The biggest South African artists of 2025: streaming stars, chart leaders and cultural icons

South Africa’s music scene in 2025 was shaped by artists who reached remarkable chart positions, expanded their reach across the continent and introduced new sounds to a growing audience.

The year included breakthroughs for established names and rising stars, with several artists driving cultural conversations through streaming performance, awards and public influence.

Jazzwrld and Thukuthela

The duo Jazzwrld and Thukuthela, born Kamohelo Monese and Kgotso Dube, dominated the South African music landscape from the first quarter of the year. Their rise was rapid and sustained across every major platform.

By the end of 2025, they were officially named the number one artists of the year across all South African music charts, a recognition based on streaming numbers, radio presence and continued chart placement.

Their debut album, “The Most Wanted”, was the most-streamed South African album on global Spotify. Their songs formed a large part of the 2025 wrap-up lists on Spotify and Apple Music, with several tracks ranking within the top ten most-streamed in the country.

Their single “Uzizwa Kanjan” reached four times Platinum, while “Tholukuthi”, “uValo” and “uMa weNGANE” also achieved Platinum certification. Thukuthela received additional recognition after winning the Best Male Vocalist award at this year's Dance Music Awards.

Thatohatsi

Thatohatsi Raphadi, known professionally as Thatohatsi, continued her rise this year through her work as a vocalist and songwriter. Born and raised in Payneville Springs, her interest in music began during early childhood and developed alongside her involvement in acting and fashion design.

This year, she became the most featured vocalist on Kabza De Small’s successful album “Bab’Motha”.

Her contributions played a major role in the album’s national impact, placing her at the centre of one of the biggest projects of the year.

Ciza

Ciza, born Nkululeko Nciza, entered the music world at a young age.

Growing up in a music-connected family allowed him to observe the entertainment industry closely, but he was encouraged to build his own identity rather than rely on existing family recognition.

He began writing songs at fifteen and launched his professional career in 2019. This year, he reached one of the most significant milestones of his career when his single “Isaka (6am)” became the most-streamed song on Spotify South Africa for the year.

The track took over local and continental platforms, sparked a dance challenge on TikTok and inspired over one million videos in Mzansi and more than two million worldwide. It also reached number three on TikTok’s South Africa Songs of the Summer list.

The song crossed regional borders and entered the Nigerian market, followed by a remix featuring Tems and Omah Lay.

Spoegwolf

Spoegwolf, the rock group from Paarl, continued to lead the Afrikaans music scene this year. The band is known for its storytelling and alternative rock style, and this year included recognition for their album “Eindbestemming”.

The project received two nominations at the 31st South African Music Awards (Samas) for the Best Duo or Group of the Year and the Best Contemporary Music Album.

Spoegwolf also released multiple singles this year, including Ek kyk na jou”, “My Huis” and “Hou Weer Moed” featuring Emile Swiegers.

The year marked a significant international breakthrough as the band travelled to the United States for their first tour. They held shows in Charleston and Fredericksburg and performed in Dubai earlier in the year.

Zee Nxumalo 

Zee Nxumalo, born Zandile Nxumalo, continued her strong rise with achievements across awards shows, streaming charts and brand partnerships. She was named the Artist of the Year at the Basadi In Music Awards and became the most-streamed female artist in South Africa on Spotify.

She is the second woman in the country to reach this milestone after Shekhinah in 2018. Her singles “Mali” and “Ngisakuthanda” ranked among the Top 10 most-streamed songs of the year.

Nxumalo also received an Editor's Award at the Glamour Women of the Year event for her cultural influence. She also expanded her portfolio by hosting the pre-show for the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. 

Mzukulu 

Mzukulu, real name Sfanele Dumisani Zulu, played a significant role in presenting Mmaskandi to a national audience.

His album “Ngfuna Intozami" produced a rare moment in the Official South African Charts when all seventeen tracks charted at the same time. His single “Ubu Ghost bami” featuring Intombi yasoLundi reached number twenty.

Skillz

Skillz, born Zwakele Mdletshe, strengthened his role as a producer and DJ with a long list of collaborations in 2025. He released an EP titled “Phumelela”, with a leading single that featured Simmy and Zeh McGeba.

His tribute track “Isgubhu”, dedicated to the late Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, appeared on charts and attracted praise for how it honoured Mampintsha’s influence on dance music.

Skillz also released “Mamma” with Zee Nxumalo and Sykes, which went viral. Producer Prince Kaybee named him as one of the strongest beat makers from Durban.

Nontokozo Mkhize

Nontokozo Mkhize continued her growth after launching her solo career in 2024. She earned two honours at the Basadi In Music Awards this year, winning Song of the Year for “Esandleni” and Gospel Artist of the Year. 

Earlier in May, she received the Best Newcomer Award at the Metro FM Awards.

Her song “Esandleni" achieved a record for the biggest weekly streams for any solo song by a female artist on South African Spotify, surpassing the previous record held by Adele.