TOP 10 SA Musicians Who Have Dropped Dope Albums/ EP In 2019
TOP SA Musicians Who Have Dropped Dope Albums/ EP In 2019 – Here are some dope SA albums and EPs that fell on our radar in February.
The year 2019 saw plenty of releases from South Africa’s diverse music scene. From the experimental house, to the Amapiano, to afro-pop soothing R&B, and electronic pop, among others, we bring you the best albums and EPs that came out this year and fell on our radar.
1. Isiphithiphithi – Samthing Soweto
siphithiphithi is not as chaotic as the name states. Most of the project consists of soulful songs that are still danceable. The artist’s effortless vocals float over rich production that flirts with dance music and Afro pop.
Themes explored on Isiphithiphithi include love, family, fear, parenthood and of course just living and having fun, among other themes.
Isiphithiphithi was one of the most anticipated South African albums of the year. Samthing Soweto’s build-up to a debut album goes back years and includes a string of EPs, numerous guest appearances and a change of sound.
2. Scorpion Kings EP – DJ Maphorisa & Kabza
Scorpion Kings EP has to be one of the most progressive Amapiano project to be released in 2019. The project has won over many hearts over to the Amapiano sub-genre. The pair have gathered so much clout as staples for the movement and have since started touring internationally. The newly formed duo currently have one of the biggest song in the country right now featuring Samthing Soweto – Amantombazane.
3. Monarch – Lady Zamar
The evolution from King Zamar to the Monarch, has taken place for dance muso Lady Zamar.
The “Collide” hitmaker celebrated her birthday on June 19 with the launch of her second album titled Monarch at a soiree held at the Universal Music Group’s offices in Rosebank Wednesday night.
The 20-track album is according to Zamar a way for her to cement her status as one of the foremost voices when it comes to dance music in the country.
4. Crossing Over – Prince Kaybee
He dropped a new EP, Crossover, and has made his fans very happy. The 9-track album features artists such as AKA, Thulz, Nhlanhla Nciza and many more. The Gugulethu hitmaker explained that he’s been working on his new EP for a year and a half. Now, it’s time for the muso take a breather and relax – he’s been working super hard.
5. Madlokovu King of African House – TNS
Madlokovu King of African House Zip. Fast rising Afro House sensation TNS has finally released his highly anticipated album Madlokovu King of African. Producer and DJ TNS, since the inception of his career, has made headlines for good but mostly for controversial reasons. Nkazimulo Ngema aka TNS had a bad falling off with fellow DJ/Producer Prince Kaybee and now with his former manager Ngcebo Ndima.
6. DJ Tira
released a new album (a clear sign that festive season is close by). Ikhenani is packed with 17 songs to which we will make memories in the upcoming summer.
The album title Ikhenani means Canaan. “As you know in the bible, there’s Canaan, a place where you’ll find gold and silver and all those good things. So, on the album, I’m leading people to a place where they’re going to have a good time,” DJ Tira says in the album’s Apple Music liner notes.
This Promise Land that Tira is leading his listener to is a cocktail of genres that you would never expect to find in an album by one artist—gqom, amapiano, hip-hop, maskandi and gospel all co-exist on the project.
. The Afro House album houses several high class collaborations with artistes such as Mampintsha, Zanda Zakuza Mpumi among others.
7. Her Name Is – Donald
Her Name Is? is a 20-track double disc of multiple genres in Xhosa, Tswana, Zulu and English. The Tswana star said he had challenged himself to learn Xhosa and become fluent enough to deliver the songs Ixesha and Thixo.
Fitting well into the album’s narrative of the past, Moatshe has chosen a photograph of his 14-year-old self as the album cover. He labels it the most meaningful album cover of his career. At the time the picture was taken, he was in grade 8 at St Dominic’s Private School in Rustenburg.
8. Imali – Ami Faku
Ami Faku is not here for games. The young South African singer’s debut album Imali is a display of her soulful voice and impressive writing skills. Imali displays Ami Faku’s versatility, as she delivers ballads (“Ubuhle Bakho,” “Ungowami”) alongside songs for the dancefloor (“Mbize”).
“I tried to embrace where I come from and also celebrate it,” says Ami Faku in the album’s liner notes on Apple Music. “I wanted to represent African sounds and show that I’m proud to be Xhosa. “Production on Imali is handled by Blaq Diamond, Sun-El Musician, 37MPH Eternal Africa and Wilson. The album leans more towards Afropop with a few variations.
9. Busisiwe – Dr Malinga
Dr Malinga – Busisiwe zip. Lingas Entertainment presents the brand new album performed by Dr Malinga titled Busiswe. The album sees the music star try out new sounds such as Amapiano while he also kept up with his traditional dance sound.
10. Snyper – Tipcee
Having introduced the world to artists like Big Nuz, Tipcee, DJ C’ndo and Dladla Mshunqisi; DJ Tira has an eye and ear for talent that has characterized the landscape of South African Dance Music – making for a fruitful relationship with UMG Africa.
The first installment from the partnership isTIPCEE’s brand new album, SNYPER, which is out on pre-order today with EMATARVEN as the lead single as we enter into this year’s festivities. The 16-track album boasts features like DJ Tira, NaakMusiq, TDK Macassette, Okmalumkoolkat, Prince Bulo, Babes Wodumo and Professor to mention a few.
