10. Thandiswa Mazwai
She is a 43-year-old South African vocalist, songwriter, and musician who has been active since 1998. She was also a member of Jack-Knife alongside Themba Smuts and Kimon Webster. The three released sons like “Fester” and “Chommie” which became the top club hits in Johannesburg, later referred to as “the pioneers of Kwato movement”.
In 1998, Thandiswa joined Bongo Muffin after not qualifying for the semi-finals at the Shelland Road to fame Talent show. After releasing five albums with Bongo Muffins, Thandiswa decided to invest in her solo career.
9. Zola
Bonginkosi Dlaminini is a 42-year-old South African musician, songwriter, poet, actor, TV presenter, and radio presenter. Zola has been active since 2000 and best known as the Kwaito Superstar. Once, Lance Stehr of Ghetto Ruff records referred to him as, “The second biggest brand in the country next to Nelson Mandela”.
He is also the founder and owner of the Guluva Entertainment Company.
8. Cassper Nyovest
Cassper Nyovest is a 28-year-old South African rapper, record producer, and businessman who gained recognition after releasing his first album “Tsholofelo” in 2014. Cassper started rapping at the age of 12 after failing his examinations.
Before fame, he was part of a childhood group, “Childhood Gangsta”. After the group disbanded, he joined yet another group, “Slow Motion”, and then “Impact Sounds” where he quit after working with them for two years without releasing any album.
After the exposure, he released his first single “Gusheshe”, which was well received and highly played by the local radio stations.
7. Amanda Strydom
Amanda is a 63-year-old South African singer, songwriter, playwright, and actress who has been active in both cabaret and television. She is a holder of a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Drama Specialization from the University of Pretoria.
In 1979, Amanda was pushed by her friends to write her first song, ‘EK loop die pad’, which means, I walk down the road. The song went viral and has remained one of her best songs to date. As a matter of fact, the song has been covered by other musicians such as; Laurika Raunch.
Amanda writes a majority of her songs. She also sings songs composed by other artists like Holly Cole, Stef Bos, Kris Kristofferson, George Gershwin, Jose Feliciano, and Koos du Plessis. Amanda Strydom released 13 albums between 1995 and 2010.
6. Spoek Mathambo
Nthato Mokgata is a 34-year-old South African Rapper, artist, songwriter, and producer who has been active since 2006. Before he became famous, he collaborated with Sibot (South African producer) and Okmalumkoolkat on the track, “Nice shandees”.
Later on, Spoek released his debut album “Mshini Wam” in 2012. One of the tracks “she’s lost control” went viral to the extent of being awarded “The Young Director Award” at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2011.
His second album “Father Creeper” gained him a second nomination in the 2012 MOBO Awards (Best African Act) and a third one at the 2013 MOBO awards. Later on, Spoek released his third record “Escape from ’85” in mid-2013.
