Dec
Celebrity
2021 Mzansi Music Highlights
2021 brought us so many hits almost in all music genres. Many would argue that “Amapiano” dominated the music scene, I guess you’d say so if only you’re a ‘yano’ head.
Let’s take this moment to reflect this year’s music wins and global collaborations that are worth mentioning.
Heavy K remixed Ed Sheeran single, Shivers
The Award-winning South African producer remixed Ed’s latest single, Shivers.
Such collaboration isn’t just opening doors for Heavy K but paving the way for upcoming DJs from Mzansi and the African continent at large.
The vivacious DJ expressed himself in a post shared on Facebook, as it’s a dream come true working with the big star.
“Dear Mom wherever you are! Your son did a Remix for one of the biggest musicians in the World, I’m definitely doing something right & still making you proud. ED SHEERAN – SHIVERS (HEAVY-K REMIX),” Heavy K said
Amapiano has proved its staying power
The genre, which has taken the world by storm, is not showing any signs of slowing down. According to new data released by the popular short-form video platform, the local genre became the most popular music hashtag in South Africa in 2021 as TikTok registered more than 1 billion active users globally in the same period.
Cassper Nyovest, DJ Maphorisa, Tyler ICU, Boohle and DJ Sumbody are some of the most popular artists.
Black Coffee scores a Grammy nomination
When the 64th Grammy nominations were announced, Black Coffee made Mzansi proud when he was nominated in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category for his latest album Subconsciously.
Twitter announcement:
🎶 Congratulations 64th #GRAMMYs Best Dance/Electronic Album nominees: @RealBlackCoffee, @ILLENIUM, @MAJORLAZER, @marshmellomusic, @SylvanEsso, and @officialtencity. pic.twitter.com/zrjWrfxEaH
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) November 23, 2021
Zakes Bantwini releases much anticipated third studio album, Ghetto King
While multi award-winning performing artist and producer Zakes Bantwini’s mega hit Osama (ft Kasango) owns the airwaves and dancefloors both locally and internationally, the music maker will be making it an even hotter summer with the release of his third studio album #GHETTOKING.
Cassper Nyovest has just bagged the Artist of the Year title at this year’s SA Hip-Hop Awards
This year’s South African Hip-Hop awards saw rapper Cassper Nyovest walking away with the coveted title of Artist of the Decade. The celebrated superstar headed online to mark the very special win and excited fans were not far behind.
Masego and Major League DJz spotted in studio together in LA
Local music producers Major League DJz and Jamaican-American singer Masego posted several Instagram Stories together in studio in Los Angeles, California.
The twins, who’ve been a consistent force in the SA music scene for almost a decade now, were among the first DJs to embrace the emergence of the amapiano genre and have been championing it for a while now
Over the last few weeks and months, Major League DJz have been travelling and playing at various shows across the world and linking up with new global artists.
What are your 2021 best music moments?
My 2021 best music moment was the release of the Song Osama by Zakes Bantwini. The genre is just different and great.
Zakes Bantwini and Kasango – Osama , deserves all the recognition it is getting right now!
Masego and Major League DJz spotted in studio together in LA ?? WHAAAT, This is going to be epic. Masego is a timeless musician!
I don’t have any favourite music.
For me it was Zakes Bantwini and Kasango on Osama,the entire Amapiano genre ,mostly Kabza and Maphorisa,Jazziq,Busta929,Boohle,De Mthunda,Sir Trill and Co,they kept on bringing it.
Im so excited for Zakes bantwini thats the best song ever #Osama
I don’t have a favourite 2021 music moment 🙁
My 2021 best music moment was definitely Cassper get an award for Artist of the decade. It really shows how the music industry observes the growth of artists.
My best music moment in 2021 was the release of an album by Qwabe twins and DJ Tira. The twins have grown a lot in the music industry and having such young talent is amazing.
My 2021 best music moment was the release of DJ Zinhle’s single Siyabonga. Perfect timing for me. As the year ends and we reflect on what has happened in 2021, there is really a lot to be grateful for.
My 2021 best music moment was the release of Zakes Bantwini’s song Osama. It has been the most vibey song for me since l am not a Mapiano person. Thank you Zakes for giving us such elegant taste of music.
My 2021 best music moment was the release of DJ Zinhle’s song ‘Siyabonga.’ It is a very meaningful song and very relevant. With everything that is happening, there is really a lot to be grateful for.