Meet South Africa’s Next Big Stars: The Rising Artists Taking Over 2025
South Africa’s music scene is on fire, and 2025 is proving to be a breakout year for fresh talent. From Amapiano to Hip-Hop, Afro-pop to R&B, these rising artists are redefining the sound of the industry. They’re dominating charts, racking up millions of streams, and putting South African music on the global map.
Naledi Aphiwe – The Afro-Pop Sensation
At just 19, Naledi Aphiwe is already making serious waves. She caught global attention in 2023 when her voice was sampled on Chris Brown’s “Shooter” from his 11:11 album, racking up over 30 million streams. Her own single, Ngiyabonga, has crossed 8 million streams, and she was crowned Pop Artist of the Year at the 2024 Basadi in Music Awards. Now signed to Virgin Music Group and boasting over 800,000 monthly Spotify listeners, Naledi is a rising force in Afro-pop.
Uncle Waffles – The Amapiano Powerhouse
If there’s one name that defines Amapiano’s global takeover, it’s Uncle Waffles. Her high-energy DJ sets, viral dance moves, and flawless mixes have made her a genre icon. Since her breakout with Tanzania in 2022, she’s performed at Coachella and gained international recognition. As she continues to push Amapiano beyond Africa’s borders, expect her influence to grow even bigger in 2025.
Tyla – The Global Superstar
Tyla is no longer just a rising star—she’s a global sensation. With Water amassing over 1 billion streams on Spotify and a Grammy under her belt, she’s leading South Africa’s charge on the international stage. Her debut album, Tyla, blends Amapiano, R&B, and pop, racking up 1.5 billion streams worldwide. Her latest single, Push 2 Start, has already hit number one on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats chart. Beyond music, she’s collaborating with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, proving she’s a cultural icon in the making.
Musa Keys – The Amapiano Hitmaker
Musa Keys is one of Amapiano’s most exciting figures. Known for his smooth melodies and charismatic stage presence, he’s expanding his influence globally. His feature on Davido’s Unavailable showcased his ability to merge Amapiano with Afrobeats, earning him a massive following. With 410,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and a growing international presence, Musa Keys is primed for a massive 2025.
Usimamane – The Hip-Hop Breakout Star
Durban’s own Usimamane is making serious moves in hip-hop. His 2024 hit Cheque went triple platinum, and his debut album, 20th: Days Before Maud, broke records with over 332,000 second-day Spotify streams. His song Uvalo hit number one locally and has over 8 million streams. With half a million monthly listeners and a rapidly growing fanbase, Usimamane is set to be one of South Africa’s biggest rap stars.
These rising stars aren’t just making music—they’re shaping the future of South African sound. Keep an eye on them because 2025 is just the beginning.