The best part of starting a new year? Reflecting on all the fresh musical talent that broke through the year before. A new generation is quietly, confidently reshaping South African independent music.
From punk bands finding fresh urgency to genre-blurring collectives and solo artists stepping fully into their voice, these emerging acts aren’t chasing trends: these guys are building worlds, dude. Here are the indie newcomers who defined the year’s most exciting first chapters.
The emergence of a new band on the scene is always exciting. And when that band brings something fresh and fun to the mix – it’s even better. That’s what Jozi punk rock outfit Worms managed to do with their debut EP. Legless and Grubby is a project that epitomises modern punk: cheeky, sharp, and memorable.
The new incarnation of the Cape Town based trio (FKA Morning Pages) evolves the doom, atmospheric noise, drone, and sludge post-metal from alchemy and ritual toward a darker, more industrial palette. The result: a seething witches brew of an EP. Lead single “Shine On,” together with its atmospheric visual, marks a new creative chapter that is as refined as it is disquieting.
Babble Hume is a vibrant and electrifying South African underground collective that is making waves in the music scene, blending genres and defying expectations. Their ongoing blog series on YouTube, which covers the group’s recent performances, is a breath of fresh air in the modern age of music consumption. With five talented members—three powerhouse vocalists and two innovative producers —Babble Hume creates music that is as dynamic as it is raw.
In the new wave of artists and producers who are reinvigorating gqom with playful touches of Afro tech and electronica, and Omaqoga are, without a shadow of a doubt, leading the pack. Originally from Durban, Chase (Njabulo Sibiya), Ma A (Andile Mazibuko) and KB (Franco Makhathini) have been making music together for over ten years. Their odyssey began after a mutual friend got his hands on a cracked download of FL Studio, introducing the trio to music production.
The response to Lord’s debut single “Citrus” was overwhelming, amassing over 200k streams across streaming platforms. It’s a quintessential sad-girl pop ballad – think Billie Eilish meets Chappell Roan. The production quality is off the charts too, with a brilliant earworm verse that breaks down into a searing chorus line. Even the name, Mia Lord has a certain ring to it that screams pop star. She’s made for this.
Rap group 12 Dogs’ sophomore album Fireflies is a soft and sensitive hip-hop offering, sprawling with the youthful energy of a band that is deeply attune with one another, and with the people around them. Think Mk.gee meets Kendrick. That’s the pervading sound on Fireflies, and while the band’s influences are easily heard, it’s less like imitation and more like learning. This group of fledgling musicians turn to the music that they love (and respect) for direction.
Better known as the lead singer of the fever-dream South African indie-pop band HONEYMOAN, Alison Rachel debuted her solo project Trillion Petals with the triumphant five-track EP Hill After Pale Hill. An amalgamation of analogue experimentation and soaring indie-rock anthems, lead single “Lucky Girl Mantra” captured the emotional whiplash between god complex and imposter syndrome — an internal conflict familiar to many creatives.
Pussy Heaven’s somewhat provocative name has some very crass undertones, but that’s not the case (and even if it were, who fucking cares?). A wholesome image comes to mind when we think of that floating eden where all cats roam free, mice on tap, bottomless catnip. Actually, it’s quite majestic. But if you’re expecting pillowy synths and angel lullabies from this Joburg-based trio, think again.
Lerato Orchestral Collective (L.O.C.)
What began as vocalist Lesedi Sibiya’s solo project grew into something bigger. At its core, the Lerato Orchestral Collective (L.O.C.) is rooted in love, a philosophy that radiates throughout their debut album, Lerato La Rona. The band’s debut touches on psychedelic rock, jazz, maskandi and punk. Their willingness to experiment puts L.O.C. in a class of their own among their peers.
Gqeberha-based band Second House might only be three singles in, but there’s something quietly assured about the way they’re moving. Fronted by twins Amber and Chloe Hensberg, with Amber on lead vocals and Chloe crafting close harmonies. Their debut single “pitpony” arrived with little expectation and quickly became the kind of breakthrough that takes new artists by surprise. And while the pace is unhurried, the resonance is unmistakable – Second House are quietly making space for something exhilarating.
