The Best Southern African Songs Right Now

January, or Janu-worry to those who know, is a month of hardship in Southern Africa. Families are returning from holidays, and kids are well into their academic groove. Artists keep creating though, and we've dug deep to bring you these undeniable bangers.

There's the raw, underground hip-hop appeal ofYugen Blakrok. An unpolished, rural flavor has endeared Sannere to many people in the region, as well as some heartstring-pulling emotional intensity from Moonchild Sanelly.

Below is a selection of songs that kept us going this month.

Yugen Blakrok - "Niacin" (South Africa/Spain)

Yugen Blakrok was running circles around MCs in the underground circuit of Johannesburg and beyond long before flexing her lyrical muscles alongside Vince Staples on the firstBlack Panther compilation. "Niacin" is pristine, merciless lyrical warfare that explores the fire, drive, and tenacity it takes to go against the grain — something the artist is well used to. Now based in Europe, Yugen Blakrok continues to be a prime example of an artist operating at the highest level of their craft and having fun with it.

Nasty C & Audiomarckj - "For Certain" (South Africa)

Nasty C has maintained a steady command of his art since he got on thepublic’s radar a decade ago. Last year, the rapper collaborated with the U.K.'s Lekaa Beats on "Confuse the Enemy," a shining example of what an artist can achieve when genre becomes less of a consideration. He also embarked on his Ivyson Tour, something the artist hadn’t done since before the global lockdown. On “For Certain,” the MC talks his talk while walking all over Audiomarck’s production.

Kikky Badass - "TOUCH IT CYPHER" feat. Suhn, Uncle Crooger, Denimwoods, Slyme Foxx & Icey Ekxne (Zimbabwe)

The Zimbabwean wordsmith Kikky Badass has been on the block for a hot moment. On "Touch It Cypher," she re-upholsters the popular Chris Brown song by introducing a bunch of the country’s shining talent. From Suhn to Denimwoods, each artist brings a worthwhile contribution to the jam.

Kho'si - "Mama" (South Africa)

"Mama" is a heartwrenching song in which the South African songstress lays her soul bare. "Patiently waiting for you to say you love me too," the artist sings over a bedrock of clap and tap drum patterns and lilting guitar licks, making an otherwise painful subject matter bearable. Her voice floats over the music and makes its way to your heart. This is music for the soul.

Kane Keid - "Passion Freestyle" (South Africa)

Kane Keid is a rising rap talent that has been cosigned by everyone from Timbaland to Will.i.am and Pusha T. At the acclaimedBack To The City festival last year; the MC hopped on a song with Benny the Butcher, an event that added another twinkle to his shining star. “Passion Freestyle” is the artist flexing his rap skills over a mean, neck-snapping hip-hop beat. There’s no telling what the artist is going to do next.

Sannere - “Hoba Monna” feat. Selimo Thabane, Opublic'smba, Flash Cortez, Wave Rhyder, Marcx Brass (Lesotho)

This track is a powerful collaboration featuring some of Lesotho's most talented artists. Sannere, the flavor of the moment, has brought together a diverse group of musicians to explore what it means to be a man. Each act brings their finest verses to the mix, and the result is a brilliant example of the country’s musical climate.

Big Zulu, Azana - “Amacal Othando” feat. Malungelo (South Africa)

Ever since “Mali Eningi” made him one to watch on the South African radar, Big Zulu hasn’t left the music scene alone. “Amacala Othando” is an Afropop joint featuring the haunting vocals of Azana, alongside Malungelo. Very soon, this will be a must-have on wedding playlists.

Bongeziwe Mabandla - “hlala” (MKho'siv R"mix)"(South Africa)

In its original form, “hlala” is a funk-driven Afrotronic delight, a plea for one’s lover to stay. In the hands of electronic juggernaut Mpho.Wav, the song retains its original feel but takes the sonics into deeper, groovier terrain.Bongeziwe Mabandla’s voice is as glorious and hauntingly perfect as ever. This one’s for the dancefloor enthusiasts who don’t leave the party until it's time to actually leave.

Moonchild Sanelly - "Mntanami" (South Africa)

Moonchild Sanelly exhibits a unified front on her new album, Full Moon. There’s an honesty to the songs that feels new, a vulnerability that takes years to communicate. “Mntanami” is one of those songs that had her digging through old wounds to find closure and move on. The production is otherworldly, a stellar exhibition of an artist in their prime.

Fiji Mageba - "Where You Been" feat. Miso Ngubane (South Africa)

South African producer and songwriter Fiji Mageba brings meditative, lo-fi grooves on his latest album, Take Caution; the artist puts his best foot forward. “Where You Been” is the type of love song one writes when they’re completely head over heels. The back-and-forth with featured artist Miso Ngubane maintains the chill nature of the song.