20 Greatest South African Songs of All Time

South Africa has produced music that has influenced many generations. From jazz and mbaqanga to kwaito, and Afro-pop, these songs have captured both the young and old. Here are 20 songs that stand out for their popularity and influence.

1. Pata Pata – Miriam Makeba

Miriam Makeba recorded “Pata Pata” in the 1950s before re-recording it in 1967. The song introduced South African music to millions of listeners. 

2. Stimela – Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela released “Stimela” in 1974, using the image of a coal train to tell the story of migrant mine workers. Masekela’s trumpet and the song’s rhythm made it a song many South Africans love.

3. Mannenberg – Abdullah Ibrahim

Photo: Instagram

Abdullah Ibrahim recorded “Mannenberg” in 1974. The song was named after a Cape Flats community. The area became home to people forcibly removed from other parts of Cape Town under apartheid. It teaches us the importance of enduring hardship while holding on to hope.

4. Weekend Special – Brenda Fassie

Brenda Fassie and the Big Dudes released “Weekend Special” in 1983. The song was a hit. It combines pop, R&B and township sounds that makes it a South African classic.

5. Asimbonanga – Johnny Clegg and Savuka

Released in 1987, “Asimbonanga” became one of Johnny Clegg and Savuka’s best-known songs. The title means “We have not seen him” in Zulu. It referred to Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists. It is a popular political song used during the struggle against apartheid.

6. Bring Him Back Home – Hugh Masekela

Photo: Instagram

Hugh Masekela released “Bring Him Back Home” in 1987 to call for Nelson Mandela’s release. The song was associated with the international campaign against apartheid. The message of the song is that Madiba is loved at home. 

7. Paradise Road – Joy

“Paradise Road” was released by Joy and quickly became popular in the 80s. The song has remained popular in South Africa’s pop history.

8. Umqombothi – Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s “Umqombothi” became one of South African Afro-pop popular songs. It celebrates umqombothi, a traditional beer. Its sweet chorus and Chaka Chaka’s performance helped make it a favourite across generations.

9. Scatterlings of Africa – Johnny Clegg and Savuka

Photo: Instagram

“Scatterlings of Africa” was originally released by Juluka in 1982, before being re-recorded by Savuka in 1987. The song merged African rhythms with rock. It also reached international audiences and became one of his signature songs.

10. Shosholoza – Traditional

“Shosholoza” is a traditional song associated with migrant workers. It later became a popular song across the country. Because it has a call-and-response structure it is ideal for political gatherings. 

Read Also: Benny Maverick Drops “Uyadlala” Music Video

11. Soweto Blues – Miriam Makeba

“Soweto Blues” was written by Hugh Masekela and recorded by Miriam Makeba in 1977. It was composed during the 1976 Soweto uprising, when students protested against the apartheid government’s language-in-education policy. 

12. Nkalakatha – Mandoza

Photo: Instagram

Mandoza’s “Nkalakatha” became one of the defining songs of the early post-apartheid period. Its kwaito sound appealed to young and old South Africans. The song is used as a popular anthem at many celebrations.

13. Burnout – Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse

Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse released “Burnout” in 1984 and turned it into a top dance song. Its distinct rhythm made it popular with party lovers. The song established Mabuse as a top singer in the 1980s.

14. Homeless – Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo released “Homeless” in 1986. The group used the rich harmonies of isicathamiya to produce the song. It helped introduce their music to international audiences.

15. I’m in Love with a DJ – Yvonne Chaka Chaka

“I’m in Love with a DJ” was one of Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s early major hits. Its success helped establish Chaka Chaka as one of the country’s most important female pop stars.

16. Special Star – Mango Groove

Mango Groove’s “Special Star” became a major South African pop hit in the early 1990s. The group’s sound combined pop with marabi. The song arrived during a period of major political change. 

17. Jerusalema – Master KG featuring Nomcebo Zikode

Photo: Instagram

Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode released “Jerusalema” in 2019, and the song became a hit. Its popularity exploded through dance videos. The song attracted many music lovers around the world.

18. Impi – Juluka

“Impi” was recorded by Juluka, the group formed by Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu. The song combines Zulu musical traditions with Western rock. Its rhythm is appealing and lyrics have deep meaning.

19. Loliwe – Zahara

“Loliwe” introduced Zahara to a national audience and became the title track of her successful debut album. Her powerful voice gave the song a different feel from much of the dance music dominating the charts then. Its success established Zahara as one of South Africa’s biggest singers. 

20. Sister Bethina – Mgarimbe

Mgarimbe’s “Sister Bethina” became a  crowd favourite in South Africa. The song is ideal for public gatherings. It gets people singing and dancing together.