Music from South Africa

Sometimes music scenes explode in seemingly random (No place is random, I just couldn’t think of a better word) spots around the globe (Shoutout to Sweden, Shoutout to New Zealand) and we Americans usually don’t find out about it until much later. Word on the street is that South Africa has a thriving new music scene, but here in America our knowledge of it is probably limited to Die Antwoord and BLK JKS.

I got an email from Craig in South Africa (check out his blog EuroTrashMusic) who gave me a quick rundown of some of the music that’s popular in South Africa. Post that, post that. Here’s some South African music, some new and some a little older, that really showcases the strength and diversity of the scene. Thanks again to Craig. Shoutout to South Africa.

First up is YOAV‘s “We Are Dancing”. This guy grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. When he plays live, all the music is made only with his guitar, kinda like an Imogen Heap vibe. He actually opened for Imogen on her South African tour last month.

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Next up, LV Ft. Okmalumkoolkat – “Boomslang”. This track is slowly starting to make it big, not only here in SA but all over. Recently Brodinski used the track as the opening track for his one monthly podcast.

Dear Reader – “Great White Bear”. This is an indie act we have here. Formally known as Harris Tweed, Dear Reader is one of our lesser known bands, but the signer has the most amazing voice. The video for this track is also pretty awesome, all hand drawn animation.

Zebra and Giraffe – “Terrified”. These guys are also one of our biggest rock/pop acts. The front man Greg Carlin writes all the music and the band just plays the tracks. “Terrified” is the new single from their second album.

Goldfish – “Get Busy Living”. These guys are more of the fun disco/pop genre. The are one of our biggest exports. They are constantly in Ibiza, and always have fun music videos.

Da L.E.S – “Fire”. This guy is apart of a group called Jozi. They make hip hop for radio, but are pretty good at it. This track Fire is Da L.E.S on his own featuring 2 other SA rappers.

Fire Da LES’s BIGGEST club banger that brought South African Hip Hop to a stand still, The Video was shot in South Africa and portrays an incredible story of two street fighters and one gangster who owns a fight club. They come together through an incredible incident where they eventually expose their super strengths, check out the video.

DJ Kent Ft Relo – “Let’s Fall In Love Again”. And obviously, I have to give this to you. House music is huge here in South Africa, especially in Johannesburg where I’m from. This track is from one of our best House DJ’s.

aKing – “The Runaround”. These guys are one of our biggest rock bands. Here is the video for their new single:. It’s a pretty interesting concept and has some awesome visuals.