Music

The Changing Face of South African Music: What This Year’s Top 5 Reveals

Published

4 months ago

9 October 2025

South African music has 1)…surpassed earlier predictions. The Top 5 nominees announced for the South African Music Awards (SAMA 31) are, Thandiswa Mazwai, Black Motion, Sjava, Kelvin Momo, and Gqom DJ Goldmax. They reflect trends, creativity, and new directions shaping the industry. The nominees highlight respect for veterans, genre diversity, resilience in artistry, and new measures of success.

Recognition of both Established and Newer Voices

Thandiswa Mazwai is a respected, seasoned, and influential artist. Her inclusion in the Top 5 shows that the music community still values depth, legacy, and consistency. Meanwhile, Kelvin Momo and DJ Goldmax represent distinct sounds shaping today’s South African music. The mix of old and new shows that tradition still matters, but evolution remains vital, but it must evolve. The balance between experience and youthful creativity keeps South African music dynamic.

Genre Diversity and Crossover strength

Black Motion is known for Afro-inspired rhythms. Sjava tilts towards hip-hop, Afro-soul, and traditional influences. DJ Goldmax is rooted in gqom’s raw energy, while Kelvin Momo blends amapiano and contemporary pop. This shows how South African music continues to grow beyond boundaries. What stands out now is not a single style, but how artists combine different genres to create something unique and relatable.

Artistry and Resilience

The SAMA organizers described this group as representing talent, artistry, and resilience. The artists have stayed consistent in the industry. They have evolved without losing their identity. Being part of the Top 5 is about quality and the ability to endure. In an age when hits can fade quickly, it’s the artists who show persistence and creativity who continue to lead.

The Top 5 as a Momentum Builder

The announcement of the list builds excitement, competition, and energy ahead of the awards. For the artists,it will push them to become better in their craft. For fans, it allows them a chance to rally behind their favourites. This shows that awards can drive both celebration and inspiration within the industry.

Changing Measures of Success

Success in music isn’t measured the same way anymore. Years ago, it was about album sales or radio hits. Now, nominations and awards carry new weight. Artists like Black Motion, with multiple nominations this year, are being recognized for their overall contribution in the industry.

Conclusion

The artists on this list represent a balance between experience and change. They show that local sound can be rooted and forward-thinking at the same These nominees reflect a generation pushing South African music toward a confident, diverse future.

Related Topics:SAMA 2025 South Africa musicians

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Music

DJ Warras Murder Case: Second Suspect Now in Custody

Published

2 days ago

31 January 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Getty Images

South African police have confirmed the arrest of a second suspect in the murder case of Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, marking another key development in an investigation that has drawn national attention. Authorities made the arrest in late January 2026 following a coordinated intelligence led operation in Gauteng.

DJ Warras was shot on 16 December 2025 in Johannesburg’s central business district. The shooting occurred Carlton Centre in Johannesburg. Law enforcement officers launched a murder investigation and secured the area.

DJ Warras : Instagram

Police confirmed that the second suspect, a 25 year-old Mozambican national, was arrested in the Marathon informal settlement in Primrose, within the Ekurhuleni metropolitan area. Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on 2 February 2026.

The second arrest comes after the detention of Victor Mthethwa Majola, a 44-year-old taxi owner from Soweto. Majola was charged with murder, premeditated murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.

First Suspect: Getty images

The specific roles played by either suspect about the killing have not been publicly mentioned yet. Investigators have not confirmed whether additional suspects remain at large. Authorities continue to examine forensic evidence and analyze surveillance material.

Law enforcement officials confirm the case remains active. They also hinted that further arrests are possible. The National Prosecuting Authority said evidence against the accused will be presented in court.

Music

How Bravo Le Roux’s Death Leaves a Mark on South Africa’s Music Industry

Published

6 days ago

27 January 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo:Instagram

Bravo Le Roux, born Sinesipho Peter, passed away on January 22, 2026. He was 30 years old. His family confirmed his passing, describing it as a massive loss. His death came as a shock to many people in South Africa’s music industry.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said his passing was a huge blow to the industry. Officials said that Bravo Le Roux represented a generation of artists who knew their craft.

Bravo Le Roux: Instagram

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation describes him as an inspiration to young musicians. They highlighted how his career encouraged upcoming artists to believe in their voices. Many rappers believe his journey gave them the confidence to tell their own stories.

Artists across South Africa felt it as this came weeks after the loss of DJ Warras. Fellow musicians shared tributes describing him as supportive and humble. Some spoke about how he helped others in the studio and offered advice without ego. His absence leaves a gap in both sound and community.

Bravo Le Roux: Instagram

Bravo Le Roux combined Xhosa lyrics with modern hip hop. He often mixed street language with personal storytelling, making his songs relatable to many South Africans. His songs show everyday struggles, ambition, and pride.

His catalogue includes projects such as NdinguTa Bravo Kuwe, The Rise of Istrato, International Gubevu, and Igazi, Iinyembezi, and Nombilo. Some of his songs received huge radio play and industry recognition, including award nominations. No official reason has been given for his death.

Bravo Le Roux: Instagram

Bravo Le Roux helped shape the direction of contemporary South African hip hop. While his career ended early, his influence remains visible in the artists he inspired.

Music

Trevor Noah Returns as GRAMMY Host as Fela Kuti Makes History with Lifetime Achievement Award

Published

3 weeks ago

15 January 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Getty Images

Trevor Noah will return as host of the 2026 GRAMMY Awards. This is his sixth time anchoring the event. The event will take place on February 1 and the venue is Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Noah first hosted the GRAMMY Awards in 2021 and has since made five straight appearances. In addition to its performances hosting, Noah serves as an executive producer for the event. He has made his mark in the entertainment industry and remains one of the influential figures around.

Trevor Noah: New York Times

The GRAMMY Awards celebrate achievements of musicians across all genres. There will be live performances from top artists and award presentations. This is an excellent award that will definitely live up to expectations.

Alongside Trevor Noah’s return, the 2026 GRAMMYs will also recognise African music. Nigerian music icon Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to get it. The award recognizes artists whose contributions have had a significant influence on music and culture.

Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti: Punch

Fela Kuti was an Afrobeat legend, who used his voice to pass messages about social justice, political freedom, and African identity. Kuti’s work challenges authority and encourages awareness. His influence continues to be felt long after his passing.