As the year winds down, one of South Africa’s most anticipated traditions is voting for the Song of the Year. This event celebrates the music that has defined the past 12 months, uniting the nation in celebration and setting the tone for the New Year’s festivities.
Whether you’re grooving to Amapiano beats, vibing to Afro-house rhythms, or singing along to soulful ballads, the Song of the Year competition allows every South African to have their say in choosing the ultimate track of the year.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to vote for the Song of the Year, highlight some of the top contenders, and provide a list of the top 50 songs currently trending in South Africa.
How to Vote for Song of the Year
One of the most popular platforms for voting in South Africa is Ukhozi FM, which hosts the “Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka” (Song That Defines the Year) competition. The station releases a list of the top 10 songs, giving listeners the opportunity to vote for their favorite.
Steps to Vote:
- Review the Top 10 Nominees: Familiarize yourself with the nominated tracks. These are the songs that have resonated with audiences nationwide.Example of 2024 nominees:
- Master KG & Big Zulu – “Unobuhle”
- Malungelo ft. Rethabile Khumalo – “Uyavela”
- Zintle Kwaaiman – “Sabela”
- Blaq Major – “Sdakiwe Sbali”
- Cast Your Vote: Voting is simple:
- Send an SMS with the keyword “INGOMA” followed by the letter corresponding to your chosen song (e.g., “INGOMA A”) to 35615.
- Each SMS costs R1.50.
- Know the Deadline: Voting typically closes on 31 December at noon, so don’t miss the chance to make your voice heard.
- Bonus Incentives: By voting, you also stand a chance to win exciting prizes like a share of R250,000 or a brand-new car.
Top 50 Songs in South Africa Right Now
South Africa’s music industry continues to thrive, blending local sounds with global trends. Here’s a look at the top 50 songs making waves in the country. These tracks showcase a variety of genres, from Amapiano to Afro-soul, and are perfect for your year-end playlist:
- Biri Marung (feat. Sje Konka, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma & CowBoii) – Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow, Tebogo G Mashego
- Sdakiwe Sbali (feat. Bless The Gentleman & DJ Kap) – Blaq Major
- Wishi Wishi (feat. Scotts Maphuma & Young Stunna) – Kabza De Small, Vigro Deep, DJ Maphorisa
- Shayi’Moto (feat. Seemah & Yanda Woods) – Mellow & Sleazy, Scotts Maphuma, Mr Pilato
- Sohlala Sisonke – Dlala Thukzin, Zeh McGeba, MK Productions
- Sthandwa Sam (feat. BelloM, Epic DJ, DJ Seneath & X-Morizo) – 2Point1
- Waze Wamuhle (feat. Mashudu) – Kelvin Momo, Sino Msolo, Stixx
- Gucci – Mthandeni SK, MaWhoo
- Sigade Umzila – Mthandeni SK
- Residuals – Chris Brown
- Phuthuma – Cyfred, Scotts Maphuma
- Skuta Baba – Remix – WOODBLOCK DJS, Buzzi Lee, Kane Keid, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Tony Dayimane, Mvelost, Set Off, Somololo
- Chokeslem – Kharishma, Ba Bethe Gashoazen
- Angel Numbers / Ten Toes – Chris Brown
- Diqabang – Khathapillar, Sol Phenduka, Smash SA, Kamoh Xaba
- Luther (with SZA) – Kendrick Lamar, SZA
- Die With A Smile – Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars
- Can’t Get – Casswell P, Nobuhle
- PUSH 2 START – Tyla
- Vuma Dlozi Lami (feat. Ancestral Rituals) – Issa sisdoh
- All My Life – Mawelele, Kwesta
- Yebo Lapho (Gogo) (feat. DJ Maphorisa & Djy Biza) – Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma, Thabza Tee
- Rush Hour – Sminofu
- A-Z (Yashi Moto) – Vigro Deep, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Uncool MC, Focalistic, Scotts Maphuma, Ricky Lenyora, Woza Sjax
- BIRDS OF A FEATHER – Billie Eilish
- Ndisize (feat. Ami Faku) – Caiiro
- Kwelanga 2.0 (feat. Tman Xpress & LeeMcKrazy) – Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza
- Ncono Siyeke – Mshinwemali, Shenge wasehlalankosi
- PIKIPIKI (feat. CowBoii) – Scotts Maphuma, Shaunmusiq
- Zase England – Blacko SA, Mellow & Sleazy, Scotts Maphuma
- Imithandazo (feat. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush) – Kabza De Small, Mthunzi
- Tshwala Bam (feat. S.N.E, EeQue) – TitoM, Yuppe
- Beautiful Things – Benson Boone
- Masithokoze – DJ Stokie, Eemoh
- Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
- Paris – Mthandeni SK, Lwah Ndlunkulu
- Amalobolo (feat. Stixx, Nia Pearl) – Kelvin Momo, Babalwa M
- Amazwe (feat. MaWhoo) – Kabza De Small, Mthunzi
- Funk 55 (feat. Ceeka RSA, Chley) – Shakes & Les, DBN Gogo, Zee Nxumalo
- Wadibusa (feat. Royal MusiQ, OHP Sage, & Pcee) – Uncle Waffles
- Funk 99 – Shakes & Les, LeeMcKrazy
- Izenzo – Bassie, Aymos, T-Man SA
- Keneilwe (feat. Dalom Kids) – Wanitwa Mos, Nkosazana Daughter, Master KG
- iPlan – Dlala Thukzin, Zaba, Sykes
- Hit after Hit – Ugatsheni
- Snooze – SZA
- Sure Thing – Miguel
- Let Me Love You – Mario
- Made For Me – Muni Long
- Lose Control – Teddy Swims
These songs reflect the vibrancy and creativity of South Africa’s music scene, making them perfect contenders for Song of the Year and your personal playlist.
Why Voting Matters
The Song of the Year competition is more than just a title; it’s a celebration of South African culture, talent, and unity. By voting, you support the artists who bring joy, inspiration, and pride to the nation. It’s also an opportunity for fans to collectively choose a track that represents the year’s best music.
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Key Dates to Remember
- Voting Period: Ends 31 December at 12:00 PM.
- Winner Announcement: Song of the Year is typically announced during the countdown to the New Year on 31 December.
Whether you’re a loyal Ukhozi FM listener or a fan of South African music in general, make sure to vote for your favorite song this year. Celebrate the tracks that have kept you dancing, singing, and inspired all year long.
Start voting now and get ready to ring in the New Year with the ultimate South African anthem!
