Hey guys! Let's dive into a vibrant celebration of South African music from 2021. It was a year packed with incredible beats, soulful lyrics, and a whole lot of rhythm. If you're keen to relive some of the biggest tracks or just discover some new favorites, you're in the right place. South Africa’s music scene in 2021 was a melting pot of genres, showcasing everything from Amapiano's infectious grooves to Afro-pop’s smooth melodies. So, let's get started and explore the top ten bangers that had everyone in Mzansi dancing!

1. "Jerusalema" - Master KG ft. Nomcebo Zikode

Okay, so technically, "Jerusalema" was released before 2021, but its massive global wave continued well into the year, making it an absolute must-mention! This song isn't just a track; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The infectious rhythm combined with Nomcebo Zikode's angelic vocals created a truly spiritual and uplifting experience. Master KG crafted a beat that's both simple and profound, easily crossing language barriers and uniting people worldwide. It’s use in dance challenges exploded on social media, further catapulting the song to international fame. You couldn't go anywhere without hearing it, from TikTok to wedding parties; "Jerusalema" was everywhere and for very good reason. The song’s lyrical content, sung in Zulu, speaks of Jerusalem as a city of hope and spiritual homecoming. This resonated deeply with many, giving the song a powerful emotional connection with listeners. It's not just about the beat; it's about the message. The global impact of "Jerusalema" is undeniable. It topped charts in numerous countries, received multiple awards, and opened doors for other South African artists on the world stage. It proved that music truly is a universal language and that a song from South Africa could capture the hearts of millions. The success of "Jerusalema" also highlights the importance of collaboration. Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode’s combined talents created something truly magical, showcasing the power of teamwork in the music industry. They demonstrated that by working together, artists can achieve far more than they could alone. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with people on a deeper level. Even now, years after its initial release, "Jerusalema" continues to be played and enjoyed around the world. It has become a timeless classic, a song that will be remembered for generations to come. Its cultural impact cannot be overstated; it brought South African music to the forefront of the global stage and inspired countless artists to pursue their dreams. So, while it might seem obvious to include "Jerusalema" on this list, its continued relevance and impact in 2021 make it an essential part of any conversation about South African music from that year. It’s a reminder of the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift.

2. "Ke Star" - Focalistic ft. Davido

"Ke Star" is pure fire! Focalistic brought the Amapiano heat, and pairing up with Davido? Genius! This track is an absolute anthem. Its groovy beat, catchy lyrics, and overall vibe make it impossible not to move. The collaboration between a South African artist and a Nigerian superstar also highlighted the beautiful connection between the two countries’ music scenes. "Ke Star" is more than just a song; it's a celebration of African music and culture. The track’s success is a testament to the growing popularity of Amapiano on the international stage. It demonstrated that South African music could compete with the best in the world, attracting a global audience and paving the way for other Amapiano artists to shine. The song’s infectious energy is undeniable; from the moment the beat drops, you’re hooked. It’s the kind of track that gets everyone on the dance floor, regardless of their age or background. The collaboration between Focalistic and Davido also brought together fans from both South Africa and Nigeria, creating a sense of unity and shared love for the music. "Ke Star" is a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. The song’s lyrics, sung in a mix of Zulu, English, and Pidgin English, add to its appeal. They’re catchy, memorable, and easy to sing along to, making it a hit at parties and clubs. The song’s music video is also visually stunning, showcasing the vibrant culture and energy of South Africa. It’s a celebration of the country’s beauty and diversity, further solidifying the song’s place in South African music history. The success of "Ke Star" also highlights the importance of innovation in the music industry. Focalistic’s unique blend of Amapiano with other genres created something fresh and exciting, attracting a wide audience and setting him apart from his peers. He’s a true innovator, constantly pushing the boundaries of South African music and inspiring others to do the same. So, if you're looking for a song that will get you moving and grooving, "Ke Star" is the perfect choice. It's a celebration of African music, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a reminder of the importance of innovation. This track is a true anthem, and its place in South African music history is well-deserved.

3. "Adiwele" - Young Stunna ft. Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa

"Adiwele" is straight-up Amapiano magic. With Young Stunna on vocals and the legendary Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa on production, you already know it's going to be a hit. This track dominated the airwaves and dance floors in 2021. Its laid-back yet irresistible beat and Young Stunna's smooth delivery made it a certified banger. The collaboration between these three artists created something truly special, showcasing the best of South African talent. "Adiwele" is more than just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon. The track’s success is a testament to the growing popularity of Amapiano on the international stage. It demonstrated that South African music could compete with the best in the world, attracting a global audience and paving the way for other Amapiano artists to shine. The song’s infectious energy is undeniable; from the moment the beat drops, you’re hooked. It’s the kind of track that gets everyone on the dance floor, regardless of their age or background. The collaboration between Young Stunna, Kabza De Small, and DJ Maphorisa also brought together fans from all over the world, creating a sense of unity and shared love for the music. "Adiwele" is a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. The song’s lyrics, sung in Zulu, add to its appeal. They’re catchy, memorable, and easy to sing along to, making it a hit at parties and clubs. The song’s music video is also visually stunning, showcasing the vibrant culture and energy of South Africa. It’s a celebration of the country’s beauty and diversity, further solidifying the song’s place in South African music history. The success of "Adiwele" also highlights the importance of teamwork in the music industry. Young Stunna, Kabza De Small, and DJ Maphorisa’s combined talents created something truly magical, showcasing the power of collaboration in the music industry. They demonstrated that by working together, artists can achieve far more than they could alone. So, if you're looking for a song that will get you moving and grooving, "Adiwele" is the perfect choice. It's a celebration of African music, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a reminder of the importance of teamwork. This track is a true anthem, and its place in South African music history is well-deserved.

4. "Banyana" - DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small ft. Sir Trill, Daliwonga & Mpura

Speaking of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, "Banyana" is another massive hit from the Amapiano kings! Featuring Sir Trill, Daliwonga, and Mpura, this song is an Amapiano masterclass. The production is clean, the vocals are smooth, and the overall vibe is just pure joy. It's the kind of song that makes you want to grab your friends and dance the night away. The track's success is a testament to the growing popularity of Amapiano on the international stage. It demonstrated that South African music could compete with the best in the world, attracting a global audience and paving the way for other Amapiano artists to shine. The song’s infectious energy is undeniable; from the moment the beat drops, you’re hooked. It’s the kind of track that gets everyone on the dance floor, regardless of their age or background. The collaboration between DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Sir Trill, Daliwonga, and Mpura also brought together fans from all over the world, creating a sense of unity and shared love for the music. "Banyana" is a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. The song’s lyrics, sung in Zulu, add to its appeal. They’re catchy, memorable, and easy to sing along to, making it a hit at parties and clubs. The song’s music video is also visually stunning, showcasing the vibrant culture and energy of South Africa. It’s a celebration of the country’s beauty and diversity, further solidifying the song’s place in South African music history. The success of "Banyana" also highlights the importance of teamwork in the music industry. DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Sir Trill, Daliwonga, and Mpura’s combined talents created something truly magical, showcasing the power of collaboration in the music industry. They demonstrated that by working together, artists can achieve far more than they could alone. So, if you're looking for a song that will get you moving and grooving, "Banyana" is the perfect choice. It's a celebration of African music, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a reminder of the importance of teamwork. This track is a true anthem, and its place in South African music history is well-deserved.

5. "Umsebenzi Wethu" - Busta 929 & Mpura ft. Zuma, Mr JazziQ, Lady Du & Reece Madlisa

"Umsebenzi Wethu" is another Amapiano banger that took over in 2021. With Busta 929 and Mpura leading the charge, and featuring a stellar lineup of Zuma, Mr JazziQ, Lady Du, and Reece Madlisa, this song is a true collaboration of some of the best in the game. The energy in this track is infectious, and the diverse vocal styles make it endlessly replayable. It's a proper Amapiano party starter! The track's success is a testament to the growing popularity of Amapiano on the international stage. It demonstrated that South African music could compete with the best in the world, attracting a global audience and paving the way for other Amapiano artists to shine. The song’s infectious energy is undeniable; from the moment the beat drops, you’re hooked. It’s the kind of track that gets everyone on the dance floor, regardless of their age or background. The collaboration between Busta 929, Mpura, Zuma, Mr JazziQ, Lady Du, and Reece Madlisa also brought together fans from all over the world, creating a sense of unity and shared love for the music. "Umsebenzi Wethu" is a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. The song’s lyrics, sung in Zulu, add to its appeal. They’re catchy, memorable, and easy to sing along to, making it a hit at parties and clubs. The song’s music video is also visually stunning, showcasing the vibrant culture and energy of South Africa. It’s a celebration of the country’s beauty and diversity, further solidifying the song’s place in South African music history. The success of "Umsebenzi Wethu" also highlights the importance of teamwork in the music industry. Busta 929, Mpura, Zuma, Mr JazziQ, Lady Du, and Reece Madlisa’s combined talents created something truly magical, showcasing the power of collaboration in the music industry. They demonstrated that by working together, artists can achieve far more than they could alone. So, if you're looking for a song that will get you moving and grooving, "Umsebenzi Wethu" is the perfect choice. It's a celebration of African music, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a reminder of the importance of teamwork. This track is a true anthem, and its place in South African music history is well-deserved.

6. "Abalele" - Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku

Yep, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa are back again, this time with the angelic vocals of Ami Faku on "Abalele". This track is a different vibe from their other Amapiano bangers; it's more mellow, more soulful, but equally captivating. Ami Faku's voice adds a beautiful layer of emotion to the already amazing production. The song’s success is a testament to the growing popularity of Amapiano on the international stage. It demonstrated that South African music could compete with the best in the world, attracting a global audience and paving the way for other Amapiano artists to shine. The song’s infectious energy is undeniable; from the moment the beat drops, you’re hooked. It’s the kind of track that gets everyone on the dance floor, regardless of their age or background. The collaboration between Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Ami Faku also brought together fans from all over the world, creating a sense of unity and shared love for the music. "Abalele" is a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. The song’s lyrics, sung in Zulu, add to its appeal. They’re catchy, memorable, and easy to sing along to, making it a hit at parties and clubs. The song’s music video is also visually stunning, showcasing the vibrant culture and energy of South Africa. It’s a celebration of the country’s beauty and diversity, further solidifying the song’s place in South African music history. The success of "Abalele" also highlights the importance of teamwork in the music industry. Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Ami Faku’s combined talents created something truly magical, showcasing the power of collaboration in the music industry. They demonstrated that by working together, artists can achieve far more than they could alone. So, if you're looking for a song that will get you moving and grooving, "Abalele" is the perfect choice. It's a celebration of African music, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a reminder of the importance of teamwork. This track is a true anthem, and its place in South African music history is well-deserved.

7. "John Wick" - De Mthuda ft. Sir Trill & Da Muziqal Chef

"John Wick" by De Mthuda featuring Sir Trill and Da Muziqal Chef is straight up fire! This song brings a different kind of Amapiano energy – it's dark, it's intense, and it's absolutely captivating. Sir Trill's distinct vocals combined with the hard-hitting beat create a sound that's both unique and unforgettable. You can't help but feel like a boss when this track comes on. The song’s success is a testament to the growing popularity of Amapiano on the international stage. It demonstrated that South African music could compete with the best in the world, attracting a global audience and paving the way for other Amapiano artists to shine. The song’s infectious energy is undeniable; from the moment the beat drops, you’re hooked. It’s the kind of track that gets everyone on the dance floor, regardless of their age or background. The collaboration between De Mthuda, Sir Trill, and Da Muziqal Chef also brought together fans from all over the world, creating a sense of unity and shared love for the music. "John Wick" is a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. The song’s lyrics, sung in Zulu, add to its appeal. They’re catchy, memorable, and easy to sing along to, making it a hit at parties and clubs. The song’s music video is also visually stunning, showcasing the vibrant culture and energy of South Africa. It’s a celebration of the country’s beauty and diversity, further solidifying the song’s place in South African music history. The success of "John Wick" also highlights the importance of teamwork in the music industry. De Mthuda, Sir Trill, and Da Muziqal Chef’s combined talents created something truly magical, showcasing the power of collaboration in the music industry. They demonstrated that by working together, artists can achieve far more than they could alone. So, if you're looking for a song that will get you moving and grooving, "John Wick" is the perfect choice. It's a celebration of African music, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a reminder of the importance of teamwork. This track is a true anthem, and its place in South African music history is well-deserved.

8. "Emathandweni" - Mlindo The Vocalist ft. DJ Maphorisa & Sha Sha

"Emathandweni" by Mlindo The Vocalist featuring DJ Maphorisa and Sha Sha is a beautiful and soulful track. Mlindo's vocals are always on point, and the addition of Sha Sha's smooth harmonies elevates the song to another level. DJ Maphorisa's production is subtle yet effective, creating a soundscape that's both calming and captivating. This song is perfect for those late-night drives or just chilling with friends. The song’s success is a testament to the growing popularity of Amapiano on the international stage. It demonstrated that South African music could compete with the best in the world, attracting a global audience and paving the way for other Amapiano artists to shine. The song’s infectious energy is undeniable; from the moment the beat drops, you’re hooked. It’s the kind of track that gets everyone on the dance floor, regardless of their age or background. The collaboration between Mlindo The Vocalist, DJ Maphorisa, and Sha Sha also brought together fans from all over the world, creating a sense of unity and shared love for the music. "Emathandweni" is a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. The song’s lyrics, sung in Zulu, add to its appeal. They’re catchy, memorable, and easy to sing along to, making it a hit at parties and clubs. The song’s music video is also visually stunning, showcasing the vibrant culture and energy of South Africa. It’s a celebration of the country’s beauty and diversity, further solidifying the song’s place in South African music history. The success of "Emathandweni" also highlights the importance of teamwork in the music industry. Mlindo The Vocalist, DJ Maphorisa, and Sha Sha’s combined talents created something truly magical, showcasing the power of collaboration in the music industry. They demonstrated that by working together, artists can achieve far more than they could alone. So, if you're looking for a song that will get you moving and grooving, "Emathandweni" is the perfect choice. It's a celebration of African music, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a reminder of the importance of teamwork. This track is a true anthem, and its place in South African music history is well-deserved.

9. "Nkao Tempela" - Ch'cco & Mellow & Sleazy

"Nkao Tempela" by Ch'cco and Mellow & Sleazy is an absolute Amapiano stormer! This track is fast-paced, high-energy, and guaranteed to get you moving. The beat is relentless, and the vocals are catchy as hell. It's the kind of song that you can't help but dance to, even if you're not usually an Amapiano fan. This one really took over the streets! The song’s success is a testament to the growing popularity of Amapiano on the international stage. It demonstrated that South African music could compete with the best in the world, attracting a global audience and paving the way for other Amapiano artists to shine. The song’s infectious energy is undeniable; from the moment the beat drops, you’re hooked. It’s the kind of track that gets everyone on the dance floor, regardless of their age or background. The collaboration between Ch'cco, Mellow, and Sleazy also brought together fans from all over the world, creating a sense of unity and shared love for the music. "Nkao Tempela" is a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. The song’s lyrics, sung in Zulu, add to its appeal. They’re catchy, memorable, and easy to sing along to, making it a hit at parties and clubs. The song’s music video is also visually stunning, showcasing the vibrant culture and energy of South Africa. It’s a celebration of the country’s beauty and diversity, further solidifying the song’s place in South African music history. The success of "Nkao Tempela" also highlights the importance of teamwork in the music industry. Ch'cco, Mellow, and Sleazy’s combined talents created something truly magical, showcasing the power of collaboration in the music industry. They demonstrated that by working together, artists can achieve far more than they could alone. So, if you're looking for a song that will get you moving and grooving, "Nkao Tempela" is the perfect choice. It's a celebration of African music, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a reminder of the importance of teamwork. This track is a true anthem, and its place in South African music history is well-deserved.

10. "uThando" - Blaq Diamond

Rounding out the list is "uThando" by Blaq Diamond. This Afro-pop duo consistently delivers hits, and "uThando" is no exception. The song is a beautiful ode to love, with smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and a heartfelt message. It's the perfect song for slow dancing or just reflecting on the good things in life. Blaq Diamond consistently delivers heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies. Their unique blend of Afro-pop and traditional Zulu sounds creates a sound that’s both familiar and fresh. "uThando" showcases their ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level, making it a standout track. The song’s success is a testament to the growing popularity of Amapiano on the international stage. It demonstrated that South African music could compete with the best in the world, attracting a global audience and paving the way for other Amapiano artists to shine. The song’s infectious energy is undeniable; from the moment the beat drops, you’re hooked. It’s the kind of track that gets everyone on the dance floor, regardless of their age or background. The collaboration between Blaq Diamond also brought together fans from all over the world, creating a sense of unity and shared love for the music. "uThando" is a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. The song’s lyrics, sung in Zulu, add to its appeal. They’re catchy, memorable, and easy to sing along to, making it a hit at parties and clubs. The song’s music video is also visually stunning, showcasing the vibrant culture and energy of South Africa. It’s a celebration of the country’s beauty and diversity, further solidifying the song’s place in South African music history. The success of "uThando" also highlights the importance of teamwork in the music industry. Blaq Diamond’s combined talents created something truly magical, showcasing the power of collaboration in the music industry. They demonstrated that by working together, artists can achieve far more than they could alone. So, if you're looking for a song that will get you moving and grooving, "uThando" is the perfect choice. It's a celebration of African music, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a reminder of the importance of teamwork. This track is a true anthem, and its place in South African music history is well-deserved.

So there you have it, guys! The top ten South African songs of 2021. What a year for music! From Amapiano anthems to soulful ballads, South Africa continued to prove its place as a global music powerhouse. Which song was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!