Music

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

Published

5 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

Tutu Puoane Returns to Cape Town Jazz Festival

Published

3 days ago

17 March 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Instagram

Tutu Puoane will return to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2026. Her appearance has drawn strong interest from jazz audiences, who want to see what she will present.

The 2026 edition of the festival is scheduled on March 27 and 28 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This brings together global and local talent for what is known as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering.” This began in 2000 as the North Sea Jazz Festival Cape Town and was renamed in 2005.

Tutu Puoane: Instagram

Puoane described returning to perform at home as a significant momen. She says that being invited to major festivals in South Africa is something she values highly.

“Playing at home is very important to me. It rejuvenates my soul,” she said.

Puoane was born in Atteridgeville and raised in Mamelodi. studied jazz vocals at the University of Cape Town in the late 1990s, where her professional career developed. She has built an international music career and lived in Antwerp, Belgium. Her music blends African culture with contemporary jazz traditions.

has performed in South Africa on multiple occasions. Festival organisers have described her appearance a notable addition to the programme.

Tutu Puoane: Getty images

The 2026 festival lineup continues its focus on and talent. Established names like Zoe Modiga, Jacob Collier, Yellowjackets and Scorpion Kings are attending. For fans attending the 2026 Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Tutu Puoane’s performance expected to draw strong interest.

Music

Rorisang Sechele Talks Fearless Artistry Ahead of Her Cape Town International Jazz Festival Performance

Published

6 days ago

14 March 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Instagram

Rorisang Sechele is preparing for her performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. As one of South African top vocalists, her appearance at the festival marks an important milestone in her career.

Ahead of the festival, Sechele has spoken about her creative journey and audiences expectations. She sees music as a form of storytelling that reflects real emotions and identity. This approach allows her to connect with listeners in a meaningful way. She said:

Rorisang Sechele:Instagram

“To me, being fearless in music means having the courage to be completely honest and unapologetic. It is about showing up as my full, authentic self, without hiding behind expectations or trends. Fearlessness is choosing to trust my instincts, even when the path feels uncertain or is the road less taken, and allowing my truth to lead the creative process.”

She blends jazz with soul, African rhythms, and contemporary sounds, as in her album ‘The Seed’. She believes that being open and emotionally honest is what allows artists to produce powerful music. According to her, courage in music means sharing personal truths even when uncomfortable. This view has defined how she performs and connects with audiences.

Rorisang Sechele:Instagram

Preparing for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival represents a major career milestone. The festival is one of Africa’s leading music events, featuring international artists like Jacob Collier and Yellowjackets. Performing there allows her to connect with a broader audience and gain international exposure. She said her performance will include unique arrangements to engage the audience fully.

Offstage, Sechele is passionate about the future of jazz. She hopes younger audiences will appreciate it and see jazz as something dynamic. As the festival approaches, she is preparing to deliver an engaging performance.

Music

Kelvin Momo Set to Host “One Man Concert” in Durban

Published

4 weeks ago

21 February 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Instagram

Kelvin Momo, born Thato Kelvin Ledwaba, will host a major live performance in Durban as he prepares to headline the “One Man Concert” in 2026. The event is scheduled for Sunday 5 April 2026 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium People’s Park.

The One Man Concert show celebrates top artists around the world. It is an event where musicians connect with their fans .

Kelvin Momo has described the Durban show as a special moment. He believes the city’s love for music makes it a suitable location for the event.

Kelvin momo: Tsquare Production

“Durban has always shown me love. The energy is good, and people truly connect with the music. Bringing this experience to the city…,” shares Momo, expressing his excitement about the upcoming concert.

His sound is a signature Amapiano style known as Private School Piano. Music platforms report that he attracts millions of monthly listeners and has achieved hundreds of millions of streams across digital services.

The concert is presented in partnership with Durban Tourism and Don Julio. Fans reacted strongly on social media after the announcement. One of them on X, BIGSAM said,