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

 * 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
 * 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
 * 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

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
 * Kelvin Momo, an amapiano musician and producer
 * 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
 * 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
 * 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 ), 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
 * 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
 * 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