The 10 Best South African Songs of the Month

Featuring Costa Titch, A-Reece, ASAP Shembe, Emtee and many others.

The 10 Best South African Songs of the Month

Our list of the best South African songs of the month includes new singles that dropped in October, alongside those that were highlighted by getting the music video treatment.

Check out our selections below, which feature Costa Titch, A-Reece, ASAP Shembe among others.


The list is in no particular order.

Follow our MZANSI HEAT playlist on Spotify here and Apple Music here.

Aewon Wolf (ft. Masandi) "Thandolwam"

A flowery and danceable pop love song, "Thandolwam" comes with a strong appearance from Masandi and doesn't demand much from the listener, but delivers.

Gaba Cannal x Busiswa “Umhlaba Wonke”

Busiswa doesn't only sound at home on Gaba Cannal's "Umhlaba Wonke," but she dominates it with her lively personality and poise in her delivery and writing. "Umhlaba Wonke" is a soulful song that's built on lush pads and the customary bassline you hear on most amapiano songs.

​A-Reece "In Hi$ Image"

A-Reece felt the need to remind his fans who he is and his peers that he's one of the nicest on the mic. The emcee brings his A-game throughout the song. The third verse stands out as A-Reece uses a flow reminiscent to the song "1000 Degreez" from his 2014 EP Browniez back when he was still a rappity rap rapper.

​Indigo Stella "Boss Up"

Indigo Stella highlighted her single "Boss Up" with clean visuals that exhibit craftsmanship and flair.

​Sun Xa Experiment "Bayede"

Sun Xa Experiment's "Bayede" runs for close to nine minutes and showcases most of what the band sell themselves as—spiritual vocals punctuated by ululations live in a psychedelic atmosphere of electric guitars and heavy percussion. Read more about Sun Xa Experiment and their upcoming album here.

​Gigi Lamayne "Jou Stad" (ft. YoungstaCPT and 25K)

A potential street anthem rooted in bars and repping one's city, "Jou Stad" just got treated to fitting visuals.

​Emtee "Wave"

An honest update about his life from Emtee, "Wave" is mellow and honest, and offers an intimate walk-through into the life of an artist who's been a through a lot in the past year.

​JimmyWiz "Fatboy Chronicles"

Simple yet effective visuals for an autobiographical song by JimmyWiz.

​Costa Titch "Nkalakatha New Wave Remixes"

Costa Titch gathered some key members of the new wave of SA hip-hop for two remixes showcasing their skills for a remix of his viral hit "Nkalakatha." We love both of them, because they both knock hard.

​ASAP Shembe "Mabhoya" (ft. Fireman R5)

One of the strongest songs on ASAP Shembe's new EP, "Mabhoya" showcases maskandi vocal styles and modern trap production.

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