New kids on the block: Meet SA's rising stars in the music scene
The South African music scene has had a new wave of extremely talented musicians storming into the scene with hits that got the nation chanting. Whether it's Hip Hop or Amapiano these new cats have been making their mark in the game. GQ takes you through a few of these musicians on who they are and what they've done.
Usimamane
Whether he wants a new Cheque or "icherry intswempu" (a cool girlfriend), Usimamane is making a name for himself in the Hip Hop scene. With his hit single "Cheque", one of the biggest hip-hop songs in the country currently, the rapper is undoubtedly a raw talent.
Usimamane’s unique style, blending rap, trap, and R&B, reflects the struggles and aspirations of his background, as highlighted by Hype Magazine. With new music on the way, his relentless work ethic and constant fan engagement through freestyles set him apart, marking him as the future of South African hip-hop.
Zee Nxumalo
Amapiano's rising star Zee Nxumalo is making headlines already. As the new kid on the block, she already has certified platinum for her hit single titled "Thula Mabota". Just after a few months, the single was released it received a plaque.
The 21-year-old Afropop and Amapiano star has a few collaborations under her belt, such hits as "Nguwe" by Bandos, "Funk 55" by Shakes & Les, and "Ama Gear" by Dlala Thuckzin
Tony Dayimane
Another Durban-born artist on the radar, the artist has a distinct style and cadence that set him apart from other performers. His uniqueness of blending Vernac and English makes Tony stand out and a current favorite in the game.
The young artist released his debut “Big Boy EP” last year, and we are still jamming to it, thats how amazing it is. In the EP we get to know his dreams, and what Tony is about, and also we get to see his love/romantic side in “Ride or Die” where he appreciates his girlfriend and how far they come.
K. Keed
Currently shaking up the Hip-Hop game with their sonically trap beats and catchy rhymes the rapper is someone you should have in your playlist.
Hip-hop artist Mihlali Koyana, a rapper who was up in Gugulethu, Cape Town, has made a name for herself in the industry. The artist released her project Alter-Ego in 2022, this is the project that made Keed visible in mainstream SA Hip-Hop. Keed’s sound is different and I believe the artist is steering the new wave of Hip-Hop in the right direction.
Stixx
His real name is Samuel Seloane popularly known as Stixx Started of his career strictly as an Amapiano Producer, producing for big artists like Kelvim Momo, DBN Gogo, and Bandros, Stixx has matured and is now making his own Amapiano anthems.
With the release of his debut album this year "Test of Time", Stixx has Amapiano fans talking about him that he's the next " Kelvin and Kabza De Small". The rising Amapiano artist is quickly making waves with his sound that blends soulful rhytms of Amapiano with smooth, jazzy undertones, creating what fans are calling Private School Piano. Truly a seasoned Amapiano DJ and producer to watch