List of South African musicians

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

This list of South African musicians includes notable individual musicians as well as musical ensembles whose members are South African by birth or nationality.

A

• Afrotraction (Mzwandile Moya; born 1983), R&B and neo-soul musician and producer
• AKA (1988–2023), hip-hop artist and record producer
• aKing, acoustic rock band
• Akustika Chamber Singers, chamber choir from Pretoria
• Ashur Petersen (born 1996), Cape Malay musician^[1]
• Sizwe Alakine, Amapiano musician (aka Reason, rapper)
• Amampondo, traditional Xhosa percussion group from Cape Town
• Anatii (born 1993), hip-hop artist and record producer
• A-Reece (born 1997), hip-hop artist and lyricist
• Leigh Ashton (born 1956), singer-songwriter from Johannesburg
• Assagai, Afro-rock band active in the early 1970s
• Robin Auld, singer songwriter
• The Awakening, gothic rock
• Aymos, singer songwriter

B

• Julian Bahula (1938–2023), jazz drummer
• Ballyhoo, 1980s pop band best known for the hit "Man on the Moon"
• Zakes Bantwini^[2]
• Leonel Bastos (born 1956), Mozambiquan adult contemporary musician and producer working in South Africa
• Battery 9, industrial music project from Johannesburg
• Beatenberg
• Amanda Black (born 1993), Afro-soul singer-songwriter
• BlackByrd, pop trio
• BLK JKS, rock band
• Elvis Blue, musician and songwriter
• Bongo Maffin, kwaito music group
• Boo!, band
• Boom Shaka, kwaito music group
• Stef Bos (born 1961), singer
• Cristina Boshoff (born 1980), folk pop singer and pianist
• Brasse Vannie Kaap, hip-hop group
• Bles Bridges (1947–2000), singer
• Bright Blue, 1980s pop band, best known for the hit song "Weeping"
• The Brother Moves On, performance art ensemble
• Buckfever Underground, folk/punk/art band
• Bucie (born 1987), R&B and soul singer
• Bulletscript, metal band
• Busiswa (born 1988), house musician
• Jonathan Butler (born 1961), singer-songwriter and guitarist
• Guy Buttery (born 1983), guitar player

C

• Adrienne Camp (born 1981), singer-songwriter
• Captain Stu, ska, funk, punk, and soul fusion band
• Arno Carstens (born 1972), former lead singer of Springbok Nude Girls
• Louise Carver (born 1979), folk rock singer-songwriter and pianist
• Cassette, rock band
• Cassper Nyovest (born 1990), rapper and record producer
• Tony Cedras (born 1952), musician
• Chad, (born 1993), rapper
• Yvonne Chaka Chaka (born 1965), singer
• Chris Chameleon (born 1971), solo artist, lead singer and bass guitarist for Boo
• Blondie Chaplin (born 1951), singer and guitarist
• Jesse Clegg (born 1988)
• Johnny Clegg (1953–2019)
• Clout, 1970s rock group
• Basil Coetzee (1944–1998), saxophonist
• Mimi Coertse (born 1932), soprano singer
• Fifi Cooper (born 1991), singer
• Tony Cox (born 1954), guitarist
• Crashcarburn, rock band
• Crossingpoint, Christian progressive hardcore band
• Cutting Jade, five-piece rock group
• Civil Twilight, four-piece rock band
• Crow Black Sky, black metal band
• Costa Titch (1995–2023), Amapiano rapper and dancer
• Covenant Voices, mass gospel choir with elements of traditional Zulu music, jazz, R&B and contemporary music

D

• Da L.E.S (born 1985), hip-hop artist
• Simphiwe Dana (born 1980)
• Danny K (Daniel Koppel), R&B singer-songwriter
• Kurt Darren, singer
• Pierre de Charmoy (born 1961), singer-songwriter
• Steven De Groote (1953–1989), classical pianist and winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
• Fanie de Jager (born 1949), operatic tenor
• Die Antwoord, alternative hip hop group^[3]
• Die Heuwels Fantasties, Afrikaans rock band
• Bonginkosi Dlamini (born 1977), poet, actor and singer, also known as Zola
• Dollar Brand (born 1934)
• Donald (born 1985), singer
• Dorp, rock band
• Downfall, ska and punk band
• Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, reggae
• Dreamteam, hip-hop group from Durban
• Jabulani Dubazana, singer, Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Lucky Dube (1964–2007)
• Ampie du Preez, singer and guitarist
• Johnny Dyani (1945–1986), jazz double bassist
• DJ Speedsta, hip-hop DJ

E

• Dennis East, singer
• Shane Eagle (born 1996), hip-hop artist
• Alton Edwards, singer
• Eden, pop band
• Elaine (born 1999), singer and songwriter
• Endorphine
• Emtee (born 1992), hip-hop artist
• Dawid Engela (1931–1967), composer and musicologist
• éVoid, 1980s new wave
• Erica Eloff, soprano

F

• The Fake Leather Blues Band
• Falling Mirror, alternative rock band
• Brenda Fassie (1964–2004)
• Ricky Fataar (born 1952), drummer
• Duncan Faure, singer-songwriter formerly with the band Rabbitt
• Mongezi Feza (1945–1975), trumpet player and flautist
• Anton Fig (born 1952), drummer
• Josh Fix, singer-songwriter
• Fokofpolisiekar, Afrikaans rock band
• Foto na Dans, Afrikaans rock band
• Four Jacks and a Jill, folk rock ensemble
• Johnny Fourie (1937–2007), jazz guitarist
• Freshlyground, Afro-fusion band
• Fuzigish, ska punk band

G

• Hotep Idris Galeta (born 1941), jazz pianist
• Goldfish, electronic duo
• Goodluck, electronic music band
• Anton Goosen (born 1946), singer
• Die Grafsteensangers, comical entertainment group
• Lani Groves (born 1980), cellist and singer

H

• Half Price, punk rock band
• Paul Hanmer, composer, pianist, and jazz musician
• The Helicopters, pop rock band active in the 1980s
• Ken E Henson (born 1947), musician
• Henry Ate, band
• Sonja Herholdt (born 1952), singer-songwriter
• Hog Hoggidy Hog, band
• Steve Hofmeyr (born 1964), singer and actor

I

• Abdullah Ibrahim (born 1934)
• Zaki Ibrahim, singer-songwriter
• iFANi (born 1985), hip-hop/rap artist,
• Isochronous, rock band

J

• Jabu Khanyile (1957–2006)
• Robbie Jansen (1949–2010)
• Jeremy Loops (born 1986), modern folk, singer
• Jesse Jordan Band
• Theuns Jordaan (born 1971), singer and songwriter
• Claire Johnston (born 1967), lead singer of Mango Groove
• Trevor Jones (born 1949), composer
• Armand Joubert (born 1995), singer-songwriter
• Joy, a vocal group
• John Edmond (born 1936), singer
• John Ireland (born 1954), singer and songwriter
• Juluka, band
• Just Jinjer (previously Just Jinger)
• JR, rapper
• Junkyard Lipstick, five-piece, female metal band
• L-Tido (born 1982), hip-hop artist, aka 16V

K

• Kabelo Mabalane (born 1976), kwaito artist, former member of TKZee
• Kabza de small, an amapiano producer and DJ
• Kalahari Surfers
• Kamo Mphela, an amapiano musician and dancer
• Wouter Kellerman (born 1961), flautist
• Johannes Kerkorrel (1960–2002)
• Sibongile Khumalo (born 1957), singer
• Francois Klark, pop singer based in Canada
• KOBUS!, band
• Koos Kombuis (born 1954)
• John Kongos (born 1945)
• Kongos, band
• Gé Korsten (1927–1999)
• David Kramer (born 1951)
• Kwesta, hip-hop artist and poet
• K.O, hip-hop artist and record producer
• Kyle Watson, record producer and DJ

L

• Felix Laband, electronic musician
• Riku Lätti, songwriter, composer, music producer
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo (born 1960), isicathamiya group
• Don Laka, jazz musician, pianist, producer
• Robert Lange (born 1948), music producer
• Lark, band
• Jack Lerole (c. 1940–2003), tin whistle player; singer
• Solomon Linda (1909–1962), songwriter
• Lira (Lerato Moipone Molapo; born 1979), singer
• Locnville, electro hop music duo
• Steve Louw (born 1955), singer-songwriter
• Roger Lucey, singer and guitarist
• Lucky Dube, singer and keyboard player

M

• Mark Haze, rock singer
• Sipho Mabuse (born 1951), singer
• Arthur Mafokate, kwaito singer and composer
• Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, a mbaqanga band
• Vusi Mahlasela (born 1965)
• Patricia Majalisa, bubblegum artist
• Mandisi Dyantjis is a South African musician, composer, and trumpeter
• Makgona Tsohle Band (1964–1999), a mbaqanga instrumental band
• Bongi Makeba (1950–1985), singer-songwriter
• Miriam Makeba (1932–2008)
• Malaika (group)
• Petronel Malan (born 1974), concert pianist
• Man As Machine
• Mandoza (born 1978), kwaito singer
• Mango Groove
• Mildred Mangxola (born 1944), singer in Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens and member of the Mahotella Queens
• Manfred Mann
• MarcAlex, group known for the hit "Quick Quick"
• Josef Marais (1905–1978)
• Martin PK
• Hugh Masekela (born 1939)
• Dorothy Masuka (born 1935), jazz singer
• Neels Mattheus (1935–2003), traditional musician
• Dave Matthews (born 1967), lead singer and founding member of Dave Matthews Band
• Irene Mawela (born 1940), veteran singer and composer
• Illana May
• Abednego Mazibuko, singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Albert Mazibuko (born 1948), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Thandiswa Mazwai (born 1976)
• Chris McGregor (1936–1990), jazz pianist and composer
• Busi Mhlongo (1947–2010), singer, dancer and composer
• Mind Assault
• Moreira Chonguica (born 1077), jazz saxophonist and producer
• Kippie Moeketsi (1925–1983), saxophonist
• Moeniel Jacobs (born 1977), Cape Malay musician and renowned Bo-Kaap member^[4]
• Pops Mohamed (born 1949), jazz musician
• Louis Moholo (born 1940), drummer
• Matthew Mole
• Moonchild Sanelly (Sanelisiwe Twisha, born 1987), musician and dancer
• Moozlie (born 1992), hip-hop artist and television presenter
• Lebo Morake (aka Lebo M)
• Shaun Morgan (born 1980), singer also known as Shaun Morgan Welgemoed
• Ike Moriz (born 1972), singer, composer and lyricist
• Jean Morrison, alternative rock singer-songwriter
• Mshengu White Mambazo (1976–2003), junior choir of Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Mthunzi, amapiano singer-songwriter
• Colbert Mukwevho, reggae singer
• Russel Mthembu, singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Muzi (born 1991), electronic musician
• MVZZLE (born 1995 (1995)), record producer
• Msaki (born 1988) singer-songwriter, composer^[5]

N

• Nádine (born 1982), singer-songwriter
• The Narrow
• Nasty C (born 1997), hip-hop artist and record producer
• Bongani Ndodana-Breen, composer
• Jim Neversink, alternative country singer-songwriter and guitarist
• New Academics
• Steve Newman
• Bernoldus Niemand (1959–1995)
• Simon "Mahlathini" Nkabinde (1937–1999), Mbaqanga singer
• Nkosazana Daughter, an upcoming amapiano artist
• West Nkosi (1940–1998), mbaqanga musician
• No Friends of Harry
• Nobesuthu Mbadu (born 1945), singer in Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens and member of the Mahotella Queens
• Siphiwo Ntshebe (1974–2010), operatic tenor from New Brighton, Port Elizabeth
• Ashton Nyte, solo artist as well as lead singer and producer of The Awakening
• Nadia Nakai (born 1990), hip-hop artist

O

• Sarah Oates, violinist and associate leader Philharmonia orchestra
• Wendy Oldfield, rock singer-songwriter
• Oskido (born 1967), record producer and songwriter

P

• Jack Parow (born 1982), hip-hop artist
• The Parlotones, indie rock band
• Al Paton, singer-songwriter, producer, and percussionist
• Orville Peck, country musician
• Petit Cheval, New Romantic rock group
• Ray Phiri (1947–2017), Jazz, jazz fusion, reggae and mbaqanga musician
• James Phillips, singer-songwriter also known as Bernoldus Niemand
• Anke Pietrangeli (born 1982), winner of the second series of Idols
• Dizu Plaatjies, founder and former lead singer of Amampondo
• PJ Powers (born 1960)
• Prime Circle, rock band
• Professor (born 1978), Kwaito musician
• Dudu Pukwana (1938–1990), saxophonist, pianist, and composer
• Purified, Christian hip-hop artist

Q

• Qkumba Zoo

R

• Rabbitt
• Trevor Rabin (born 1954), musician
• Dolly Rathebe (1928–2004)
• Laurika Rauch, Afrikaans singer
• Reason, rapper
• Surendran Reddy (1962–2010) pianist and composer
• Riddare av Koden
• Riky Rick (born 1987), hip-hop artist and record producer
• Rooibaardt, rock band
• Rouge (rapper)

S

• Sandy B, house music singer
• Savuka, band
• Robert Schneider of The Apples in Stereo
• Leon Schuster (born 1951), singer
• Seether, formerly called Saron Gas, hard rock and alternative metal band
• Gerard Sekoto (1913–1993)
• Judith Sephuma (born 1974), jazz and Afro-pop singer
• Jockey Shabalala (1943–2006), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Joseph Shabalala (born 1941), lead singer and founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Msizi Shabalala (born 1975), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Sibongiseni Shabalala (born 1973), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Troye Sivan (born 1995), South African-born
• Thamsanqa Shabalala (born 1977), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Thulani Shabalala (born 1968), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Shane Eagle (born 1996), hip-hop artist and lyricist
• Shiraz, band active 1984–1984
• Silver Creek Mountain Band, folk band
• Margaret Singana (1938–2000)
• Robert Sithole, pennywhistle player
• Skylight, pop rock band
• Kyla-Rose Smith (born 1982), violinist and dancer
• Enoch Sontonga, teacher, lay-preacher and composer who wrote "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika"
• South African National Youth Orchestra
• Springbok Nude Girls
• The Square Set
• Zanne Stapelberg (born 1977), opera soprano
• Dale Stewart (born 1979)
• Sterling EQ, Classical crossover group
• Stimela, Afro-fusion band formed in 1982
• Straatligkinders, Afrikaans rock band
• Sugardrive, rock group
• Valiant Swart (born 1965)
• Okmalumkoolkat (born 1983), hip-hop artist
• Stogie T, hip-hop artist
• Sun-El Musician, DJ and music producer

T

• Tananas
• Taxi Violence
• Peta Teanet, singer
• TKZee, kwaito group
• Hilda Tloubatla (born 1942), lead singer of Mahotella Queens, and singer in Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens
• Tokollo Tshabalala, kwaito singer also known as Magesh
• Peter Toussaint, singer-songwriter and guitar player
• Toya Delazy, pop singer and pianist
• Tribe After Tribe, alternative rock band
• Tuks, hip-hop artist
• Tumi and the Volume, hip-hop music ensemble
• Tweak, alternative rock band
• Tyla, a South African pop artist

U

• Uhuru, Kwaito and afropop music group
• Uncle Waffles, Swazi-born DJ and record producer
• Urban Creep, rock band

V

• Bobby van Jaarsveld (born 1987), singer-songwriter and actor
• Bok van Blerk (born 1978)
• Van Coke Kartel, Afrikaans alternative rock band
• Amor Vittone (born 1972), singer

W

• Watershed, pop rock band founded in 1998
• Shaun Welgemoed (born 1978)
• Heinz Winckler (born 1978), singer who won the first series of Idols
• Winston's Jive Mixup (1943–2009), tenor saxophone player
• Babes Wodumo (born 1994), gqom musician
• Wonderboom, rock band
• Markus Wormstorm, electronic musician and composer

Y

• Pretty Yende (born 1985), operatic soprano from Piet Retief, Mpumalanga
• Yorxe (born 1998), singer and songwriter
• YoungstaCPT (born 1991), rapper and songwriter

Z

• Zahara (born 1987), singer-songwriter and poet
• Zebra & Giraffe, alternative rock band
• Karen Zoid (born 1978)
• Zola (born 1977)
• Zonke (born 1979), singer-songwriter and record producer
• DJ Zinhle, DJ and producer

See also

• List of Afrikaans singers
• Music of Namibia
• Music of the Netherlands
• Music of South Africa

References

1. "Capetonian mom and son duo rack up 2-million views". CapeTown ETC. 7 June 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
2. "South African artists return with the Grammy Award". Africanews. 10 October 2023. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
3. Kost, Ryan. "Outlandish South African hip-hop group Die Antwoord plays SF". SFGATE. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
4. Valentine, Venecia. "From the Cape Flats to Carnegie Hall, Moeniel Jacobs' biography is about his life-changing journey with the Malay Choir". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
5. "South African Singer-Songwriter Msaki Spreads Her Wings With Angelic Voice on Billboard Live At-Home". billboard.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.