# List of South African musicians

This list of South African musicians includes notable individual musicians as well as musical ensembles whose members are South African by birth or nationality.
* A
* B
* C
* D
* E
* F
* G
* H
* I
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* S
* T
* U
* V
* W
* X
* Y
* Z

## A

* Afrotraction (Mzwandile Moya; born 1983), R&B and neo-soul musician and producer
* AKA (1988–2023), hip-hop artist and record producer
* aKing, acoustic rock band
* Akustika Chamber Singers, chamber choir from Pretoria
* Ashur Petersen (born 1996), Cape Malay musician
* Sizwe Alakine, Amapiano musician (aka Reason, rapper)
* Amampondo, traditional Xhosa percussion group from Cape Town
* Anatii (born 1993), hip-hop artist and record producer
* A-Reece (born 1997), hip-hop artist and lyricist
* Leigh Ashton (born 1956), singer-songwriter from Johannesburg
* Assagai, Afro-rock band active in the early 1970s
* Robin Auld, singer songwriter
* The Awakening, gothic rock
* Aymos, singer songwriter

## B

* Julian Bahula (1938–2023), jazz drummer
* Ballyhoo, 1980s pop band best known for the hit "Man on the Moon"
* Zakes Bantwini
* Leonel Bastos (born 1956), Mozambiquan adult contemporary musician and producer working in South Africa
* Battery 9, industrial music project from Johannesburg
* Beatenberg
* Amanda Black (born 1993), Afro-soul singer-songwriter
* BlackByrd, pop trio
* BLK JKS, rock band
* Elvis Blue, musician and songwriter
* Bongo Maffin, kwaito music group
* Boo!, band
* Boom Shaka, kwaito music group
* Stef Bos (born 1961), singer
* Cristina Boshoff (born 1980), folk pop singer and pianist
* Brasse Vannie Kaap, hip-hop group
* Bles Bridges (1947–2000), singer
* Bright Blue, 1980s pop band, best known for the hit song "Weeping"
* The Brother Moves On, performance art ensemble
* Buckfever Underground, folk/punk/art band
* Bucie (born 1987), R&B and soul singer
* Bulletscript, metal band
* Busiswa (born 1988), house musician
* Jonathan Butler (born 1961), singer-songwriter and guitarist
* Guy Buttery (born 1983), guitar player

## C

* Adrienne Camp (born 1981), singer-songwriter
* Captain Stu, ska, funk, punk, and soul fusion band
* Arno Carstens (born 1972), former lead singer of Springbok Nude Girls
* Louise Carver (born 1979), folk rock singer-songwriter and pianist
* Cassette, rock band
* Cassper Nyovest (born 1990), rapper and record producer
* Tony Cedras (born 1952), musician
* Chad, (born 1993), rapper
* Yvonne Chaka Chaka (born 1965), singer
* Chris Chameleon (born 1971), solo artist, lead singer and bass guitarist for Boo
* Blondie Chaplin (born 1951), singer and guitarist
* Jesse Clegg (born 1988)
* Johnny Clegg (1953–2019)
* Clout, 1970s rock group
* Basil Coetzee (1944–1998), saxophonist
* Mimi Coertse (born 1932), soprano singer
* Fifi Cooper (born 1991), singer
* Tony Cox (born 1954), guitarist
* Crashcarburn, rock band
* Crossingpoint, Christian progressive hardcore band
* Cutting Jade, five-piece rock group
* Civil Twilight, four-piece rock band
* Crow Black Sky, black metal band
* Costa Titch (1995–2023), Amapiano rapper and dancer
* Covenant Voices, mass gospel choir with elements of traditional Zulu music, jazz, R&B and contemporary music

## D

* Da L.E.S (born 1985), hip-hop artist
* Simphiwe Dana (born 1980)
* Danny K (Daniel Koppel), R&B singer-songwriter
* Kurt Darren, singer
* Pierre de Charmoy (born 1961), singer-songwriter
* Steven De Groote (1953–1989), classical pianist and winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
* Fanie de Jager (born 1949), operatic tenor
* Die Antwoord, alternative hip hop group
* Die Heuwels Fantasties, Afrikaans rock band
* Bonginkosi Dlamini (born 1977), poet, actor and singer, also known as Zola
* Dollar Brand (born 1934)
* Donald (born 1985), singer
* Dorp, rock band
* Downfall, ska and punk band
* Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, reggae
* Dreamteam, hip-hop group from Durban
* Jabulani Dubazana, singer, Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Lucky Dube (1964–2007)
* Ampie du Preez, singer and guitarist
* Johnny Dyani (1945–1986), jazz double bassist
* DJ Speedsta, hip-hop DJ

## E

* Dennis East, singer
* Shane Eagle (born 1996), hip-hop artist
* Alton Edwards, singer
* Eden, pop band
* Elaine (born 1999), singer and songwriter
* Endorphine
* Emtee (born 1992), hip-hop artist
* Dawid Engela (1931–1967), composer and musicologist
* éVoid, 1980s new wave
* Erica Eloff, soprano

## F

* The Fake Leather Blues Band
* Falling Mirror, alternative rock band
* Brenda Fassie (1964–2004)
* Ricky Fataar (born 1952), drummer
* Duncan Faure, singer-songwriter formerly with the band Rabbitt
* Mongezi Feza (1945–1975), trumpet player and flautist
* Anton Fig (born 1952), drummer
* Josh Fix, singer-songwriter
* Fokofpolisiekar, Afrikaans rock band
* Foto na Dans, Afrikaans rock band
* Four Jacks and a Jill, folk rock ensemble
* Johnny Fourie (1937–2007), jazz guitarist
* Freshlyground, Afro-fusion band
* Fuzigish, ska punk band

## G

* Hotep Idris Galeta (born 1941), jazz pianist
* Goldfish, electronic duo
* Goodluck, electronic music band
* Anton Goosen (born 1946), singer
* Die Grafsteensangers, comical entertainment group
* Lani Groves (born 1980), cellist and singer

## H

* Half Price, punk rock band
* Paul Hanmer, composer, pianist, and jazz musician
* The Helicopters, pop rock band active in the 1980s
* Ken E Henson (born 1947), musician
* Henry Ate, band
* Sonja Herholdt (born 1952), singer-songwriter
* Hog Hoggidy Hog, band
* Steve Hofmeyr (born 1964), singer and actor

## I

* Abdullah Ibrahim (born 1934)
* Zaki Ibrahim, singer-songwriter
* iFANi (born 1985), hip-hop/rap artist,
* Isochronous, rock band

## J

* Jabu Khanyile (1957–2006)
* Robbie Jansen (1949–2010)
* Jeremy Loops (born 1986), modern folk, singer
* Jesse Jordan Band
* Theuns Jordaan (born 1971), singer and songwriter
* Claire Johnston (born 1967), lead singer of Mango Groove
* Trevor Jones (born 1949), composer
* Armand Joubert (born 1995), singer-songwriter
* Joy, a vocal group
* John Edmond (born 1936), singer
* John Ireland (born 1954), singer and songwriter
* Juluka, band
* Just Jinjer (previously Just Jinger)
* JR, rapper
* Junkyard Lipstick, five-piece, female metal band
* L-Tido (born 1982), hip-hop artist, aka 16V

## K

* Kabelo Mabalane (born 1976), kwaito artist, former member of TKZee
* Kabza de small, an amapiano producer and DJ
* Kalahari Surfers
* Kamo Mphela, an amapiano musician and dancer
* Wouter Kellerman (born 1961), flautist
* Johannes Kerkorrel (1960–2002)
* Sibongile Khumalo (born 1957), singer
* Francois Klark, pop singer based in Canada
* KOBUS!, band
* Koos Kombuis (born 1954)
* John Kongos (born 1945)
* Kongos, band
* Gé Korsten (1927–1999)
* David Kramer (born 1951)
* Kwesta, hip-hop artist and poet
* K.O, hip-hop artist and record producer
* Kyle Watson, record producer and DJ

## L

* Felix Laband, electronic musician
* Riku Lätti, songwriter, composer, music producer
* Ladysmith Black Mambazo (born 1960), isicathamiya group
* Don Laka, jazz musician, pianist, producer
* Robert Lange (born 1948), music producer
* Lark, band
* Jack Lerole (c. 1940–2003), tin whistle player; singer
* Solomon Linda (1909–1962), songwriter
* Lira (Lerato Moipone Molapo; born 1979), singer
* Locnville, electro hop music duo
* Steve Louw (born 1955), singer-songwriter
* Roger Lucey, singer and guitarist
* Lucky Dube, singer and keyboard player

## M

* Mark Haze, rock singer
* Sipho Mabuse (born 1951), singer
* Arthur Mafokate, kwaito singer and composer
* Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, a mbaqanga band
* Vusi Mahlasela (born 1965)
* Patricia Majalisa, bubblegum artist
* Mandisi Dyantjis is a South African musician, composer, and trumpeter
* Makgona Tsohle Band (1964–1999), a mbaqanga instrumental band
* Bongi Makeba (1950–1985), singer-songwriter
* Miriam Makeba (1932–2008)
* Malaika (group)
* Petronel Malan (born 1974), concert pianist
* Man As Machine
* Mandoza (born 1978), kwaito singer
* Mango Groove
* Mildred Mangxola (born 1944), singer in Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens and member of the Mahotella Queens
* Manfred Mann
* MarcAlex, group known for the hit "Quick Quick"
* Josef Marais (1905–1978)
* Martin PK
* Hugh Masekela (born 1939)
* Dorothy Masuka (born 1935), jazz singer
* Neels Mattheus (1935–2003), traditional musician
* Dave Matthews (born 1967), lead singer and founding member of Dave Matthews Band
* Irene Mawela (born 1940), veteran singer and composer
* Illana May
* Abednego Mazibuko, singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Albert Mazibuko (born 1948), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Thandiswa Mazwai (born 1976)
* Chris McGregor (1936–1990), jazz pianist and composer
* Busi Mhlongo (1947–2010), singer, dancer and composer
* Mind Assault
* Moreira Chonguica (born 1077), jazz saxophonist and producer
* Kippie Moeketsi (1925–1983), saxophonist
* Moeniel Jacobs (born 1977), Cape Malay musician and renowned Bo-Kaap member
* Pops Mohamed (born 1949), jazz musician
* Louis Moholo (born 1940), drummer
* Matthew Mole
* Moonchild Sanelly (Sanelisiwe Twisha, born 1987), musician and dancer
* Moozlie (born 1992), hip-hop artist and television presenter
* Lebo Morake (aka Lebo M)
* Shaun Morgan (born 1980), singer also known as Shaun Morgan Welgemoed
* Ike Moriz (born 1972), singer, composer and lyricist
* Jean Morrison, alternative rock singer-songwriter
* Mshengu White Mambazo (1976–2003), junior choir of Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Mthunzi, amapiano singer-songwriter
* Colbert Mukwevho, reggae singer
* Russel Mthembu, singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Muzi (born 1991), electronic musician
* MVZZLE (born 1995 (1995)), record producer
* Msaki (born 1988) singer-songwriter, composer

## N

* Nádine (born 1982), singer-songwriter
* The Narrow
* Nasty C (born 1997), hip-hop artist and record producer
* Bongani Ndodana-Breen, composer
* Jim Neversink, alternative country singer-songwriter and guitarist
* New Academics
* Steve Newman
* Bernoldus Niemand (1959–1995)
* Simon "Mahlathini" Nkabinde (1937–1999), Mbaqanga singer
* Nkosazana Daughter, an upcoming amapiano artist
* West Nkosi (1940–1998), mbaqanga musician
* No Friends of Harry
* Nobesuthu Mbadu (born 1945), singer in Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens and member of the Mahotella Queens
* Siphiwo Ntshebe (1974–2010), operatic tenor from New Brighton, Port Elizabeth
* Ashton Nyte, solo artist as well as lead singer and producer of The Awakening
* Nadia Nakai (born 1990), hip-hop artist

## O

* Sarah Oates, violinist and associate leader Philharmonia orchestra
* Wendy Oldfield, rock singer-songwriter
* Oskido (born 1967), record producer and songwriter

## P

* Jack Parow (born 1982), hip-hop artist
* The Parlotones, indie rock band
* Al Paton, singer-songwriter, producer, and percussionist
* Orville Peck, country musician
* Petit Cheval, New Romantic rock group
* Ray Phiri (1947–2017), Jazz, jazz fusion, reggae and mbaqanga musician
* James Phillips, singer-songwriter also known as Bernoldus Niemand
* Anke Pietrangeli (born 1982), winner of the second series of Idols
* Dizu Plaatjies, founder and former lead singer of Amampondo
* PJ Powers (born 1960)
* Prime Circle, rock band
* Professor (born 1978), Kwaito musician
* Dudu Pukwana (1938–1990), saxophonist, pianist, and composer
* Purified, Christian hip-hop artist

## Q

* Qkumba Zoo

## R

* Rabbitt
* Trevor Rabin (born 1954), musician
* Dolly Rathebe (1928–2004)
* Laurika Rauch, Afrikaans singer
* Reason, rapper
* Surendran Reddy (1962–2010) pianist and composer
* Riddare av Koden
* Riky Rick (born 1987), hip-hop artist and record producer
* Rooibaardt, rock band
* Rouge (rapper)

## S

* Sandy B, house music singer
* Savuka, band
* Robert Schneider of The Apples in Stereo
* Leon Schuster (born 1951), singer
* Seether, formerly called Saron Gas, hard rock and alternative metal band
* Gerard Sekoto (1913–1993)
* Judith Sephuma (born 1974), jazz and Afro-pop singer
* Jockey Shabalala (1943–2006), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Joseph Shabalala (born 1941), lead singer and founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Msizi Shabalala (born 1975), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Sibongiseni Shabalala (born 1973), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Troye Sivan (born 1995), South African-born
* Thamsanqa Shabalala (born 1977), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Thulani Shabalala (born 1968), singer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* Shane Eagle (born 1996), hip-hop artist and lyricist
* Shiraz, band active 1984–1984
* Silver Creek Mountain Band, folk band
* Margaret Singana (1938–2000)
* Robert Sithole, pennywhistle player
* Skylight, pop rock band
* Kyla-Rose Smith (born 1982), violinist and dancer
* Enoch Sontonga, teacher, lay-preacher and composer who wrote "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika"
* South African National Youth Orchestra
* Springbok Nude Girls
* The Square Set
* Zanne Stapelberg (born 1977), opera soprano
* Dale Stewart (born 1979)
* Sterling EQ, Classical crossover group
* Stimela, Afro-fusion band formed in 1982
* Straatligkinders, Afrikaans rock band
* Sugardrive, rock group
* Valiant Swart (born 1965)
* Okmalumkoolkat (born 1983), hip-hop artist
* Stogie T, hip-hop artist
* Sun-El Musician, DJ and music producer

## T

* Tananas
* Taxi Violence
* Peta Teanet, singer
* TKZee, kwaito group
* Hilda Tloubatla (born 1942), lead singer of Mahotella Queens, and singer in Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens
* Tokollo Tshabalala, kwaito singer also known as Magesh
* Peter Toussaint, singer-songwriter and guitar player
* Toya Delazy, pop singer and pianist
* Tribe After Tribe, alternative rock band
* Tuks, hip-hop artist
* Tumi and the Volume, hip-hop music ensemble
* Tweak, alternative rock band
* Tyla, a South African pop artist

## U

* Uhuru, Kwaito and afropop music group
* Uncle Waffles, Swazi-born DJ and record producer
* Urban Creep, rock band

## V

* Bobby van Jaarsveld (born 1987), singer-songwriter and actor
* Bok van Blerk (born 1978)
* Van Coke Kartel, Afrikaans alternative rock band
* Amor Vittone (born 1972), singer

## W

* Watershed, pop rock band founded in 1998
* Shaun Welgemoed (born 1978)
* Heinz Winckler (born 1978), singer who won the first series of Idols
* Winston's Jive Mixup (1943–2009), tenor saxophone player
* Babes Wodumo (born 1994), gqom musician
* Wonderboom, rock band
* Markus Wormstorm, electronic musician and composer

## Y

* Pretty Yende (born 1985), operatic soprano from Piet Retief, Mpumalanga
* Yorxe (born 1998), singer and songwriter
* YoungstaCPT (born 1991), rapper and songwriter

## Z

* Zahara (born 1987), singer-songwriter and poet
* Zebra & Giraffe, alternative rock band
* Karen Zoid (born 1978)
* Zola (born 1977)
* Zonke (born 1979), singer-songwriter and record producer
* DJ Zinhle, DJ and producer