Best South African Artists: Top 10 Chart Leaders Now

Miha Prebil

Apr 13, 2025

South Africa has long been a powerhouse of musical talent, producing artists who dominate both local and global charts. From the explosive rise of Amapiano to internationally recognized rock and hip-hop acts, South African musicians are making waves across multiple genres. In this article, we highlight the best South African artists who are currently leading the charts.

📌 Viberate Analytics: Professional music analytics suite at an unbeatable price: $19.90/mo. Charts, talent discovery tools, plus Spotify, TikTok, and other channel-specific analytics of every artist out there.

This list is based on Viberate’s music charts, which update daily with real-time data. You can find the full, automatically updated chart .

1. Tyla

Viberate Popularity: 8.5M

Tyla has taken the world by storm with her infectious pop and R&B-infused sound. The Johannesburg-born singer gained massive international recognition with her viral hit "Water," which earned her a Grammy Award. Her smooth vocals, combined with danceable beats, make her one of the most exciting young stars to emerge from South Africa in recent years.

2. William Last KRM

Viberate Popularity: 2.7M

William Last KRM is redefining African hip-hop with his unique blend of music and comedy. His authenticity and relatable lyrics have made him a fan favorite, not only in South Africa but across the continent. His music often touches on personal experiences, giving his audience both entertainment and depth.

3. DJ Maphorisa

Viberate Popularity: 1.4M

A true pioneer of Amapiano, DJ Maphorisa has solidified his place as one of South Africa’s most influential producers. From house to gqom and Amapiano, his ability to evolve with the industry keeps him at the top of the charts. Collaborations with artists like Kabza De Small and WizKid continue to elevate his global status.

4. Seether

Viberate Popularity: 1.3M

Seether is one of the few South African bands that have made a significant impact on the global rock scene. With a heavy post-grunge and alternative metal sound, they have gained a loyal fanbase in the U.S. and Europe. Hits like "Broken" and "Fake It" remain rock anthems to this day.

5. Kabza De Small

Viberate Popularity: 1.1M

Known as the "King of Amapiano," Kabza De Small has been instrumental in shaping South Africa’s dominant electronic music genre. His collaborations with DJ Maphorisa and other key figures have propelled Amapiano to international heights, influencing DJs and producers worldwide.

6. Nasty C

Viberate Popularity: 1M

One of the most successful African rappers of his generation, Nasty C continues to break boundaries. His lyrical ability and smooth delivery have earned him collaborations with U.S. stars like T.I. and Ari Lennox. His global appeal keeps him a staple in South African and international hip-hop charts.

7. Cassper Nyovest

Viberate Popularity: 921.6K

Cassper Nyovest is one of South Africa’s most commercially successful artists. His ability to blend rap, house, and traditional sounds has made him a household name. Known for massive stadium concerts and hit singles, he remains a dominant force in the industry.

8. Kelvin Momo

Viberate Popularity: 826.7K

Kelvin Momo is another key player in the Amapiano movement. His deep, soulful take on the genre sets him apart, with a more relaxed and melodic style compared to his peers. His music has been embraced both locally and internationally, solidifying his spot among South Africa’s top electronic artists.

9. Black Coffee

Viberate Popularity: 792.2K

A Grammy-winning DJ and producer, Black Coffee is South Africa’s most globally recognized electronic artist. His deep house productions have made him a favorite in Ibiza and Miami, while collaborations with Drake and David Guetta have brought his music to a wider audience.

10. Joyous Celebration

Viberate Popularity: 749.8K

Joyous Celebration is South Africa’s most beloved gospel ensemble. With decades of success, their music continues to inspire and uplift fans across Africa and beyond. Their soulful harmonies and powerful performances keep them a staple in the country’s religious music scene.

Explore More: Daily Updated Chart of South Africa’s Best Artists

These best South African artists represent a mix of mainstream and underground talent, spanning various genres. Whether you’re into Amapiano, hip-hop, rock, or gospel, South Africa's music industry continues to thrive with fresh and exciting talent.

For a daily updated list of the top South African artists, check out the Viberate music charts .

How Viberate Helps Music Professionals

Viberate’s music analytics platform provides real-time data for industry professionals, helping them discover new talent, monitor artists, and plan campaigns. With advanced filters, customizable reports, and reliable data, music professionals can make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

From A&Rs to managers, promoters, and analysts, Viberate offers powerful insights to navigate the music industry with confidence.