#blackisus

South Africa is currently carrying my playlist on its back. The music coming out of this country right now is nothing short of incredible. It feels homey. It feels Black, strong, traditional, and rich. The musicality is beyond what I ever imagined.

What amazes me most is that even though South African music carries all these deeply rooted cultural elements, it still commands international listeners to give it a chance. The R&B scene is completely out of this world, the jazz scene is mind-blowing, and the neo-soul scene feels warm, fluffy, and soft. Then there’s house music and its many subgenres, which are simply on another level.

When you look at the upcoming artists in South Africa, you can see the quality of work being produced. As we say, local is lekker. The young kings and queens are putting out music of such high quality that even the OGs must feel the pressure to release their best work.

Take Wav Gardn for example. This band is showing us that groups are far from dead—collectives will always have a place in music. They move freely between genres like R&B, neo-soul, jazz, and storytelling.

Another incredible artist is Filah Lah Lah. Her music feels soft and moisturized. She speaks her mind honestly, yet somehow connects everything she says to her heart. Listening to her feels intimate and sincere.

Then there is Roho, who blends R&B with dreamy rock, bedroom rock, and neo-soul. His sound shows just how experimental and creative the South African scene has become.

There are so many artists shaping the sound of South Africa today that we would need an entirely new conversation just to explore them all.

It’s also no surprise that artists like Thandiswa Mazwai continue to release work of exceptional quality. Her storytelling keeps listeners on their toes. She proudly reminds us who she is—Black, traditional, and unapologetic—because the younger generation is doing the same.

When it comes to songwriting, Wav Gardn stands out. The pen in that band is hot. You find yourself wanting to follow every word their singer sings. She speaks from the soul and even teaches listeners about boundaries and self-respect. A song like “Umzi Watsha” gives you a glimpse into that depth.

Music can be a powerful tool for self-preservation. Artists who create from their souls show us this with precision and gentleness. Their music becomes a form of therapy that travels with you. Through their stories and experiences, you sometimes find yourself in the same emotional space they’re describing. But you also see someone learning to choose themselves—and that’s a lesson you can carry into your own life.