If you’re reading this, then congratulations – you’ve made it to the end of 2021, and that is something which simply can’t be taken for granted anymore. This year has been a year of highs, and lows – tremendous wins and devastating loss. As we continued to grapple the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, our new normal saw us trying to make the most of the cards we’d been dealt this year.
It was a year which saw some truly great artistry. Our musicians, who patiently waited for the opportunities to be able to perform again, delivered great projects and singles which had us dancing and singing along. Our influencers had us participating in sometimes life-threatening challenges (I’m looking at you, Crate participants!)
Social media also kept us thoroughly engaged as we found new topics to debate, new hashtags to react to and some frankly unspeakable moments (which we of course did speak about to no end!).
The year was also a difficult for those of us who experienced not only personal loss, but loss on a national level. It was a year to remember, it was a year to forget but it was a year which will certainly be talked about for some time to come.
As we did in 2020, we’ve teamed up with a number of heads of culture from various industries who shared their input on some of the best (and most talked about) creations and moments of 2021. From music, to film, to social media and beyond – here is our Best of 2021.
Best Projects of 2021
- Wizkid – Made In Lagos Deluxe Edition
- Zakes Bantwini – Ghetto King
- Lojay & Sarz – LV N ATTN
- Oscar Mbo – Defenders of House
- Makhadzi – African Queen
- Busta 929 – Umsebenzi Wethu Vol 2
- De Mthuda – Landlord
- Olamide – Uy Scuti
- Teni – Wondaland
- TRESOR & Scorpion Kings – Rumble In The Jungle
Best Songs of 2021
- CKay – Love Nwantini
- Zakes Bantwini – Osama
- Young Stunna ft Kabza De Small – Adiwele
- Olamide – Rock
- Amaarae & Kali Uchis ft Moliy – Sad Girlz Luv Money Remix
- Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa ft Ami Faku – Abalele
- Felo Le Tee & Myztro – 66
- DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU ft Madumane, Mpura, Daliwonga & Visca – Izolo
- Lojay & Sarz – Mona Lisa
- Wizkid ft Tems – Essence
Best TV Shows of 2021
- DJ Zinhle: The Unexpected
- Blood and Water S2
- Podcast and Chill with Mac G (Channel O version)
- The Wife
- Jiva!
- Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja
- Isencani Lengani
- Devil’s Dorp
- Shayi Round
- Diep City
Best Social Media Challenges of 2021
- Buss’ It Challenge
- Babes Wodumo Asifani Challenge
- Uncle Vinny Dance Challenge
- Nkao Tempela Challenge
- #7Days7Faces for Foyin Challenge
- #66DanceChallenge
- DBN Gogo Dakiwe Challenge
- Jub Jub Uyajola99 Challenge
- Crate Challenge
- Bambelela Challenge
Moments That Broke The Internet in 2021
- Amanda Du Pont opens up about Jub Jub abuse
- Shona Ferguson’s passing
- Cassper Nyovest’s Fame vs Clout boxing match
- Babes Wodumo drags Makhadzi
- DJ Zinhle announces 2nd pregnancy
- Bonang sues Rea for R500,000
- McLaren Boys Worldwide
- Andile Mpisane’s surprise engagement
- Bonang drops CSA Global bombshell
- Anele Tembe’s tragic death
Hashtags That Dominated Our Timelines in 2021
- #Tembisa10
- #FreeZuma
- #CivilUnrestSA
- #RIPMpura/RIPKillerKau
- #CR17BankStatements
- #FamilyMeeting
- #MissSA2021
- #RIPDrSindi
- #ShimzaSpace
- #Ibelievemohale
Best Global Wins for SA in 2021
- Thuso Mbedu winning Hollywood Critics Award
- Trevor Noah hosting Grammys
- Maxhosa showcased in Coming 2 America
- Amapiano taking over the UK, US and Europe
- SA Celebs representing at Dubai Expo
- Somizi nominated for International Gourmand Awards
- Nomzamo Mbatha landing two Hollywood roles
- Drake loving Uncle Waffles’ viral video
- Barakat selected for Oscars submission
- Black Coffee nominated for a Grammy
