5 South African artists you shouldn’t be sleeping on

25 Jun, 2025 11 minutes de lecture 23 vues

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5 South African artists you shouldn’t be sleeping on

Let’s be honest: South Africa’s Music Scene is bursting with talent, and it’s not just the usual names topping the charts. There’s a whole wave of fresh, genre-bending, soul-stirring artists doing things their own way—and it’s time you got to know them. If you haven’t had these five on repeat yet, consider this your wake-up call. Here are five artists you seriously shouldn’t be sleeping on.

Internet Athi

If the internet had a soundtrack, Internet Athi would be the one curating the playlist. With a vibe that’s both futuristic and emotionally grounded, he seamlessly Blends Neo-Soul, alt-pop, and electronic into something entirely his own. Born in Cape Town, this artist radiates authenticity in every note. A dynamic mix of singing, songwriting, and spoken word, his performances exude a soulful energy that commands attention.

His Selective Live debut showcased an intimate, stripped-back experience—raw spoken word paired with heartfelt guitar. Known for his sharp, witty lyrics laced with a touch of vernac, Athi fuses old-school soul with contemporary storytelling, effortlessly weaving humour and heartbreak. He’s also a published writer, known by his full name, Athenkosi Cetyana.

Usimamane

You know that feeling when a song just gets you? That’s what Usimamene delivers—raw, honest, and deeply rooted in tradition with a modern twist. Real name Omuhleumnguni Simamane, he first made waves with his breakout single Cheque in 2024 — a track that went triple Platinum in South Africa.

But it was his smash hit Uvalo featuring Sjava that really cemented his place in the game. Earlier this year, the Umlazi-born rapper took things up a notch, shooting the music video for Dangerous II with none other than US heavyweight Rick Ross, right in Cape Town. At the 25th Metro FM Music Awards held at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, he walked away with the Best Male Artist award.

Ipeleng

Ipeleng’s voice has that instant “wait, who is this?” effect — delicate yet powerful, effortlessly packed with emotion. The Cape Town-based artist first made her mark by posting covers on YouTube.

Over time, she began releasing her own music on SoundCloud, starting with Reds+Blues in 2018, followed by better apart in 2019 — a collaborative project with her friend Sihle. In 2020, she dropped her official debut EP, Unsolicited, a seven-track offering that quickly became one of the most talked-about releases during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Ovuyonke Setsake

Ovuyonke isn’t just dropping music—he’s crafting a whole vibe. His soulful sound caught attention with "Ubuhle Obungaka," a February 2025 release featuring Yolophonik and Jaedon Daniel. The track blew up on TikTok for its emotional depth and Rich Sound. Outside music, Ovuyonke’s also known for his portrait sketches, capturing people with stunning detail.

Thando Zide

Thando is the type of artist who can make you cry, dance, and reconsider your entire perspective—all within a single EP. Her sound effortlessly blends soul, jazz, and Afro-Futurism. Born in Soweto, singer and producer Thando Zide’s musical journey began early, always carving her own path. This individuality culminated in the release of her debut EP, Umvulo. With a vocal range that’s truly unmatched, Zide’s rich, deep tone is nothing short of a healing gift.

Issued on GQ South Africa by Anele Geqiwe | https://www.gq.co.za/culture/entertainment/5-south-african-artists-you-shouldnt-be-sleeping-on-a1a06c20-8abe-486d-b6ca-56d932acc9c6