July was an interesting month regarding project releases. We saw a domination of dance projects shake the nation with Amapiano and Afro House albums all playing a big role in the SA music scene.

Of course, we were blessed with other music genre releases, and it was that time of the month when we at VERVE would rank what we deemed were our top 40 projects that dropped in July.

So, like we always say, sit back, relax, and enjoy the list we have constructed. Remember, this is our own opinion and if you have any additions or criticisms about the rankings, feel free to let us know down below in the comments.

40. Vry & Jonk - JÜS & LIMPO.GOD (26 July 2024)

The Afrikaans Hip-Hop scene was blessed to have these two exciting talents collaborate to distribute what we believed was an electrifying EP. Telling stories of their troubling experiences in the Afrikaans Taal over hard Trap/Drill beats was definitely a refreshing experience.

39. New World Order - Shenge (6 July 2024)

A combination of House, Qgom, and a touch of Amapiano was the perfect concoction for this EP, perfectly blended by the charismatic MC, known as Shenge. This project had some of the most ear-splitting tunes and we’re sure to hear some of these hits in the Nightclub scene.

38. 19th - Newtankmerc (15 July 2024)

Instead of receiving gifts for his birthday, Newtankmerc flipped the switch, gifting his many fans with an electrifying body of music. With the project only consisting of four tracks, they were all enticing to experience, showcasing what the Underground Trap genre can offer.

37. Threnody: Songs Of Fortitude - Lower Hollow (19 July 2024)

Beware, this project is not for the faint-hearted. We experienced this in a hard yet thrilling way, immediately blown away by the loud roaring of the instruments pounding over the blaring vocal performance of the group. This sound isn’t usually our cup of tea, but we can’t admit that a huge part of us truly enjoyed it.

36. Healing… - Wakithi (19 July 2024)

Wakithi did an impeccable job, crafting heavenly love ballads that we just knew came from deep within him, expressing his true experiences when it comes to his love life. The track “Funa Wena” was our standout tune, displaying the talented vocalists’ capabilities.

35. Pray, Wait, Trust - Major Keys (5 July 2024)

The “Forever Yena 2.0” hitmaker finally dropped his latest project, a six-track EP, packed with some of the most delightful Amapiano sounds to come out of the genre. We adored every track, with the intro, titled “Inhliziyo Yam (featuring Slidoo Man), showing us why the genre is praised around the globe.

34. ZOMBIEZ. - makwil. (3 July 2024)

The talented Capetonian has seen a steady rise in the music world, and this short but sweet EP proved exactly why that’s the case. Every track presented how versatile an artist makwil. is, and we’re confident he’s got more in the vault for his hungry fans.

33. BALVA - Babylowsk1 (8 July 2024)

It’s hard not to find Babylowsk1’s sound entertaining, with the young Trap star having the ability to produce amusing melodic performances over riveting Trap beats. The cameo appearances on the album were also impressive, having acts like jaykatana, K1llbrady, and even Blxckie all feature on the project.

32. TLC: Ezamathsothso - Bvse (31 July 2024)

There’s just something about Bvse’s heavenly vocal performances, that always seem to put us in some sort of trance. This project did just that, with the talented singer voicing his love stories over brilliantly crafted beats, produced by Villainbehindxx.

31. THE NEW ERA - Bizzuit (5 July 2024)

Bizzcuit did a marvellous job with this album, further enhancing and exploring her unique sound. This project had the gifted poet work alongside well-adored artists like Veena, Maraza, Payseen, and Flash Ikumkani, blessing her many listeners with truly inspiring music.

30. Forgotten Songs: E.P. 1 - Early Recordings - The Parlotones (12 July 2024)

I don’t think you understand how grateful we should be to still have the iconic band from West Rand produce music of such amazing quality. This EP was filled with unreleased tracks that the band felt we had every right to at least experience, and this project did not disappoint, reminding us why the group is still highly respected.

29. The Nobody Who Saved Everybody - Mo Artwell (5 July 2024)

To be honest, this was our first time encountering Mo Artwell’s music, and boy we loved every bit of it. This album explored Mo’s challenges throughout his life, pairing his tales with a vibrant aura around every song. We loved the tracks “Stare at the Sun” and “Stimela”, and we look forward to what more the talented poet can bring to the table in the near future.

28. It’s By Grace - Fiso el Musica (26 July 2024)

Fiso el Musica continued his winning streak, dropping an overload of Amapiano bangers all in one project. Trust us, when we say overload, we mean it, with the album comprising 28 tracks. However, that did not put off any of us, with every track being an absolute joy to listen to.

27. 23:24 - Dusse wavy (18 July 2024)

Dusse went all out for this album, with the talented vocalist exploring all different kinds of sounds from the R&B and Hip-Hop genre, and his attempt at that did not disappoint, showcasing why the rising prospect could be next up in the music scene. The features on the album were also filled with prominent talents like LaCabra, Sastii, Horrid The Messiah, Sipho the Gift, and more.

26. Wait No Longer - Cardo Gobain (28 July 2024)

Such talents are hard to find in South Africa, so we should be appreciative when artists of Cardo Gobain’s quality come around. This EP encapsulated everything the Hip-Hop scene craved, and we look forward to seeing the Pretoria prospects continuous rise in the game.

25. Isibane Selali (Deluxe) - Flash Ikumkani (19 July 2024)

Although the original version was released way back in January, Flash decided to gift his many fans with a deluxe version, adding five more entertaining tracks to the project. The additional tunes were all great Xhosa anthems, with the Eastern Cape star working with talents like Sastii, Snymaan, and Aubrey Qwana.

24. MEVSME - Tzzy Makhathaza (12 July 2024)

Keep an eye out for this rising Amapiano starlet. The talented performer from Soweto has been making a rapid rise in the genre and we honestly predict she may be the next big thing for the genre, and this EP proves exactly why we have this belief. The four-track project was filled with stimulating tunes that had the young MC dominate each and every track with her unique sound.

23. 7th Letter: tha continued scripture - Just G (7 July 2024)

Just G followed up the success of his 2023 album with a deluxe edition, dropping an additional three bangers that reminded us why we loved the first version even more. The extension had the artist further explore his unique sound, and we especially loved the track “7 Letters” (featuring Jay Jody and Kidd Nemo).

22. For Those That Failed At Love - Tom Saison (26 July 2024)

Hearing this project for the first time was a spellbinding listening experience, immediately hooking us with the soft faced paced Drum & Bass tempo, with Saison casually flaunting his vocalic gifts over the absorbing beats. If only we could feel that experience for the first time all over again!

21. SOULITUDE - Betty Brown (16 July 2024)

What a glorious project to listen to. The gifted songbird used this EP to allow listeners to follow her journey of truly finding herself in such a harsh world. Her soothing vocal performances were stunning to listen to, and we trust Betty will be making it far in the R&B scene if she continues to drop music of such quality.

20. Umswenko EP - Xduppy x Scotts Maphuma x Mellow & Sleazy (19 July 2024)

If you’re a true fan of the Amapiano genre, you’ll understand how powerful of a collaboration this project was. All four heavy hitters combined their talents to bring the vibes, even working with premium-level producers like DJ Maphorisa and Fello Le Tee to bring groovists some enjoyable dance tracks.

19. Far from Here - TAYKATRIP (5 July 2024)

This album from the proficient virtuoso from Johannesburg still has us scratching our heads as to why he’s still so underrated. This Soul-infused project was delightful to listen to, having the voices of Phiwo and Monelle further enhancing the mellow vibes. If you have yet to listen to this album, we highly recommend you do.

18. The Sweet Life of Majorsteez - Majorsteez (19 July 2024)

The popular Hip-Hop duo dropped their album intending to fully flex why they’re so well recognized in Mzansi. This was a fun project, even having the late legend, AKA, feature on their hit track, “Smooth Operator”. The project was filled with bouncy elements on each track, making the album a jovial experience to listen to.

17. I Am Not Human - Thuto The Human (5 July 2024)

Combining hard thumping Amapiano beats with smooth jazzy elements is a formula that’ll never let you down. This album had the talented producer create some of the most serene Amapiano jams that’ll have you swaying your hips from side to side while downing an ice-cold beverage. This project is one to get back into when the summer season gets back into full effect.

16. Crossroads - The Bird (19 July 2024)

Indie-folk music is simply just happy music. This project brought emotions of joy and sunshine, a true feeling of ecstasy. We adored the groovy instrumentals while the gifted singer graced every tune with her stunning melodies. Whenever you’re feeling down, add one of these tunes to your playlist cues. We assure you that you won’t be disappointed.

15. iQhawe Emphakathini - LaCabra (29 July 2024)

The Qwellers continue to keep on qwelling! It’s honestly impressive how far the prestigious group from Braamfontein has come so far, and LaCabra proved why that’s the case with this beautifully composed project that had him team up with the rest of his crew to give us some of the most vibrant tunes for their many fans to indulge in.

14. Share The Pill - Filthy Hippies (5 July 2024)

The Cape Town Rock scene will never fall short of talent. Filthy Hippies released this awe-inspiring project, showing the nation how exhilarating the genre can truly be, with loud drums continuously banging over raunchy guitar riffs, creating a twisted yet phenomenal atmosphere.

13. Kufezekile - Baby Momo (5 July 2024)

Another underrated gem of a project, we felt this project hadn’t received the flowers it truly deserved. Momo did an outstanding job, blending soft jazzy elements over calm Amapiano beats, bringing out a mellow yet enticing vibe for listeners to lose themselves in while savouring the album.

12. Indlela - Jnr SA (19 July 2024)

The award-winning Afro Tech composer released his newest EP, “Indlela”, which was a package filled with seductive dance numbers. The gifted genius used this album to team up with heavyweight stars like Kabza De Small, Atmos Blaq, Darque, and more, to bring us some enjoyable house tunes like “Indlela”, “Somebody”, and “Yebo”.

11. Home (Yard Edition) - Tyson Sybateli (26 July 2024)

After a long two years, Sybateli decided to treat his fans with an extension of his well-praised 2022 album, titled “Home”. With an addition of six extra tracks, the Pretoria poet opened up to his audience, gracing us with alluring Hip-Hop joints that had us falling in love with his sound all over again.

10. Expensive Hunger - Oriiginelle (24 July 2024)

The Eswatini lyricist has been making major waves, continuously elevating her status in the Rap game with her rapid rise. Her latest body of work had the young star flaunt her incredible pen game over mesmerizing Hip-Hop beats. We look forward to seeing how high her potential can take her.

9. KWAM - Sino Msolo (19 July 2024)

Sometimes, we tend to forget how talented of an artist some may be without the aid of Amapiano beats assisting many musicians. Msolo took an interesting approach, splitting his album in two, with the first half having him explore his Soulful side and the second half of the project returning to the Amapiano side. This was a sublime project from the vocalist from the Eastern Cape.

8. SHINE O’CLOCK - Jay Jody (26 July 2024)

Where Jay Jody gets all this energy to consistently put out so many good projects in such quick succession is a mystery to us. Having already dropped “Release Form” earlier this year, the Pretoria hitmaker followed up with his latest album, “SHINE O’CLOCK”, bringing us new joints for us to bump. It was also cool to see him work with artists like 25K, Sjava, Blxckie, and surprisingly Gemma Fassie (our very own Cape Town export).

7. Baye Baye EP - Atmos Blaq (5 July 2024)

What a pleasure it was to experience this short EP. Atmos has this ability to get any listener to wish it was Summer already, producing some highly entertaining Afro-House tunes that had us jamming throughout the whole project. Although it only had a track list of four songs, every one of them captured our spirits.

6. The Waiting Room - Nanette (25 July 2024)

The heavenly songbird from Durban came out with a bang this year, releasing her heartfelt album, “The Waiting Room”, that had the young starlet explore her inner emotions, expressing to the viewer how she feels. This was a touching R&B album to listen to, and we’re convinced Nanette is only just getting started.

5. Immortal - Dj Stokie (11 July 2024)

The “Awukhuzeki” hitmaker followed up the success of his 2023 project, titled “My Journey Continues”, with his latest drop, “Immortal”, solidifying his well-respected status within the Amapiano realm. This album infused soft tones with lively Amapiano instrumentals, making it an easy yet vibey listening experience. We loved every bit of this project by the celebrated producer.

4. These Thoughts - Archi (26 July 2024)

We loved everything about this captivating album, crafted by the Archi, a kid whose genius continues to grow. This project had us jamming along with its riveting tracks like “White Shoes”, “Lovely”, and especially “Loneliness”. In our opinion, the Alternative Pop/Indie genre has a new gem on the rise.

3. see u soon - Blxckie (26 July 2024)

You could tell Blxckie had a blast developing this album. Every track had a different tone, with tracks like “show u luv”, “in the process”, and his hit song “pull up”, having the star take on a more amorous approach while other tunes like “job tawwk” and “amazon” took on a more Trap sound. It was interesting to see Blxckie tap more into both halves of his unique sounds and it’s why we adored this project.

2. iLadi - Linda Sikhakhane (12 July 2024)

This listening experience was a true awakening for us, having the opportunity to witness how brilliant of a composer Linda truly is. Listening to this Jazz album from the Umlazi saxophonist brought about a feeling of warmth and wonder with every instrumental perfectly crafting a whimsical environment for us to savour.

1. Now You Know Me - Marcus Harvey (5 July 2024)

Harvey has always had the ability to capture one’s heart with his soothing vocal talents. This project had the leading man from Alexandra flaunt his gift over serene Afro-inspired beats that made the album an absolute delight to experience. Tracks like “Sechaba”, “Day Job”, and “Legendary Living” (featuring 25K and Maglera Doe Boy) were all blissful tunes, however, the whole project did a wonderful job at exhibiting Harvey’s genius.

And there we have it. Hopefully you agree with our rankings, and if we missed any other projects, be sure to let us know down below. We look forward to hearing many more great projects our creators have in store for the nation to enjoy.