As the 21st century rolled out, the South African music industry saw a shift in the type of music being produced. The industry was evolving from a traditionally-focused set into a modern, pop and rock focused scene. Musicians flourished by combining traditional elements of South African music with popular international genres.
The industry went head-first into a more explorative direction where artists were free to experiment and create distinctive sounds that have not been heard before. Prior to the 2000’s, SA music was heavily restricted by the apartheid regime who marginalised artists of colour and deprived many exceptional musicians of producing and recording music on a national level.
When apartheid ended in 1994, the focus shifted from struggle music to a more Westernised and modern sound. Bands and musicians started questioning the status quo and moving towards a more alternative and open music industry. The mix of traditional genres and modern concepts created genres like Kwaito and Afrikaans-alternative, which paved the way for a new wave of South African music.
Popular musicians of the early to mid-2000's includes Johnny Clegg, Emo Adams, Alice Phoebe Lou as well as bands like Prime Circle, Just Jinjer, Gangs of Ballet and Soweto String Quartet. As the music industry continues to change and evolve, South Africa Online ® documents the contemporary musicians and bands of South Africa.
Listening to the majestic, bluesy sounds produced by South African singer, songwriter and guitarist Alice Phoebe Lou is a cathartic experien...
Andre De Villiers is a South African singer-songwriter. He began his remarkable music career as the lead singer of the hybrid 60s Jazz/Rock ...
South African rocker Ard Matthews has been active in the SA music industry since the 1990’s as frontman of rock band Just Jinjer. Although...
Indie-pop band Beatenberg is most likely on any South African hipster’s playlist. Their effortlessly cool sound and blend of pop and SA fl...
During the 1990’s, South African music was shifting towards more progressive, alternative sounds that defied government regulation and com...
South Africa’s premier orchestra, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, plays top-class classical music in and around the country, as well...
Claire is the natural go-to choice for international events like the Springbok rugby union and she was involved in the 1999 All-Africa Games...
South African singer, actor and producer Emo Adams took the country’s creative industry by storm in the early 2000’s. His artistic expre...
As memorable as a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning, Freshlyground is one of South Africa’s most successful Afro-fusion bands....
The combination of individual musical styles and varied tastes have proven to be a recipe for success for the South African rock/alternative...
No one chronicles the bittersweet sounds of the guitar quite as exquisitely or explosively as South African guitarist Guy Buttery. He is one...
Hatchet Man is a South African band that blend elements of rock and folk music to create a sound wholly their own....
A classically-trained musician with a degree in music from the University of Cape Town, Jennifer began performing during her teen years....
Jones started singing gospel music during the early 1980s, gaining recognition in 1993 when she performed the title track, Body Talk, for th...
The brooding, passionate singer, songwriter and guitarist Jesse Clegg is no stranger to the South African music industry. His father is the ...
A name synonymous with the loud, rebellious Afrikaans youth movement of the 1990’s, Johannes Kerkorrel defined alternative Afrikaans music...
Johnny Clegg is one of South Africa’s most popular musicians of the 21st century. His infectious crossover of traditional Zulu sounds and ...
The regality of Letta Mbulu is never lost on anyone in her presence. The legendary jazz singer has never been one to shy away from her dream...
His easy-flowing melodies had a traditional feel, as he made use of traditional African instruments and indigenous beats. In his later years...
Mac McKenzie is a musical jack of all trades: a rocker, a jazzman, a goema pioneer and an extraordinary symphony composer. During the 1970s,...
The accomplished Nick Turner is a South African singer and songwriter known primarily as the founding member of the 90s SA band, Son of Trou...
The band Paige Mac is the brainchild of lead singer and songwriter, Mac Mahon. Her voice has often been likened to that of, UK songbird, Ade...
Ross Learmonth, the frontman of popular South African rock band Prime Circle, is the embodiment of an old-fashioned rocker navigating a new ...
If you’ve ever wanted to experience unfiltered Afrikaans culture, look no further than Radio Kalahari Orkes (RKO)....
The nostalgic strings of the Soweto String Quartet (SSQ for short) are a welcoming sound for many South Africans. The elegant, African soul ...
In the world of music, acapella is often an overlooked genre that does not attain as much status as, say, pop or rock. However, the haunting...
Nothing soothes the soul quite like the lyrical sounds of South African singer and artist Tina Schouw. The beautiful combination of jazz, fo...