As we continue staying home and safely social distancing, a bevy of South African artists have delivered new projects both for the culture, and for the soul. Here are five new releases you should pay attention to;

SIMMY FT SINO MSOLO – ‘NGIHAMBA NAWE’

Following the massive success of her debut album, Tugela Fairy, Simmy triumphantly claims her way back into the matrix with an overflow of love-soaked melodies.

After many had jumped through hoops to woo her affections, on Ngihamba Nawe, Simmy hovers lush vocals over a transcendental instrumental as she gleefully surrenders to an epiphany — she’s finally settling for the love of her life!

With Sino Msolo’s voice melding another layer of ethereal love hums, the two ruminate on the beauty of falling in love.

If you don’t feel all mushy and lovey dovey after listening to this… then we don’t know. Sorry.

SIMPHIWE DANA – ‘UZOKHALA’

As one fan notes on her Youtube channel, her “music heals the soul”.

She’s a songbird with a catalogue filled with timeless classics that tug at the heartstrings of nostalgia, while ruminating on the future of love, blackness, pain and the many themes Simphiwe Dana attends in her music.

In 2020, it’s clear that Dana is as focused as ever. Her new musical era carries a thrilling sense of excitement as she spots a fresher look that has brought new hues in the artwork and visual inventory of her looming album, Bamako.

Taken from the highly anticipated 13-track project, Uzokhala is a jazzy offering which plays on Dana’s distinctive mastery. She sings beautifully, delivering soothing vocal layering on an instrumental that beams with organic African sounds.

Along with Usikhonzile, also taken from the album, the song is delightful preview into what promises to be a cohesive set of songs that will last a lifetime.

JAZZIDISCIPLES – ‘MDZANGO’

Following the highly anticipated debut of their Mr. JazziQ 0303, a project produced mainly by Mr. JazziQ from the house music formation, the group has finally ascended into the mainstream radar.

Much like MFR Souls, who’ve built a sprawling catalogue of fire piano laden dance joints through the years, a supply which moved almost exclusively in the underground deep house circles, it owas nly a matter of time before JazziDisciples leveraged their credibility for the charts.

Mdzango featuring Tallarsetee, Tsivo and MDU has all the workings of a solid amapiano hit. It’s a good workout songs from those aiming to manage their physique during the lockdown.

NASTY C – ‘THERE THEY GO’

Now that he’s officially signed to Def Jam records, Nasty C’s global ascension is no longer a matter of debate. The 23 year old rapper twinned the announcement with the release of a brand new single, which he premiered exclusively on Apple 1 Music with Ebro Darden.

While there’s no word on whether or not the song will appear on Nasty’s long awaiting looming third studio album, Zulu Man With Some Power, the God Flow hitmaker has confirmed that he is in the advanced stages of finishing up the project.

JUNIOR TAURUS  FT. KAYLOW & DJ SUMBODY – ‘HAPPY FOR YOU’

We’ve been fans of Junior Taurus since he rose to the top of the charts with Cotton Candy, the 2015 joint album that propelled him to the top of the charts. The record was a beautiful display of a man who is in control of his craft and comfortable to show off his mastery.

Years after bringing the broken beat vibe to the forefront of the culture, the record producer teams up with Afro-Soul and R&B singer Kaylow, who’s just returned from a long hiatus from the music business. Late in 2019, the two had collaborated on a song called Settle Down. They’ve made another triumphant return, this time with DJ Sumbody fiddling with the piano notes for the culture.

Happy For You is a pleasant reminder that grown up, jazzy and luxurious dance can cross -pollinate with the streamlined amapiano sound for something as new as it is nostalgic.

Discover New Music, Exclusive Interviews and Album Reviews on QuenchSA.com!