List of South African musicians

A

• Afrotraction (Mzwandile Moya; born 1983), R&B and neo-soul musician and producer
• AKA (1988–2023), hip-hop artist and record producer
• aKing, acoustic rock band
• Akustika Chamber Singers, chamber choir from Pretoria
• Sizwe Alakine, Amapiano musician (aka Reason, rapper)
• Amampondo, traditional Xhosa percussion group from Cape Town
• Anatii (born 1993), hip-hop artist and record producer
• A-Reece (born 1997), hip-hop artist and lyricist
• Leigh Ashton (born 1956), singer-songwriter from Johannesburg
• Assagai, Afro-rock band active in the early 1970s
• Robin Auld, singer songwriter
• The Awakening, gothic rock
• Aymos , singer songwriter

B

• Julian Bahula (1938–2023), jazz drummer

• Ballyhoo, 1980s pop band best known for the hit "Man on the Moon"
• Zakes Bantwini^[1]
• Leonel Bastos (born 1956), Mozambiquan adult contemporary musician and producer working in South Africa
• Battery 9, industrial music project from Johannesburg
• Beatenberg
• Amanda Black (born 1993), Afro-soul singer-songwriter
• BlackByrd, pop trio
• BLK JKS, rock band
• Elvis Blue, musician and songwriter
• Bongo Maffin, kwaito music group
• Boo!, band
• Boom Shaka, kwaito music group
• Stef Bos (born 1961), singer
• Cristina Boshoff (born 1980), folk pop singer and pianist
• Brasse Vannie Kaap, hip-hop group
• Bles Bridges (1947–2000), singer
• Bright Blue, 1980s pop band, best known for the hit song "Weeping"
• The Brother Moves On, performance art ensemble
• Buckfever Underground, folk/punk/art band
• Bucie (born 1987), R&B and soul singer
• Busiswa (born 1988), house musician
• Jonathan Butler (born 1961), singer-songwriter and guitarist
• Guy Buttery (born 1983), guitar player

C

• Adrienne Camp (born 1981), singer-songwriter
• Captain Stu, ska, funk, punk, and soul fusion band
• Arno Carstens (born 1972), former lead singer of Springbok Nude Girls
• Louise Carver (born 1979), folk rock singer-songwriter and pianist
• Cassette, rock band
• Cassper Nyovest (born 1990), rapper and record producer
• Tony Cedras (born 1952), musician
• Chad, (born 1993), rapper
• Yvonne Chaka Chaka (born 1965), singer
• Chris Chameleon (born 1971), solo artist, lead singer and bass guitarist for Boo
• Blondie Chaplin (born 1951), singer and guitarist
• Jesse Clegg (born 1988)
• Johnny Clegg (1953–2019)
• Clout, 1970s rock group
• Basil Coetzee (1944–1998), saxophonist
• Mimi Coertse (born 1932), soprano singer
• Fifi Cooper (born 1991), singer
• Tony Cox (born 1954), guitarist
• Crashcarburn, rock band
• Crossingpoint, Christian progressive hardcore band
• Cutting Jade, five-piece rock group
• Civil Twilight, four-piece rock band
• Crow Black Sky, black metal band
• Costa Titch (1995–2023), Amapiano rapper and dancer

D

• Da L.E.S (born 1985), hip-hop artist
• Simphiwe Dana (born 1980)
• Danny K (Daniel Koppel), R&B singer-songwriter
• Kurt Darren, singer
• Pierre de Charmoy (born 1961), singer-songwriter
• Steven De Groote (1953–1989), classical pianist and winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
• Fanie de Jager (born 1949), operatic tenor
• Die Antwoord, alternative hip hop group^[2]
• Die Heuwels Fantasties, Afrikaans rock band
• Bonginkosi Dlamini (born 1977), poet, actor and singer, also known as Zola
• Dollar Brand (born 1934)
• Donald (born 1985), singer
• Dorp, rock band
• Downfall, ska and punk band
• Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, reggae
• Dreamteam, hip-hop group from Durban
• Jabulani Dubazana, singer, Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Lucky Dube (1964–2007)
• Ampie du Preez, singer and guitarist
• Johnny Dyani (1945–1986), jazz double bassist
• DJ Speedsta, hip-hop DJ

E

• Dennis East, singer
• Shane Eagle (born 1996), hip-hop artist
• Alton Edwards, singer
• Eden, pop band
• Elaine (born 1999), singer and songwriter
• Endorphine
• Emtee (born 1992), hip-hop artist
• Dawid Engela (1931–1967), composer and musicologist
• éVoid, 1980s new wave
• Erica Eloff, soprano

F

• The Fake Leather Blues Band
• Falling Mirror, alternative rock band
• Brenda Fassie (1964–2004)
• Ricky Fataar (born 1952), drummer
• Duncan Faure, singer-songwriter formerly with the band Rabbitt
• Mongezi Feza (1945–1975), trumpet player and flautist
• Anton Fig (born 1952), drummer
• Josh Fix, singer-songwriter
• Fokofpolisiekar, Afrikaans rock band
• Foto na Dans, Afrikaans rock band
• Four Jacks and a Jill, folk rock ensemble
• Johnny Fourie (1937–2007), jazz guitarist
• Freshlyground, Afro-fusion band
• Fuzigish, ska punk band

G

• Hotep Idris Galeta (born 1941), jazz pianist
• Goldfish, electronic duo
• Goodluck, electronic music band
• Anton Goosen (born 1946), singer
• Die Grafsteensangers, comical entertainment group
• Lani Groves (born 1980), cellist and singer

H

• Half Price, punk rock band
• Paul Hanmer, composer, pianist, and jazz musician
• The Helicopters, pop rock band active in the 1980s
• Ken E Henson (born 1947), musician
• Henry Ate, band
• Sonja Herholdt (born 1952), singer-songwriter
• Hog Hoggidy Hog, band
• Steve Hofmeyr (born 1964), singer and actor

I

• Abdullah Ibrahim (born 1934)
• Zaki Ibrahim, singer-songwriter
• iFANi (born 1985), hip-hop/rap artist,
• Isochronous, rock band

J

• Jabu Khanyile (1957–2006)
• Robbie Jansen (1949–2010)
• Jeremy Loops (born 1986), modern folk, singer
• Jesse Jordan Band
• Theuns Jordaan (born 1971), singer and songwriter
• Claire Johnston (born 1967), lead singer of Mango Groove
• Trevor Jones (born 1949), composer
• Armand Joubert (born 1995), singer-songwriter
• Joy, a vocal group
• John Edmond (born 1936), singer
• John Ireland (born 1954), singer and songwriter
• Juluka, band
• Just Jinjer (previously Just Jinger)
• JR, rapper
• Junkyard Lipstick, five-piece, female metal band
• L-Tido (born 1982), hip-hop artist, aka 16V

K

• Kabelo Mabalane (born 1976), kwaito artist, former member of TKZee
• Kabza de small , an amapiano producer and DJ
• Kalahari Surfers
• Kamo Mphela , an amapiano musician and dancer
• Kelvin Momo , an amapiano musician and producer
• Wouter Kellerman (born 1961), flautist
• Johannes Kerkorrel (1960–2002)
• Sibongile Khumalo (born 1957), singer
• Francois Klark, pop singer based in Canada
• KOBUS!, band
• Koos Kombuis (born 1954)
• John Kongos (born 1945)
• Kongos, band
• Gé Korsten (1927–1999)
• David Kramer (born 1951)
• Kwesta, hip-hop artist and poet
• K.O, hip-hop artist and record producer
• Kyle Watson, record producer and DJ

L

• Felix Laband, electronic musician
• Riku Lätti, songwriter, composer, music producer
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo (born 1960), isicathamiya group
• Don Laka, jazz musician, pianist, producer
• Robert Lange (born 1948), music producer
• Lark, band
• Jack Lerole (c. 1940–2003), tin whistle player; singer
• Solomon Linda (1909–1962), songwriter
• Lira (Lerato Moipone Molapo; born 1979), singer
• Locnville, electro hop music duo
• Steve Louw (born 1955), singer-songwriter
• Roger Lucey, singer and guitarist
• Lucky Dube, singer and keyboard player

M

• MVZZLE (born 1995 (1995)), record producer
• Mark Haze, rock singer
• Sipho Mabuse (born 1951), singer
• Arthur Mafokate, kwaito singer and composer
• Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, a mbaqanga band
• Vusi Mahlasela (born 1965)
• Patricia Majalisa, bubblegum artist
• Makgona Tsohle Band (1964–1999), a mbaqanga instrumental band
• Bongi Makeba (1950–1985), singer-songwriter
• Miriam Makeba (1932–2008)
• Malaika (group)
• Petronel Malan (born 1974), concert pianist
• Man As Machine
• Mandoza (born 1978), kwaito singer
• Mango Groove
• Mildred Mangxola (born 1944), singer in Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens and member of the Mahotella Queens
• Manfred Mann
• MarcAlex, group known for the hit "Quick Quick"
• Josef Marais (1905–1978)
• Martin PK
• Hugh Masekela (born 1939)
• Dorothy Masuka (born 1935), jazz singer
• Neels Mattheus (1935–2003), traditional musician
• Dave Matthews (born 1967), lead singer and founding member of Dave Matthews Band
• Irene Mawela (born 1940), veteran singer and composer
• Illana May
• Abednego Mazibuko, singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Albert Mazibuko (born 1948), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Thandiswa Mazwai (born 1976)
• Chris McGregor (1936–1990), jazz pianist and composer
• Busi Mhlongo (1947–2010), singer, dancer and composer
• Mind Assault
• Moreira Chonguica (born 1077), jazz saxophonist and producer
• Kippie Moeketsi (1925–1983), saxophonist
• Pops Mohamed (born 1949), jazz musician
• Louis Moholo (born 1940), drummer
• Matthew Mole
• Lebo Morake (aka Lebo M)
• Shaun Morgan (born 1980), singer also known as Shaun Morgan Welgemoed
• Ike Moriz (born 1972), singer, composer and lyricist
• Jean Morrison, alternative rock singer-songwriter
• Mshengu White Mambazo (1976–2003), junior choir of Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Colbert Mukwevho, reggae singer
• Russel Mthembu, singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Moozlie (born 1992), hip-hop artist and television presenter
• Muzi (born 1991), electronic musician
• Moonchild Sanelly (Sanelisiwe Twisha, born 1987), musician and dancer

N

• Nádine (born 1982), singer-songwriter
• The Narrow
• Nasty C (born 1997), hip-hop artist and record producer
• Bongani Ndodana-Breen, composer
• Jim Neversink, alternative country singer-songwriter and guitarist
• New Academics
• Steve Newman
• Bernoldus Niemand (1959–1995)
• Simon "Mahlathini" Nkabinde (1937–1999), Mbaqanga singer
• Nkosazana Daughter , an upcoming amapiano artist
• West Nkosi (1940–1998), mbaqanga musician
• No Friends of Harry
• Nobesuthu Mbadu (born 1945), singer in Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens and member of the Mahotella Queens
• Siphiwo Ntshebe (1974–2010), operatic tenor from New Brighton, Port Elizabeth
• Ashton Nyte, solo artist as well as lead singer and producer of The Awakening
• Nadia Nakai (born 1990), hip-hop artist

O

• Sarah Oates, violinist and associate leader Philharmonia orchestra
• Wendy Oldfield, rock singer-songwriter
• Oskido (born 1967), record producer and songwriter

P

• Jack Parow (born 1982), hip-hop artist
• The Parlotones, indie rock band
• Al Paton, singer-songwriter, producer, and percussionist
• Orville Peck, country musician
• Petit Cheval, New Romantic rock group
• Ray Phiri (1947–2017), Jazz, jazz fusion, reggae and mbaqanga musician
• James Phillips, singer-songwriter also known as Bernoldus Niemand
• Anke Pietrangeli (born 1982), winner of the second series of Idols
• Dizu Plaatjies, founder and former lead singer of Amampondo
• PJ Powers (born 1960)
• Prime Circle, rock band
• Professor (born 1978), Kwaito musician
• Dudu Pukwana (1938–1990), saxophonist, pianist, and composer
• Purified, Christian hip-hop artist

Q

• Qkumba Zoo

R

• Rabbitt
• Trevor Rabin (born 1954), musician
• Dolly Rathebe (1928–2004)
• Laurika Rauch, Afrikaans singer
• Reason, rapper
• Surendran Reddy (1962–2010) pianist and composer
• Riddare av Koden
• Riky Rick (born 1987), hip-hop artist and record producer
• Rooibaardt, rock band
• Rouge (rapper)

S

• Sandy B, house music singer
• Savuka, band
• Robert Schneider of The Apples in Stereo
• Leon Schuster (born 1951), singer
• Seether, formerly called Saron Gas, hard rock and alternative metal band
• Gerard Sekoto (1913–1993)
• Judith Sephuma (born 1974), jazz and Afro-pop singer
• Jockey Shabalala (1943–2006), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Joseph Shabalala (born 1941), lead singer and founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Msizi Shabalala (born 1975), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Sibongiseni Shabalala (born 1973), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Troye Sivan (born 1995), South African-born
• Thamsanqa Shabalala (born 1977), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Thulani Shabalala (born 1968), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Shane Eagle (born 1996), hip-hop artist and lyricist
• Shiraz, band active 1984–1984
• Margaret Singana (1938–2000)
• Robert Sithole, pennywhistle player
• Skylight, pop rock band
• Kyla-Rose Smith (born 1982), violinist and dancer
• Enoch Sontonga, teacher, lay-preacher and composer who wrote "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika"
• South African National Youth Orchestra
• Springbok Nude Girls
• Zanne Stapelberg (born 1977), opera soprano
• Dale Stewart (born 1979)
• Sterling EQ, Classical crossover group
• Stimela, Afro-fusion band formed in 1982
• Straatligkinders, Afrikaans rock band
• Sugardrive, rock group
• Valiant Swart (born 1965)
• Okmalumkoolkat (born 1983), hip-hop artist
• Stogie T , hip-hop artist
• Sun-El Musician, DJ and music producer

T

• Tananas
• Taxi Violence
• Peta Teanet, singer
• TKZee, kwaito group
• Hilda Tloubatla (born 1942), lead singer of Mahotella Queens, and singer in Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens
• Tokollo Tshabalala, kwaito singer also known as Magesh
• Peter Toussaint, singer-songwriter and guitar player
• Toya Delazy, pop singer and pianist
• Tribe After Tribe, alternative rock band
• Tuks, hip-hop artist
• Tumi and the Volume, hip-hop music ensemble
• Tweak, alternative rock band
• Tyla , a South African pop artist

U

• Uhuru, Kwaito and afropop music group
• Uncle Waffles, Swazi-born DJ and record producer
• Urban Creep, rock band

V

• Bobby van Jaarsveld (born 1987), singer-songwriter and actor
• Bok van Blerk (born 1978)
• Van Coke Kartel, Afrikaans alternative rock band
• Amor Vittone (born 1972), singer

W

• Watershed, pop rock band founded in 1998
• Shaun Welgemoed (born 1978)
• Heinz Winckler (born 1978), singer who won the first series of Idols
• Winston's Jive Mixup (1943–2009), tenor saxophone player
• Babes Wodumo (born 1994), gqom musician
• Wonderboom, rock band
• Markus Wormstorm, electronic musician and composer

Y

• Pretty Yende (born 1985), operatic soprano from Piet Retief, Mpumalanga
• Yorxe (born 1998), singer and songwriter
• YoungstaCPT (born 1991), rapper and songwriter

Z

• Zahara (born 1987), singer-songwriter and poet
• Zebra & Giraffe, alternative rock band
• Karen Zoid (born 1978)
• Zola (born 1977)
• Zonke (born 1979), singer-songwriter and record producer
• DJ Zinhle, DJ and producer

See also

• List of Afrikaans singers
• Music of Namibia
• Music of the Netherlands
• Music of South Africa

References