30 most famous South African musicians as of 2024: top greatest artists
The South African music industry has grown tremendously in the last decade. It has a blend of seasoned and upcoming artists who continue to release great music. Some of the country's music icons have passed away, but their music lives on. Discover the most famous South African musicians today.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Overview of the most famous South African musicians
- Most famous South African musicians: top 30 list
- 30. Ladysmith Black Mambazo
- 29. Lucky Dube
- 28. Brenda Fassie
- 27. Hugh Masekela - $1.5 million
- 26. Miriam Makeba
- 25. Seether
- 24. Yvonne Chaka Chaka
- 23. Johnny Clegg - $5 million
- 22. Sun-El Musician
- 21. Snot Kop
- 20. Nomcebo Zikode - $1.5 million
- 19. Semi Tee - $200k
- 18. Vigro Deep
- 17. Focalistic - $1 million
- 16. Die Antwoord - $10 million each
- 15. DJ Tira - $2.2 million
- 14. Blaq Diamond - $2 million
- 13. Ami Faku
- 12. Elaine
- 11. Prince Kaybee - $2 million
- 10. Kwesta - $2 million
- 9. Mafikizolo
- 8. Shekhinah
- 7. Cassper Nyovest - $8 million
- 6. AKA - $15 million
- 5. Kabza De Small - $7 million
- 4. DJ Black Coffee - $60 million
- 3. DJ Maphorisa - $10 million
- 2. Nasty C - $3 million
- 1. Master KG - $2 million
- Who is the most famous singer in South Africa?
- Who is the best African singer of all time in Africa?
- Who is the biggest artist in South Africa in 2024?
- Who are the top 10 musicians in Africa?
- Who is the most famous artist in South Africa?
Making it in the music industry requires talent, hard work, patience, and sound production. This ranking of the most famous South African musicians has considered the artist's consistency, release of hit songs, vocal technique, performance record, and even style. Note that some artists are now dead, but their legacy lives on through their music.
Overview of the most famous South African musicians
| 1 | Master KG |
| 2 | Nasty C |
| 3 | DJ Maphorisa |
| 4 | DJ Black Coffee |
| 5 | Kabza De Small |
| 6 | AKA |
| 7 | Cassper Nyovest |
| 8 | Shekhinah |
| 9 | Mafikizolo |
| 10 | Kwesta |
| 11 | Prince Kaybee |
| 12 | Elaine |
| 13 | Ami Faku |
| 14 | Blaq Diamond |
| 15 | DJ Tira |
| 16 | Die Antwoord |
| 17 | Focalistic |
| 18 | Vigro Deep |
| 19 | Semi Tee |
| 20 | Nomcebo Zikode |
| 21 | Snot Kop |
| 22 | Sun-El Musician |
| 23 | Johnny Clegg |
| 24 | Yvonne Chaka Chaka |
| 25 | Seether |
| 26 | Miriam Makeba |
| 27 | Hugh Masekela |
| 28 | Brenda Fassie |
| 29 | Lucky Dubess |
| 30 | Ladysmith Black Mambazo |
Most famous South African musicians: top 30 list
The most famous South African singers and rappers are passionate about music. They invest time, money, and labour into their craft. Discover the most famous South African musicians today.
30. Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Source: Getty Images
- Members: Thulani Shabalala, Thamsanqa Shabalala, Sibongiseni Shabalala, Msizi Shabalala, Pius Shezi, Albert Mazibuko, Abednego Mazibuko, Sabelo Mthembu, and Mfanafuthi Dlamini
- Years active: 1960 - present
- Origin: Ladysmith, SA
- Genre: Isicathamiya and mbube
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is among the famous South African bands of all time. Joseph Shabalala is its founder, and the band gained international fame after singing with Paul Simon on his 1986 album Graceland.
Its indigenous isicathamiya music is unique and catchy. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has won multiple awards, including five Grammy Awards. Some of its hit tunes are Homeless, Upendi, We Are One, and Hello My Baby.
29. Lucky Dube
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Lucky Philip Dube
- Date of birth: 3 August 1964
- Date of death: 18 October 2007
- Age at death: 43 years
- Place of birth: Ermelo
The late Lucky Dube is one of the best male South African singers of all time. He sang numerous reggae and mbaqanga songs that millions of people worldwide enjoy to date.
The Rastafarian's record sales across the world earned him the Best Selling African Musician prize at the 1996 World Music Awards. His hit tunes include The Way It Is, Back To My Roots, Remember Me, Together As One, and Slave.
28. Brenda Fassie
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Brenda Nokuzola Fassie
- Date of birth: 3 November 1964
- Date of death: 9 May 2004
- Age at death: 39 years
- Place of birth: Langa, Cape Town
The late Brenda Fassie is remembered as one of the top female South African singers of all time. She was also a dancer and activist. Fans fondly called her the Queen of African Pop, Black Madonna, or Madonna of The Townships.
She was known for her outrageousness on stage. Some of her hit tunes are Vuli Ndela, Black President, Thola Amadlozi, Too Late for Mama, Nomakanjani, and Higher & Higher.
27. Hugh Masekela - $1.5 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Hugh Ramapolo Masekela
- Date of birth: 4 April 1939
- Date of death: 23 January 2018
- Age at death: 78 years
- Place of birth: Witbank, Emalahleni
The late Hugh Masekela was a trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, singer, and composer. He is remembered as the father of South African jazz. He was worth about $1.5 million at the time of his death.
Although he is now late, he remains to be one of the most famous South African musicians of all time. His hit jams include Grazing in the Grass, Thanayi, Coal Train, Don't Go Lose It Baby, Chileshe, Marketplace, and Bring Him Back Home.
26. Miriam Makeba
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Zenzile Miriam Makeba
- Date of birth: 4 March 1932
- Date of death: 10 November 2008
- Age at death: 76 years
- Place of birth: Johannesburg
Commonly known as Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba was a sought-after singer and actress. Her genres were Afropop, jazz, and world music.
Makeba was also an advocate against apartheid and white-minority government in SA. Her hit tunes include The Click Song, Malaika, Lakutshon Ilanga, A Luta Continua, The Retreat Song, My Angel, Hapo Zamani, and Hurry, Mama, Hurry!
25. Seether
- Members: Shaun Morgan, Dale Stewart, John Humphrey, and Corey Lowery
- Years active: 1999 - present
- Origin: Pretoria
- Genre: Rock
Seether is one of the most famous South African bands today. Shaun Morgan, Dale Stewart, John Humphrey, and Corey Lowery are its members. Seether was founded in 1999 in Pretoria, Gauteng, and the group plays rock music.
Until 2002, the band was known as Saron Gas. Broken, Fake It, Fine Again, and Driven Under are some of the band's most popular tunes.
24. Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Yvonne Chaka Chaka
- Date of birth: 18 March 1965
- Age: 59 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Dobsonville, Soweto
Singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka is one of the globally recognised South African music legends. Besides writing and singing songs, she is an actress, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and teacher.
She was nicknamed the Princess of Africa because of her good music. Her hit tracks include Umqombothi, I'm In Love with a DJ, and Thank You Mr. DJ.
23. Johnny Clegg - $5 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Jonathan Paul Clegg
- Date of birth: 7 June 1953
- Date of death: 16 July 2019
- Age at death: 66 years
The late Johnny Clegg was one of the most famous White South African musicians of all time. He was also a dancer, anthropologist, and anti-apartheid activist.
He founded the band Savuka, and also recorded as a solo artist. Some of his hit tracks are Asimbonanga, Dela, and Great Heart. His net worth was about $5 million when he passed away.
22. Sun-El Musician
Source: UGC
- Full name: Sanele Tresure Sithole
- Date of birth: 28 March 1989
- Age: 35 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Mooi River
Ubomi Abumanga, Akanamali, Sonini, Higher, and Uhuru are some of Sun-El Musician's hit tracks. Sun-El Musician is a disc jockey, music producer, and songwriter. He is one of the artists associated with the Amapiano genre.
21. Snot Kop
- Full name: Francois Henning
- Date of birth: 22 December 1974
- Age: 49 years (as of 2024)
Francois Henning, alias Snot Kop, is a singer and rapper of Afrikaans. He was formerly known as Lekgoa. Some of his hit tunes are Cool Soos Koos Kombuis, Song Vir My Dad, Pens En Pootjies, and Dropit Soos 'n Disprin.
20. Nomcebo Zikode - $1.5 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Nomcebo Nothule Zikode
- Date of birth: 28 October 1985
- Age: 38 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Mpumalanga
Singer-songwriter Nomcebo Zikode is one of the current South African music artists you should be listening to right now. Her hit tracks include Xola Moya Wam', Bayabuza, Njabulo, Ngiyesaba, and Bayethe.
She also collaborated with DJ Ganyani on their hit single Emazulwini. Nomcebo Zikode's net worth is about 1.5 million.
19. Semi Tee - $200k
- Full name: Tumelo Ramila
- Year of birth: 6 April 1999
- Age: 25 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Orlando West, Soweto
Tumelo Ramila, alias Semi Tee, is an Amapiano all-rounder who sings, produces, and DJs. He is known for his collaboration with Kammu Dee and Miano on the hit single Ama Uber. He started performing at the age of sixteen. Semi Tee's net worth is about $200k.
18. Vigro Deep
Source: UGC
- Full name: Kamogelo Phetla
- Date of birth: 6 September 2001
- Age: 22 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Atteridgeville, Pretoria
Untold Stories, Africa Rise, Ghost Producer, International, and Piano King are among Vigro Deep's hit songs. Vigro Deep is one of the young South African musicians today. He is a DJ and record producer. He has grown popular for his viral productions and counts of tours.
17. Focalistic - $1 million
- Full name: Lethabo Sebetso
- Date of birth: 26 May 1996
- Age: 28 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Pretoria
Lethabo Sebetso, alias Focalistic, is a famous rapper who rose to prominence after releasing the remix of Ke Star featuring Davido and Virgo Deep. He has also sung Champion Sound, Tabela Hape, Pele Pele, 16 Days No Sleep, and Tsela Tse Nyane. He is also known as President ya Straata, and his net worth is about $1 million.
16. Die Antwoord - $10 million each
Source: Getty Images
- Members: Watkin Tudor "Ninja" Jones and Anri "Yolandi Visser" du Toit
- Years active: 2008 - present
- Origin: Cape Town
- Genre: Hip-hop
The powerful Die Antwoord is a duo made up of Ninja and Yolandi Visser. Their producers are HITEK5000 and Lil2Hood. The alternative hip-hop group's hit tracks include Baby's on Fire, Ugly Boy, Banana Brain, Pitbull Terrier, and Enter the Ninja.
Watkin Tudor Jones' net worth is $10 million. On the other hand, Yolandi Visser's net worth is $10 million.
15. DJ Tira - $2.2 million
Source: UGC
- Full name: Mthokozisi Khathi
- Date of birth: 24 August 1976
- Age: 47 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: KwaZulu-Natal
Mthokozisi Khathi, alias DJ Tira, is a DJ, record producer, and Kwaito artist. His hit tracks include Sikilidi, Ngilimele, Malume, Won't Let Go, Nguwe, and Uyangifaka. He helped popularise the Gqom music genre. He is worth about $2.2 million.
14. Blaq Diamond - $2 million
- Members: Ndumiso Mdletshe and Sphelele Dunywa
- Years active: 2010 - present
- Origin: Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal
- Genre: Afro-pop
Blaq Diamond is made of two South African pop singers. Its members are Ndumiso Mdletshe and Sphelele Dunywa from Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. The two met in 2010 on a school trip.
They participated in a music cypher on the school bus. Blaq Diamond's hit tunes include Qoma, Ibhanoyi, Summer YoMuthi, and Isoka. The two young men are worth about $2 million.
13. Ami Faku
Source: UGC
- Full name: Amanda Faku
- Date of birth: 28 May 1993
- Age: 31 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Gqeberha
Ami Faku is one of the top South African R&B artists. She is a singer, performer and songwriter. Fatela, Abalele, Into Ingawe, Asibe Happy, Uwrongo, and Ubuhle Bakho are some of Ami Faku's hit tracks. She rose to fame as a contestant on the second season of The Voice SA.
12. Elaine
Source: UGC
- Full name: Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli
- Date of birth: 2 April 1999
- Age: 25 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Pretoria
Elaine Mukheli is an R&B singer and songwriter known for You're the One, Loving You, Risky, Right Now, I Just Wanna Know, and Changes. In September 2019, Elaine Mukheli self-released her debut EP called Elements.
11. Prince Kaybee - $2 million
Source: UGC
- Full name: Kabelo Motsamai
- Date of birth: 15 June 1989
- Age: 35 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Senekal
Kabelo Motsamai, alias Prince Kaybee, is a disc jockey, record producer, and recording artist. He is known for his hit songs Yonkinto, Wajellwa, and Friend Zone. He has performed on major stages locally and internationally with top artists, and his net worth is $2 million.
10. Kwesta - $2 million
- Full name: Senzo Brikka Vilakazi
- Date of birth: 11 August 1988
- Age: 35 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Katlehong
Musician Senzo Brikka Vilakazi, professionally known as Kwesta, is known for hit tracks such as Ngud', Huzet, Ngiyaz'fela Ngawe, Khethile Khethile, and Mayibabo. At 15, he and his friends formed a rap group Ghetto Fellaz which then changed to The Juvenylz. He is worth about $2 million.
9. Mafikizolo
Source: Getty Images
- Members: Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza
- Years active: 1996 - present
- Origin: Kagiso
- Genre: Afro-pop
Mafikizolo is an Afro-pop duo made of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza. The duo rose to fame after they released Ndihamba Nawe kuphela, Kwela Kwela, Sibongile, and Udakwa Njalo. Mafikizolo released its self-titled album in 1997 and Music Revolution in 1999.
8. Shekhinah
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Shekhinah Thandi Donnell
- Date of birth: 2 October 1994
- Age: 29 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Pietermaritzburg
Shekhinah Thandi Donnell is a pop and R&B vocalist and songwriter. She rose to fame after competing in the seventh season of South Africa’s hit television show, IDOLS. In 2017, Shekhinah Thandi Donnell released her debut album, Rosegold.
7. Cassper Nyovest - $8 million
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Refiloe Maele Phoolo
- Date of birth: 16 December 1990
- Age: 33 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Mahikeng
Refiloe Maele Phoolo, alias Cassper Nyovest, is one of the top South African artists in 2024. He is a rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, record producer, and amateur boxer. He is regarded as one of the most successful artists in the country. He is worth about $8 million.
6. AKA - $15 million
Source: UGC
- Full name: Kiernan Jarryd Forbes
- Date of birth: 28 January 1988
- Date of death: 10 February 2023
- Age at death: 35 years
- Place of birth: Cape Town
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, alias AKA, was a respected rapper, record producer, and businessman. He gained prominence after releasing his single Victory Lap.
He was shot to death on 10 February 2023, and his fourth album, Mass Country, was released posthumously by Sony. He was worth about $15 million when he died.
5. Kabza De Small - $7 million
- Full name: Kabelo Petrus Motha
- Date of birth: 27 November 1992
- Age: 31 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Mpumalanga
Kabelo Petrus Motha, professionally known as Kabza De Small, is a major figure in the Amapiano genre of house music. He is known for Woza, Ebusuku, Asibe Happy, Khusela, Abalele, and Xola. Kabza De Small's net worth is about $7 million.
4. DJ Black Coffee - $60 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo
- Date of birth: 11 March 1976
- Age: 48 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Umlazi
Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo is DJ Black Coffee's real name. He is a DJ, record producer, and songwriter. He established his own record label called Soulistic Music and released his eponymous album. DJ Black Coffee's net worth is $60 million, making him one of the richest artists in the country.
3. DJ Maphorisa - $10 million
Source: UGC
- Full name: Themba Sekowe
- Date of birth: 15 November 1987
- Age: 36 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Soshanguve
Themba Sekowe, known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, is a DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. Some of his hit tracks are Ba Straata, Shona Kwelanga, Abalele, Izolo, and Banyana. His net worth is about $10 million.
2. Nasty C - $3 million
- Full name: Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo
- Date of birth: 11 February 1997
- Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Diepmeadow
Nasty C's real name is Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo. He is a famous rapper, songwriter, and record producer known for Lemons, Philo, Said, SMA, and All In. He started rapping at nine and is now worth about $3 million.
1. Master KG - $2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Kgaogelo Moagi
- Date of birth: 31 January 1996
- Age: 28 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Tzaneen
Kgaogelo Moagi, alias Master KG, is a famous musician and record producer. Skeleton Move, his debut studio album, achieved acclaim, including an AFRIMA Award for Best Artist/Group in the African Electro category. Master KG's net worth is about $3 million.
Who is the most famous singer in South Africa?
The most famous South African artists include Master KG, Nasty C, DJ Maphorisa, AKA, Kabza De Small, Cassper Nyovest, Mafikizolo, and Shekhinah.
Who is the best African singer of all time in Africa?
Sade, Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Burna Boy, Youssou N'Dour, and Simon Nkabinde are among the best African singers of all time.
Who is the biggest artist in South Africa in 2024?
The biggest artists in SA include Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Master KG, Nasty C, DJ Maphorisa, AKA, Kabza De Small, Cassper Nyovest, Mafikizolo, and Shekhinah.
Who are the top 10 musicians in Africa?
The top 10 artists on the continent are Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Diamond Platnumz, 2Face Idibia, Fally Ipupa, Sarkodie, Yemi Alade, and Sho Madjozi.
Who is the most famous artist in South Africa?
The most famous South African artists include Master KG, Nasty C, DJ Maphorisa, AKA, Kabza De Small, Cassper Nyovest, Mafikizolo, and Shekhinah.
The most famous South African musicians are successful on the national and international front. They are known and respected for writing, creating, and releasing high-quality music.
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Priscillah Mueni (Lifestyle writer) Priscillah Mueni is a lifestyle and entertainment content creator with more than 4 years of experience. She graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering in 2019. In 2023, Priscillah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has been writing articles on Briefly.co.za since 2019. Email: pshmueni@gmail.com
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