The world of music in South Africa has seen a bucketload of project releases of all different genres, shining a light on the range of talent the country is capable of producing.

From Jazz music to Hip-Hop, Amapiano to Pop Music, we at VERVE have listened to a whole catalogue of projects that came out in the first half of 2024, and we’re proud to have assembled what we believe are our top 50 bodies of work within that time range.

Keep in mind, this is our own opinion and if you have any disagreements with the list, you’re more than welcome to voice your thoughts down below in the comments section.

Find a spot to sit comfortably in, get those snacks ready, and enjoy reading our list.

50. Stages - KuchiCola (1 July 2024)

KuchiCola was a talent we had recently discovered, and we immediately fell in love with her dazzling persona. This project displayed charming R&B tunes that told a story about love and the hardships that come with it. Remember the name KuchiCola as we’re sure we’ll be seeing more of her in the near future.

49. BiGGA & BiGGA - BiggaBeatz (23 February 2024)

The trap wave in South Africa is a sound the nation is super familiar with. However, BiggaBeatz has this ability to make his sound a little bit more refreshing, and this project proved just that with the young sensation teaming up with most of the Qwellers to birth this fun project.

48. Turn Off The Lights - TxC (7 June 2024)

The dynamic duo, who go by the title TxC, released their heat seeker of an album, bringing Amapiano fans an entertaining body of dance numbers. We loved the multiple range of styles the ladies incorporated into their sound, gifting listeners a refreshing take on the popular genre.

47. Fresh Prince of Rustenburg 2 - Luna Florentino (26 April 2024)

Luna continued to grow his stock, with this project flaunting the talented rappers' ability to dominate each and every track on the project. Standout tracks were “FERNCREST FREESTLYE” (alongside Flow Jones Jr.) and “TSHELA MAFURA BRUH”.

46. Zulu Romance - Blaq Diamond (29 February 2024)

The “Summer Yomuthi” stars released their third studio album, bringing their millions of fans a collection of beautifully crafted love songs that had listeners feel butterflies in their stomachs. This was a highly enjoyable project to listen to and it made sense why they’re still well respected in the Soul Music community.

45. Affection To The World - Theology HD (26 January 2024)

When the nation is blessed with artists like Theology HD, we just know the Afro House scene is in good hands. This short project blessed House fans with powerful dance tunes, utilizing loud trumpets and maracas that made some of the best tracks we’ve heard in a while.

44. Release Form - Jay Jody (19 January 2024)

Jay Jody is a name we’ve seen continuously prove why he’s still relevant in the Hip-Hop scene, and with project releases like “Release Form”, it’s no surprise to see why that’s the case. The tone of the album was very relaxed with hints of jazz, creating an easy-going vibe with some entertaining cameo appearances from Blaklez, Ginger Trill, and A-Reece.

43. Unyazi - Yoav, Jabulile Majola (28 June 2024)

This was a true spiritual listening experience. The two geniuses teamed up, and after three long years of production, they finally released their masterpiece, giving listeners a heavenly body of tunes.

42. Intostella - Nnashe (14 June 2024)

If you’re a fan of Frank Ocean, this album is definitely for you. Nnashe’s vocal abilities on this project were outstanding, bringing out his angelic voice over the most alluring instrumentals.

41. INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS - Nyota Parker (28 March 2024)

The second we heard the beat for the intro track (MIDST) on this project, we already knew how impressive of a project this would be from the Capetonian/Irish virtuoso. The album featured brilliant wordplay and wonderful singing performances over gorgeous instrumentals.

40. Kwakhanya - Sam Deep, Azana (6 June 2024)

The “Isghubu” hitmaker joined forces with the talented songbird, Azana, to concoct pleasing soft Amapiano tracks. This project is one for those warm summer days sipping cocktails on the rooftops.

39. THE HEIST - Mark Akol, Sipho The Gift (5 April 2024)

Gifted producer, Mark Akol, collaborated with Sipho The Gift to release some of the most explosive Hip-Hop tunes to come out of the Mother City. The beats were mind-blowing, using weird background sounds over chunky 808s while they spat their riveting bars over the dynamic beats.

38. UKHONTO - Zuko SA (26 January 2024)

Soul Music needs more appreciation when we have artists of Zuko SA’s caliber, dropping projects of this magnitude. This project had us feeling uplifted, with the talented vocalist tapping into his spiritual side, blessing us with such a beautiful body of music.

37. Humelela - Darque

Well-respected Afro House producer, Darque, released his four-track EP, manufacturing some of the most indulging house tracks we’ve heard all year. Tracks like “Emaweni” and “Amanda” displayed how great of a DJ he truly is.

36. TRANSPARENT - Chante (14 June 2024)

What a joy of a project this was to listen to. The Capetonian R&B songbird came out with a bang this year, dropping this project that had her flaunting her vocal abilities over heavy trap-inspired R&B beats that had us instantly falling in love with her sound.

35. Everything’s Blurred But You - EASY FREAK (10 May 2024)

This project from the talented duo had us falling in love with Pop jams all over again. Every track had us singing our lungs out along with the catchy hooks, and that’s pretty much the type of vibe you could expect from the two artists. This is a project we highly recommend if you have yet to check it out.

34. Pisces - Babalwa M (26 April 2024)

The “Aluta Continua” hitmaker returned to the Amapiano world, dropping her seven-track EP that had us remember why we fell in love with her soft soothing voice that had the ability to grace the sweetest Amapiano instrumentals.

33. TOO MANY PROMISES - Mikhalé Jones (28 June 2024)

For a sophomore album, this body of work was outstanding to listen to. The talented singer used this project as a medium for expressing her constant battles with the everyday struggles in life, leaving us listeners feeling somewhat complete by the time the last track ended. This project was a fun listening experience.

32. The God Anamoly - Solo Ntsizwa KaMthimkhulu (28 June 2024)

Solo has constantly been blessing Mzansi with powerful music releases, and this project did not disappoint at all, having the Johannesburg virtuoso speak on topics like loss, grief, and finding oneself while experimenting with spiritual themes throughout the album.

31. Flip Side - DJ Bongz, Phinova (15 March 2024)

If this project by the talented producer duo didn’t get you up on your feet, or at least had your head bopping up and down, there may be a slight issue with your music taste. Or maybe you’re simply not a House Music fan. This project had the two distribute some stunning House tracks we couldn’t help but adore.

30. SIPHELELE: BOOK I - PDOT O (23 February 2024)

It’s actually criminal how underrated of a lyricist PDOT O is. This astonishing album had the poet speak on his personal struggles in his life, trying to reach a clear answer to his problems while reflecting on everything he has had to do to reach the point he’s reached in his life. If you’re a fan of storytellers in Hip-Hop, this is your go-to project.

29. from RUVA to El Roi - RUVA (11 May 2024)

What a way to debut an album of such excellence. This project was beautiful from start to finish, having the young songbird showcase her angelic vocal abilities over soft jazzy beats. The Soul genre has a new prospect to keep an eye out for and we can’t wait to hear what more the talented singer has up her sleeves.

28. CR4ZY!!.. - MÖRDA (7 June 2024)

Mzansi’s favourite Uncle of House Music kept the summer spirit alive, releasing this short EP that had us grooving all through the listening experience. The project was filled with jovial dance numbers that we will surely be returning to.

27. TRUE STORY - Malcolm Jiyane Tree-O (14 June 2024)

This album was an emotional rollercoaster, having the accomplished composer and trombonist narrating a story of his personal experience in South Africa while using exquisite jazz numbers that made us fall in love with the genre all over again.

26. Echoes of Farewell - M.Rumbi (26 April 2024)

This short EP was an absolute bliss to listen to. Soft instrumentals, alluring guitar notes playing over the instrumentals followed by the vocal performances from the talented songbirds (Nawekulo, Alexi, Muthonji Njoroge, and Elani Boshoff) was just what we craved from this project, and we were left pleased with the result, even though the project only lasted just eleven minutes.

25. HEARTBREAK HOTEL - The Big Hash (15 March)

We’ve been following Hash since his Innanetwav days, and if there’s one thing you’d remember about the Pretorian musician, it was his continuous hype of what would be his Magnum Opus titled “Heartbreak Hotel”. This project was enjoyable to listen to with the versatile genius work alongside multiple stars like Zri, Tyson Sybateli, Blxckie, and many more, gifting Hip-Hop heads a ton of tracks to jam to.

24. THANK GOD FOR THE SUN - ZRi (31 May 2024)

ZRi has had one hell of a year, continuing to feed us starving Hip-Hop heads with his remarkable music. This project felt like ZRi poured his whole heart and soul into it and we could really feel it through one listen of the album. The features were also lovely to hear, with acts like Roho, The Big Hash, and Michael Tuohy making cameo appearances on some joints.

23. HOLDING/EVOLVING - Hunter Rose, Maloon TheBoom (8 March 2024)

The Capetonian powerhouse of a singer, Hunter Rose, teamed up with the Swiss producer, Maloon TheBoom, to present a gorgeous blend of Soul and R&B music. Tracks like “SELF”, “TIME”, and “GLOW” showed us how great of a pairing the two made and we hope to see them work together again.

22. ONLY THE BRAVE - MashBeatz, Wordz (20 June 2024)

It’s no secret MashBeatz is one of the most respected Hip-Hop producers in Mzansi, and for him to team up with one of the hottest lyricists in the game, Wordz, it was no surprise this album would be straight fire. Tracks like “JOY” (featuring Tyson Sybateli), “HALLOWEEN” (featuring Sastii, LaCabra, and 25K), and of course the biggest track in Mzansi Hip-Hop right now, “IMALI” (alongside Usimamane), this project was destined to succeed and it did just that.

21. Satori - Josiah De Disciple (26 April 2024)

Josiah continued to prove why he’s considered a master in the arts of Amapiano, releasing this phenomenal album. With soft instrumentals, loud bass thumps, and catchy rhythms, this project was a vibrant listening experience that had us turning the volume to its highest level.

20. Jewels - Dwson (31 May 2024)

Dwson’s domination in the Deep House scene isn’t slowing down anytime soon, especially with album releases of this high standard. This project was filled with impressive dance numbers that had us pumping up the volume to its max. Don’t be too surprised when you hear some of these jams playing in the clubs.

19. Isidalo - Murumba Pitch (8 February 2024)

The talented duo, known as Murumba Pitch, brought us a mixed bag of different yet sensational Amapiano tunes that displayed why they’re still highly relevant in the modern Amapiano world. This project was fully loaded with top-level acts like Sjava, Nkosazana Daughter, Oscar Mbo, and many more, so there was no doubt this album would go down as one of the best of the year so far.

18. ON AIR - Filah Lah Lah (19 April 2024)

Filah’s rise in the music scene has been glorious to witness. Her growth has come a long way, advancing her distinct sound to the highest level, and this project is a testament to that, with the talented singer dominating every track with her ability to hone her voice in a way that’s able to also tell an interesting story for us listeners to get lost into.

17. SEAMS. - ZuluMecca (14 June 2024)

Zulu utilized this project as a way of narrating the struggles she has had to face in her life, speaking on topics like heartbreak, her struggles within her career as a musician, and her battles trying to grow and make herself a better person. This was an exquisite body of music to listen to.

16. ROLE MODEL - Internet Girl (8 May 2024)

We’ve seen all kinds of genres try and make it big in Cape Town, however Garage-Rock was one we didn’t see succeeding. Internet Girl made us reverse those feelings, with this EP proving that if done right, it could come out perfectly, and this project from the young trio gave us a ton of hope for the future.

15. Heart Felt (Volume1RNB EP) - Fiji Mageba

The talented composer carefully crafted some of the most wonderous jazzy tunes we had heard in ages. With subtle hints of Soul music here and there, and heavenly vocal performances on some tracks, this project had us in a trance.

14. THE REBELLION - DJ Lag (26 June 2024)

This project could go down as a timeless classic in the House/Qgom/Amapiano Music world, with Lag incorporating heavy 808s, menacing bass, and over-the-top instrumentals that complement the beats so perfectly. This project is not for the faint-hearted, and we wouldn’t be surprised to hear some of these bangers played in nightclubs all over Mzansi.

13. Cradle of the Fourthkind - Espacio Dios (17 May 2024)

After such a long wait, and little pre-releases leading up to the final release day, we finally received Dio's highly anticipated album, and damn was it worth the wait. The talented musician brought us outstanding love songs for us to savour and it’s easy to see why he’s highly appreciated within the modern SA music scene.

12. Luna - Mars Baby (23 February 2024)

It still shocks us to know that a talent of Mars Baby’s level really originated from the Mother City. This project was a stunning performance from the talented singer, having the likes of Lordkez, Filah Lah Lah, and even Shekhinah aid him in crafting this wonderful album.

11. Sarang / 사랑 - Sio (10 May 2024)

Sio is a true poet, and her ability to tell stories through her music is a skill not many can hone. The 11-track album had us jamming along to her soft melodic performances over scintillating jazzy beats. If you’re a fan of Neo-Soul, Sio is your go-to.

10. The Great Fire of Beatenberg - Beatenberg (5 April 2024)

There’s just something about Beatenberg that constantly makes us feel jolly when listening to their bubbly music. This album by the award-winning band was filled with uplifting Indie jams that had us reminiscing the good old days when they first burst onto the scene with “Chelsea Blakemore” back in 2014, and it’s easy to remember why the whole nation appreciated their talents.

9. nomthandazo - Zoë Modiga (26 April 2024)

After four long years of waiting, Zoë finally released her heavily anticipated third studio album, blessing African Jazz/Soul Music fans with a divine performance throughout the whole project. After a release of this standard, it made sense why she’s highly regarded as one of the best performers to come out of the country.

8. 13POS - Focalistic (24 May 2024)

It should be no surprise to see Focalistic so high up on this list. Whatever the man touches turns to gold and this album is proof of that. Loud bumps, groovy beats, catchy choruses, and upbeat energy is everything we expected from the talented Amapiano star.

7. Shallow - Stogie T (24 May 2024)

Four years it took for Stogie to bestow us with a body of work! We wish we would’ve received something earlier, but beggars can’t be choosers. This six-track EP was lovely to listen to with the legendary lyricist grace us with some heavy bars over gorgeous beats. It’s safe to say Stogie still has the talent in him, even after so many years of being at the top of the game.

6. In The Wake - Kujenga (20 March 2024)

For a sophomore album from a young jazz group, this was an outstanding way to leave a first impression. The talented group from Cape Town used this project to showcase how they’re able to come together to compose music of divine quality and we loved every bit of this project from start to finish.

5. TYLA - Tyla (22 March 2024)

You had to know this project would eventually feature on our list. For a debut studio album, this project was produced at the highest quality, bringing clean dance hits that had massive features like Tems, Gunna, and Travis Scott all playing a part on the album. And we cannot forget how big of a joint “Water” was, aiding her in winning her first Grammy Award.

4. Sankofa - Thandiswa Mazwai (10 May 2024)

What a spiritual journey this album was. Thandiswa has the highest ability to put any listener in a trance with her captivating vocal performances. Being her fifth studio album, the Xhosa vocalist really showed the country why she’s so loved by not only the country, but the world abroad.

3. DUST - Priddy Ugly (26 January 2024)

When Priddy announced that this album would be his final project, we just knew he’d put everything he had into it after being in the rap game for fifteen years, and my god was this his Magnum Opus. The legendary lyricist brought his A-game, flaunting his tremendous lyrical abilities over sublime Hip-Hop beats. The track “Ntja’ka” (produced by MashBeatz and featuring Maglera Doe Boy) sums up how Priddy managed to finally reach the top of the ranks over so many years in the game.

2. Synthetic Hearts Part II - Msaki & Tubatsi Mpho Moloi (24 May 2024)

After having major success with their first release of “Synthetic Hearts”, which released in 2023, the two talented vocalists teamed up once again to display some of the most heartwarming tracks the nation hadn’t felt in quite some time. A truly powerful project, the two crafted an amazing Afro-Soul album that had us feeling whole about ourselves.

1. The Joy - The Joy (21 June 2024)

The acapella group from Hammarsdale, known as The Joy, truly are a joy to listen to. We loved how their voices were able to intertwine in harmony creating charming music for our ears to cherish. It’s crazy to think how talented the group is at such a young age, releasing music of this magnitude. It’s no surprise Doja Cat was quick to get them on stage to perform with her, and to be honest, with the group’s rapid trajectory in the music world, we smell a Grammy coming soon for the talented group.