The 10 songs Fikile Mbalula couldn't stop playing in 2025

South African politician Fikile Mbalula has recently shared his Top 10 songs of the year on social media, giving fans an insight into his music taste.

Taking to his platform, he wrote: “This year was a great year in the music scene, and our artists produced really great music. There are so many songs I enjoyed this year, and am sure many of you did.”

Mbalula’s list begins with “Abantwana Bakho” by DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small and Xduppy. The song has been a commercial hit, reaching over 30 million streams on Spotify and topping the South African Apple Music Songs Chart this year.

Its official music video and prominent lyrics contributed to its popularity.

“Dlala Ka Yona” by DJ Maphorisa, Enny Man Da Guitar and Xduppy is another track on the list. Part of the album “ROUGH DANCE”, it features additional vocals and production from Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC and Mellow & Sleazy.

The song has surpassed 10 million streams on Spotify and has been well-received in South Africa.

Stogie T’s “Four Horsemen”, featuring Nasty C, A-Reece and Maggz, also makes the cut. The track appears on Stogie T's album “ANOMY” and stands out for uniting two major rap figures rumoured to have a rivalry.

Stogie T brought the artists together without informing them of the collaboration beforehand. The track has sparked discussion among fans and critics over its verses and is regarded as a key moment in South African hip hop.

Kwesta and Makwa’s “Umguzumbane We Summer” fuses hip hop, kwaito and house music into a sound the artists call "Mzonkonko”. The track is intended as a festive-season anthem, evoking nostalgia for township life.

Tyla’s “CHANEL” combines afrobeats, amapiano and pop and became a Billboard Hot 100 hit. It was the first single to debut at number one on both the US and UK Afrobeats charts.

“Moya Wami” by Simmy offers a blend of soulful music and cultural pride. Known for her Zulu vocals and engaging rhythms, Simmy’s track gained traction in late 2024.

The list also includes “Deep In The Bottom (of Africa)” by DBN Gogo and Ntwana_R Remix, a popular amapiano version of the original deep house track by Monique Bingham and Black Coffee.

“Fire Fire” by AR/CO, Kasango and Shimza is another dance and electronic track, praised for its high-energy delivery and global streams on social media.

Umafikizolo’s “Uyoncengwa Unyoko” is a maskandi song about dignity in love, telling the story of a lover refusing to beg for reconciliation after a dispute.

Finally, “Thath’Indawo” by Spirit of Praise, featuring Mpumi Mtsweni, is a gospel track that encourages listeners to surrender to God and make room for divine presence. Its powerful message has resonated with many across the country.

Mbalula is known for his love of music and his occasional role as a DJ, earning him the nickname "DJ Mbaweezy”.

His involvement in music extends beyond listening, as he has been known to spin tracks, contributing to his popularity in Mzansi.