Music
South African Hits to Listen to This Week
South African music has plenty to offer this week, with new releases moving across hip-hop, amapiano, house and electronic music. From Kewand and Zoocci Coke Dope’s latest collaboration to a new project from Culoe De Song, these are the tracks worth adding to your playlist.
Kewand feat. Zoocci Coke Dope — “Tell A Vision”
Photo – Instagram
Kewand teams up with Zoocci Coke Dope on “Tell A Vision”, a hip-hop single released on 14 August. The track combines rock textures with trap drums and atmospheric production, giving the song a darker sound.
The title plays on the word “television” and connects it to the idea of turning ambition into something tangible. The song focuses on creative drive, pressure and the pursuit of a new chapter.
Zoocci Coke Dope is also known for his work as a rapper and producer, making the collaboration a natural meeting point between two sides of his musical background.
DJ Kayd Boizen, Mntomnandi, Ama Grootman and SoulQue — “Nkosi Ngiphe Amandla”
Photo – Instagram
“Nkosi Ngiphe Amandla” brings a spiritual theme to an amapiano production. The collaboration between DJ Kayd Boizen, Mntomnandi, Ama Grootman and SoulQue was released on 14 August and centres on faith, perseverance and the search for strength during difficult times.
The title translates to “God, Give Me Strength”, reflecting the song’s focus on faith and resilience. Its vocals are set against log drums and melodic passages, combining the message with a familiar amapiano arrangement.
It is a useful addition for listeners who want an amapiano track with a more reflective lyrical focus.
Zakes Bantwini, Sun-El Musician and kisskisskiss — “Impatient”
Photo – Instagram
Zakes Bantwini teams up with Sun-El Musician and kisskisskiss on “Impatient”, released through Anjunadeep on 11 August. The track appears alongside “You Never Know” as part of a two-song release.
The collaboration brings together two established figures in South African dance music, with Sun-El Musician adding his melodic electronic sensibility to the production.
“Impatient” should appeal to listeners who prefer club-oriented electronic music, while the collaboration also places two influential South African dance artists on the same release.
Culoe De Song — “Moonhound”
Photo – Instagram
Culoe De Song released the Moonhound EP on 14 August through Crosstown Rebels. The project includes the title track, “The Spiker” and two remixes by Manoo.
The release stays within Culoe De Song’s house and electronic territory, offering a different direction from the amapiano-led releases dominating much of the current South African mainstream.
The four-track project gives listeners a chance to hear Culoe De Song in a format built around electronic production, with the Manoo remixes adding another dimension to the release.
A Week of Different Sounds
Photo – Instagram
What stands out about this week’s selections is the range of styles. “Tell A Vision” takes a darker approach to hip-hop, “Nkosi Ngiphe Amandla” brings a spiritual theme to amapiano, while “Impatient” and Moonhound move into house and electronic territory.
For a starting point, try “Tell A Vision” if you want a harder hip-hop sound, “Nkosi Ngiphe Amandla” for amapiano, and “Impatient” or Moonhound when you want to move towards house and electronic music.
South African music continues to move across genres, and this week’s releases offer a good snapshot of that range.
Dr Smama has teamed up with Mafikizolo vocalist Nhlanhla Mafu for Isifiso Sami, new love song that combines Afro soul with the sound of Maskandi guitar.
The song title means “My Wish,” and talks about love and commitment despite pressure from others.
This marks the first time Dr Smama and Mafu have recorded a song together. According to Mafu, they did not want to rush into a collaboration simply because of their friendship.
“We have been friends for over two decades, so working together was always inevitable, but we wanted something that is distinct and honest.”
Photo: Getty Images
Simama, whose real name is Sindile Simama. The SAMA-nominated artist is known as a performer and songwriter. He has written for artists like Berita, Nokwazi and the late Lundi Tyamara.
The Maskandi influence was one of the main reasons why Dr Smama loved it. The traditional guitar sound takes him away from the gospel and soul style that has featured in his work.
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The song’s message also moves beyond the usual themes of romance. According to Dr Smama:
“When I heard Isifiso Sami, I was sold instantly. You simply do not hear people express devotion or declare love like this anymore.”
Mafu believes the depth of traditional lyricism can sometimes get lost in the music industry. “Isifiso Sami” takes a slower approach by placing the story and meaning of the lyrics at the centre of the music.
Photo: Getty Images
Smama is a medical doctor and holds an MBChB from the University of Cape Town. His work as a songwriter has connected him with several South African artists, His own music has also earned him a SAMA nomination.
“Isifiso Sami” was released on September 4, 2026, on major digital streaming platforms.
MaWhoo and Lwah Ndlunkulu have come together as the Zulu Queens for Isithembu. Released on August 28, 2026, the project is a combination of Maskandi with Afropop, Amapiano and other South African sounds.
MaWhoo is known mainly for her work in Amapiano and Afro-pop, while Lwah Ndlunkulu has built her career around a more traditional-influenced sound. Isithembu gives them an opportunity to explore Maskandi from a different aspect. The album was released under the Zulu Queens name, which was given by Mthandeni SK.
One of the project’s themes is female representation. Lwah Ndlunkulu said the decision to enter a male-dominated genre was deliberate. She said:
“We intentionally entered a male-dominated genre to prove that women can do anything and succeed at it.”
Photo: @mawhoo_ / Instagram
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Isithembu shows how Maskandi can connect with younger and more diverse audiences. The album’s lead single, “Distance,” featuring Feza, was released on August 19. The song introduced listeners to the direction of the project and focused on the emotional experience of being separated from someone important. Feza’s appearance also added another female voice to the collaboration.
The album includes several names from the Maskandi scene. Feza, Izingane Zoma, Mthandeni SK and Siya Ntuli are among the artists in the project.
While making Isithembu, the artists recorded the album in about a week during the first sessions, but the recordings were later lost, forcing them to start again. Lwah said the second recording process took roughly two to three weeks, and the pair felt the new version retained the energy they wanted.
Photo: @mawhoo_ / Instagram
The album’s cultural focus was clear at its launch. MaWhoo and Lwah appeared in modern interpretations of traditional Zulu clothing.
With Isithembu, MaWhoo and Lwah Ndlunkulu show how Maskandi can welcome new voices while keeping its connection to Zulu culture. The project adds more visibility for women in the genre and suggests that its future can include different sounds and generations
Swae Lee and French Montana have reunited for “SUITCASE.” The song is part of Swae Lee’s debut solo album, SAME DIFFERENCE, which was released in April 3, 2026 through Eardruma Records and Interscope Records.
“SUITCASE” is the eighth track on the 16-song album and runs for 3 minutes and 52 seconds. The track was produced by TwonBeatz, QuisGOtHitz and Chad Keyz. Swae Lee and French Montana were among the credited writers
Photo: Billboard
The song centres on luxury, travel and lavish living. Swae Lee handles the melodic sections, with his smooth vocals. French Montana follows with a short rap verse that talks about wealth and international travel.
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The collaboration carries some history. Swae Lee and French Montana previously worked together on “Unforgettable,” in 2017. That song became one of French Montana’s biggest records and eventually earned Diamond certification from the RIAA.
The official video was released on August 25, 2026. Directed by Austin McCracken, it opens with Swae Lee working at a fictional “Swae Airlines” and develops into a dreamlike sequence. Swae Lee and French Montana later appeared together surrounded by stacks of Louis Vuitton trunks.
Photo: Instagram/@swaeLee
The video arrives as Swae Lee continues promoting SAME DIFFERENCE during his European tour. According to Neon Music, the tour will make stops in Poland, Spain, the Czech Republic, Germany and Denmark, with the final performance in Szeged, Hungary.
Nearly a decade after ‘Unforgettable,’ the two artists have reunited for another collaboration.
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