The New Mzansi
Playlist - 100 Songs
The inclusion of Johannesburg's Yugen Blakrok on the Black Panther soundtrack's smash “Opps” was nothing short of a breakthrough moment for the international profile of South African hip-hop. Yet the track is merely a hint of the rich and varied hip-hop springing from the country's capital—as well as Durban, Cape Town, and all points between—that reflects and subverts a history once better known for boundaries than inclusiveness. Jozi-based stars Cassper Nyovest and Yung Swiss put their own spin on American trap, while artists like Kid X and the gravelly baritone Kwesta incorporate genres closer to home, like Kwaito and Afrobeats. Our editors regularly update this playlist—if you hear something you like, add it to your library.
Featured Artists
The New Mzansi features Lilnosebleedd, BABYLOWSK1, Joshua Futura and more