of Amapiano. We hope listeners feel the passion and excitement we’ve poured into this track.” Jay Music adds, “Working on ‘Dominator’ allowed us to explore new creative depths and celebrate the fusion of two powerful music cultures. It’s a celebration of our musical heritage and a nod to the future of Amapiano.”
Shekhinah “Steady”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Frank Casino “Long Life”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
In his new single “Long Life,” Frank Casino offers a reflective perspective on his life experiences. The track features a mellow, atmospheric sound that seamlessly blends elements of soul, jazz, R&B, and pop. Thando Zide’s distinctive voice gracefully guides us into the bridge, where Frank eloquently shares his sentiment: “I haven’t been in cues in a long time.” Joined by collaborator PH on the chorus, they convey Frank’s readiness to embark on a new journey, leaving the past behind and blowing kisses to his former life. Through this heartfelt melody, they reassure themselves that everything will be alright—a powerful declaration of resilience and determination that underscores their unwavering commitment to success and self-assurance.
Tekno “Gon Gon’ and ‘No Forget”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Gon Gon’ and ‘No Forget’, Tekno says, “I’m excited to share these new tracks with my fans. ‘Gon Gon’ is all about fun and love, capturing the carefree spirit of summer and the joy of asking someone special to be officially yours. On the other hand, ‘No Forget’ delves into a deeper emotional connection. It’s a heartfelt R&B-leaning track, where I sing about an undying love. These songs showcase a more vulnerable side of me, and I poured my heart into them. I hope everyone enjoys these songs as much as I enjoyed creating them”.
Yemi Alade “Rebel Queen”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Speaking about the inspiration behind her Rebel Queen album, Yemi Alade says, “I created this album with the sole purpose of creating music I grew up loving, and the variety of African music that I have grown to love now. I was inspired by the core African music of highlife and different genres that got us excited as Africans. I channelled older African music that could be played at parties, weddings, clubs, and all sorts of occasions, where we really started enjoying African music, and spreading our culture and heritage across the continent. This album has something new, old, and borrowed. Every song is unique and a capsule of my thoughts, melodies, and truck load of nostalgia”.
Offering further context behind the soundscapes on Rebel Queen, Yemi Alade adds, “Growing up, African pop music was a mixture of music that carried messages and helped us through different situations in life. This album is a blend of what my playlist consists of right now including the new and old pop music that cuts across generations and boundaries. There are a lot of discussions about ‘what is African music’, ‘what should afrobeats or afropop sound like’, so I wanted to strip everything down and go back to the core and essence of African feel-good music that has heavily influenced Africans globally, and reflects our different sounds across the continent. I am a true rebel in words and in action. I have always charted my own course and walked the path less travelled, and this album shows that”.
Eli Jae “Me & You”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Eli Jae says, “With ‘Me & You’, I wanted to craft a song that not only celebrates the beauty of love, and the connections that bind us, but also one that evokes a sense of joy and romance in everyone who hears it.”
Lucas Senyatso “Africa”
Stream/Listen/Download/Buy here
THE END!
Let us know which tracks you dig!
Featured Image Source(s): Supplied
Leave a Reply