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?