This year, South African music felt different, closer, deeper, more human. It moved effortlessly across genres and generations, reminding us that rhythm lives in the spirit long before it reaches the charts. Our industry continues to prove its rare versatility: holding joy and grief in the same note, speaking to the past while interrogating the present, and bringing listeners from vastly different worlds together in a single shared moment of sound.
From Afro-soul to contemporary jazz, hip-hop to gospel, artists captured the nation’s imagination while honouring ancestral memory and exploring African spirituality. These releases tell a bigger story, one of an industry unafraid to feel, experiment, and honour its roots while expanding its future. South African music didn’t just entertain this year, it connected, healed, and reminded us who we are, proving once again why the country remains a force in global music.
Isitifiketi by Jabulile Majola
If “Woza Mntanam” or “Isineke” didn’t make it to your reels or playlists this year, we need to talk. Jabulile Majola’s highly anticipated album, Isitifiketi, has redefined South African Afro-soul with its lush production, heartfelt songwriting and silky-smooth vocals. Jabulile delivers a body of work that’s both soulful and stirring; each track is layered with emotion, storytelling and authenticity. Isitifiketi serves as a testament to his artistry and a reminder of why South African soul continues to set the standard for pure, resonant music.
Terra Solus by Nick Ford
Soon after its release, this spell binding debut quickly became a favourite among contemporary jazz enthusiasts. Nick crafts a sound that feels both nostalgic and boldly modern, rooted in South African jazz yet reaching far beyond its borders. Backed by a dynamic sextet, the album flows with emotion and precision — exploring themes of time and solitude through lush, cinematic compositions. “The Wanderer” is a defining track on the album, capturing the essence of Nick’s incredible talent: timeless, soulful and transcendent. With SAMA and Mzantsi Jazz Award nominations, Terra Solus marks the arrival of a remarkable new voice redefining the genre.
iiNtsikelelo by Dee Koala
Khayelitsha’s very own star has returned with a powerful second album that cements her as one of the most authentic local voices in hip-hop. Meaning “blessings” in isiXhosa, iiNtsikelelo radiates gratitude, strength and kasi pride, blending raw lyricism with soulful, modern production. Featuring collaborations with Maglera Doe Boy, Youngsta CPT, K.Keed and Soul T, the album is a celebration of resilience and community. It’s Dee at her most grounded and confident, turning life’s lessons into an inspiring soundtrack for hope and hustle.
Lindiwe by Nontokozo Mkhize
Resonating beyond religious belonging and piercing straight through the human heart, this 12-track list is a crossover into the spiritual realm. Whether you are of the Christian faith or not, you can appreciate Nontokozo’s vocal capability in delivering an exceptional gospel album unlike anything South Africa has experienced in a while. The perfection in every lyric, harmony and instrument is evident throughout the album, showcasing Nontokozo’s dedication to her craft. The album’s impact was immediate, achieving platinum status and cementing Nontokozo’s place as one of the country’s most remarkable gospel voices. Riding the success, she also released a deluxe edition, which has given fans even more of her soul-stirring music and reinforced why Lindiwe is a modern gospel masterpiece.
Busisiwe 2.0 by Cici
With a poetic opening, Busisiwe 2.0 reminds us why South Africa fell in love with Cici back in 2015. From the heartfelt “Buya” to the soulful “Shona Malanga,” her husky, powerful voice carries each song with effortless emotion. The album, titled after Cici’s full name, is a vibrant Afro-pop journey that blends love songs with reflections on far-reaching social issues. Notable collaborations, like Naledi Phiwe on “Amen,” add depth and poignancy, exploring themes of loss with grace and power. Busisiwe 2.0 is a beautifully layered album — a love letter to Cici’s strength, determination and artistic excellence. It proves, once again, why she remains one of South Africa’s most compelling voices.
Intlambululo: Ukuhlambulula by Mandisi Dyantyis
Released just before his national tour, Intlambululo:Ukuhlambulula feels like an extension of the emotional and thematic depth of his earlier albums, Somandla and Cwaka. Richer, more layered and deeply reflective, Mandisi continues his powerful exploration of Black pain and joy —weaving them into a redemptive arc that leaves a glimmer of hope, even when it feels fragile. He masterfully intertwines the contrasts of sorrow and strength, of remembering and rising again, to create an album that feels both spiritual and profoundly human.
Bonus
Ngimuhle by Zawadi Yamungu
More than an album, Ngimuhle is a spiritual awakening, a deeply immersive body of work that transcends the physical and pulls the listener into a sacred, reflective space. Rooted in African spirituality, the album journeys through memory and time, inviting us to look back at who we were while questioning who we are becoming.
A true multi-instrumentalist, Zawadi Ya Mungu builds rich, layered soundscapes that feel ancient and intimate, while her nostalgic, unmistakably unique voice absorbs the listener completely. There is a quiet power in how the album unfolds, patient, intentional and deeply emotive, creating an experience that feels less like listening and more like remembering. Ngimuhle stands as one of the year’s most soulful offerings, affirming music’s ability to heal, awaken and connect us to something far greater than ourselves.
Original article appeared on GLAMOUR's December/January 2025 print issue| OUT NOW
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