The Most Sensational Songs Of 2018 Deriving From South Africa

2018 was an explosive year for South African music. All music genres excelled in quality and sound. I have never been prouder of the music. Not sure what caused this… Could have been the influence and attention from the world, could be the competition for radio space, could be the threat from West and East African music or could be that our artists, producers and DJs are traveling more into the rest of Africa. Whatever the reasons, our ears and hearts thank them.  With that said it was very hard to decide on the Top 10 most sensational songs of 2018. My list is bias… I’m guilty. Read it and go argue with your radio compilers and playlist curators…

AKA ft Kiddominant – Fela In Versace

Momentous Hip-Hop Afro Beat merging again from the Supa Mega. Another crossover hit that took over Africa in every club, festival, radio and cars… Winner of the Sound City Best African Hip-Hop 2018 is proof that this song will be sang for years to come…

Watch/Listen:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1CRoYZeD0Q

Black Motion ft Brenden Praise – Joy Joy

Black Motion gives us the most joyous song of the year. You can’t sit to this song no matter your age…  It’s a festival groove and rooted in African Drums.

Watch/Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCg5-SoSe2o

Manu WorldStar – Nalingi

The coolest, freshest, urban song of 2018. This break out song has African youth on their feet. A sensational song crafted for the world by some forward-thinking Kids from Randburg, South Africa. Sing this one to your loved ones…

Watch/Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD_RqTHbIE4

Sjava – Umama

This song conjures up a timeless melody and praises that resonates within the inner soul of African people. Magical song… African soul/traditional music is in good hands.

Watch/Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTmMwKDFYxk

Ami Faku – Ndikhethe Wena

Within 3 seconds you will be sold on this track that has the ultimate vocal arrangement of 2018. The lead, backing vocals and accompany vocals are well done to pristine vibrations. The sounds keep your spirit high for the anticipation of the bridge that doesn’t disappoint. The impression I get is that this combination of artists are the genesis of the future of African Soul/R&B/New Jazz…

Watch/Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y6Ui78bWZw

DJ Sumbody ft Casper Nyovest, Thebe & Vettis – Monate Mpolaye

The raw African sounds of this track says it all. This is our December, January and February song. This is the wave for most braais and house parties… The best part is the section from 02:09.

Watch/Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CwMuQUr4Do

Mlindo The Vocalist ft Sfeesoh, Kwesta & Thabsie – Macala

Mlindo is a breakout artist of 2018. His album is impeccable at some points and predictable at others. But this song on its own offers us something to really rejoice in. Production is also solid. It’s a lullaby of note.

Watch/Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnoQ_w8tmgc

Zoocci Coke Dope, Flame and A-Reece – Sweet Revenge

Craziest hook! You can’t go wrong with a song that is this ballsy and in your face. Music composition is also at the finest level. The boys can put words and music together that paint a story of their generation…

Watch/Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5nRt4kLIX8

Heavy K featuring Bucie & Nokwazi – Inde

Heavy K teamed up with Bucie again and blew us away. The chorus is so much fun. Heavy K truly comes correct… The issue is can he summon up the Ancestor of Music to bless him again. Heavy K is blessed with the drums already…

Watch/Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7NX-bSGSfQ

De Mogul SA ft Ami Faku

A late comer in 2018 but stood it ground to be recognised as one of the most soulful Afro House sounds. The live vocal sample plus the guitar keeps you entertained all the way through. Ami Faku comes through again with the most telling and revealing lyrics… Almost too brutally honest and enticing…

Watch/Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2Sy3g8pv2A