SA SUPERSTARS

BALA BROTHERS
Based in Johannesburg
Zwai Bala and Brothers took the South African music scene by storm when the three highly talented siblings recently joined forces. Led by the celebrated Zwai Bala, this young trio has already performed at a significant amount of high-profile events, including a debut appearance on SABC2’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, Rand Merchant Bank’s annual Starlight Classics event, and Miss South Africa 2006. MORE

BIANCA LE GRANGE
Based in Johannesburg
This sassy, sexy and gorgeous 26 year-old singer, pianist, violinist, actress is an accomplished musician who completed her schooling at The National School of the Arts where she studied both classical and contemporary music. Since Idols 2004, where she ended in fourth position overall,  Biance has shared the stage with superstars such as Usher, P Diddy, Alicia Keys as well as the cream of SA artists. More

CLAIRE JOHNSTON
Based in Johannesburg
Claire Johnston, previously of the South Africa super group Mango Groove, is undoubtedly one of SA's most iconic artists. Having stormed onto the SA 90's pop scene at the tender age of 20, Claire and Mango Groove have gone on to reach 15 times platinum status in South Africa alone, and have garnered massive international acclaim. The group has had an enormous impact on South Africans and they have built a large following abroad. More

COFIELD MUNDI
Based in Cape Town
Self-penned singer-songwriter Cofield recently licensed her second album The Big Question to Universal Music Group, South Africa. Her distinctive voice, prolific songwriting talent and the commercial value of her songs are evident in her achievements, which include various hit singles, international appearances and nominations for SAMA and Grammy Awards. More

DANNY K
Based in Johannesburg
Danny K has become one of South Africas most successful, versatile and accomplished recording artists. With a wealth of chart-topping hits and award winning albums to his name, Danny K has become a household name in South Africa, and has undoubtedly reached international superstar status. MORE

DON LAKA
Based in Johannesburg
DON LAKA formed his first band at the age of 11 and at age 14 he made his first recording, featuring Ray Phiri on guitar. His career blossomed further by producing and performing with artists such as Ray Phiri and Sipho Mabuse. He is now regarded as one of South Africa’s premier producers, having produced for Mango Groove, Sharon Dee and Johnny Clegg amongst others. MORE

EMO ADAMS
Based in Cape Town
Tall, dark & Afrikaans! Emo Adams is a South African actor, singer and producer best known for his collaborations with David Kramer and the late Taliep Pietersen, specifically his roles in the musicals District 6: The Musical and Kat & the Kings. Born and raised in the heart of the Cape Flats, Mitchells Plein, Adams is the younger sibling of only two sons. MORE

ERNIE SMITH
Based in Durban
Multi-award winning Ernie Smith's musical style has been propelled by the sounds of South Africa mentors like Jonathan Butler, Sandile Shange, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa and many others. Coupled with his ambition to expose and attract young and old to listen to thoughtful music, he has developed a style of playing and singing that is an assimilation of Jazz, African, gospel, soul and R&B references. MORE

freshlyground
Based in Cape Town
Freshlyground exploded onto the SA music scene in 2002 and has not yet failed to captivate audiences with some of the freshest, funkiest African pop South Africa has yet seen. This multiracial, multinational seven-piece ensemble perfectly blends Afro beats, funk, dance, classical influences and jazz to produce a unique sound loved by its growing following. Their latest album ‘Nomvula’ – featuring the unstoppable radio hit single ‘Doo Be Doo’, as well as ‘I’d like’ and ‘Nomvula’ – recently gained Gold status after sales topped 25 000. MORE

GARTH TAYLOR
Based in Johannesburg
Garth Taylor believes that music is a universal language that knows no boundaries. Multi-talented is the word that best describes this adult contemporary artist. Taylor writes his own music and lyrics.! MORE

GIFT GWE
Based in Johannesburg
Gift Gwe, today a household name in South Africa, comes from very humble beginnings... Born in Queenstown to Winnie and Roadwell Gwe, Gift and his older brother Thembela relocated to Mosselbay with Winnie in 1985.  Gift started singing in the church choir, but was not considered to be very talented. He, however, was not deterred by this general opinion, and persisted with his dream to enter the music industry. MORE

GLORIA BOSMAN
Based in Johannesburg
She has shared stages with a myriad artists all of whom represent the African Jazz Renaissance, of which she is a huge part. She has shared the stage with the likes of Sibongile Khumalo, Moses Molelekwa, Tananas, Sipho Mabuse, Vusi Mahlasela, James Philips, Victor Masondo and Hugh Masekela to name only a few. Gloria alsohad the honor of performing in front of both outgoing and incoming presidents. MORE

HEINZ WINCKLER
Based in Johannesburg
Heinz Winckler was the winner of the first South African series of Pop Idols. His debut single, Once in a lifetime, went double platinum in South Africa. His subsequent debut album, One step closer, included this song as well as Soledad, a cover of the Westlife song which he performed during Idols, and Next stop happiness, which became a single as well. More

HIP HOP PANTSULA
Based in Johannesburg
Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) is widely regarded as one of South Africa's leading indeginious Hip Hop / rap artists. He performs in multiple languages, although primarily Setswana. His style of music is known as Motswako, which is the Setswana term for "mixture". He shares a market with artist like Tuks, Morafe, Molemi etc. More

HUGH MASEKELA
Based in Johannesburg
Ever since the day in 1954 when Archbishop Trevor Huddleston gave him his trumpet, Masekela has played music that closely reflects his beginnings as a little boy in Witbank. The street songs, church songs, migrant labour work songs, political protest songs and the sounds of the wide cross-section of ethnic culture South Africa possesses from Xhosa, Zulu, Swazi, Khoi, San, Griqua, Sotho and Tswana peoples of the South, South East, Central and Western Regions to the Ndebele, Tsonga, Venda and Pedi provinces of the North and North West. MORE

JACQ
Based in Johannesburg
Irresistible SA Pop Idol's finalist Jacques Terreblanche received his first formal voice training in Standard 7, aged 14, although he had been singing since the age of two! Since Idols, Jacq's life changed from that of a musician to that of a celebrity practically overnight. Apart from the many high profile performances and events he has been featured in, he has also become an ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger and Redken for Men, and he has become the face of Craig Port. MORE

JASON HARTMAN
Based in Johannesburg
Maybe it’s got something to do with the fact that he still has his homebase in a farm in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, but Jason Hartman is strikingly down-to-earth for someone so prodigiously talented. Idols fans already know a large part of Hartman’s musical gifts: the 29-year-old made such an impression with his singing and performing that in May 2009, he was named the co-winner of the global talent search. MORE

JENNIFER JONES
Based in Johannesburg
Jennifer Jones is an experienced and versatile vocalist. A judge on various national talent compeitions and a well-known face on South African television, she has performed and toured with international artists, such as Michael Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Tina Turner, M People and Dr Alban. She has also performed with most nationally acclaimed South African Artist, such as Vicky Sampson, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Dozi, Kurt Darren, Brandon October, Mynie Grove’ to name but a few. Based in Johannesburg, her singing career spans a period of more than 20 years, in South Africa and internationally. MORE

JIMMY DLUDLU
Based in Johannesburg
Multiple award-winning SA artist Jimmy Dludlu's style includes wide-ranging influences, combining both traditional and modern elements of jazz drawn from among others Wes Montgomery, George Benson and Pat Metheny, to South African legends Miriam Makeba, Letta Mbulu, Hugh Masekela, Themba Mokwena, and Allen Kwela. He is particularly drawn to the sounds of west and central Africa, as well as Latin America, but says jazz remains his first love. His numerous original compositions fall within the tradition of what has been loosely termed Afro-Jazz. MORE

JONAS GWANGWA
Based in Johannesburg
The span of his musical career and the range of his accomplishments, make it difficult to categorise Jonas Gwangwa's talents. For over 30 years, he transversed the world as an exile, collecting accolades at every stop along the way. A product of the turbulent but musically significant 1950's, Gwangwa emerged from the humble environs of Orlando East in Soweto. He electrified the famous Sophiatown music scene until it became illegal for Blacks to congregate and South African musicians were regularly thrown in jail merely for performing their craft. MORE

JOHNNY CLEGG
Based in Johannesburg
Today one of the biggest superstars in the history of South African music, Johnny Clegg, born in Rochdale, England in 1953 was raised in his mother's native land of Zimbabwe before immigrating to South Africa at the age of nine. At the age of 14, Johnny began to learn to play the guitar. Through his interest he met CHARLIE MZILA... MORE

JUDITH SEPHUMA
Based in Johannesburg
By intertwining deep-rooted traditional music with contemporary tones (mainly Jazz, but also RnB), Judith Sephuma has crafted a strongly South African, yet globally accessible sound that has earned her legions of fans. Her debut album - A Cry, A Smile, A Dance - was released in 2001, and brought Judith and her remarkable voice to a wider audience. MORE

KAREN ZOID
Based in Johannesburg
South Africa's celebrated rock chick! Karen Zoid and her band have become major attractions all over South Africa, headlining major rock concerts and touring at most major venues. More

LIRA
Based in Johannesburg
Lira is undoubtedly one of the hottest performing artists in South Africa at the moment. Her single "Feel Good" has earned her a 2007 SAMA Award in the category Best Music Video, and enjoys more radio airplay than any other South African song. This SONY/BMG signed artist's popularity stretches beyond the borders of South Africa; her most recent performances being in Italy, releasing "Feel Good" to the European market. MORE

LOUIS MHLANGA
Based in Johannesburg
Louis’ outstanding feel and touch have taken him all over the world. He has performed at major festivals like: The Sunsplash in Austria, Music Metisses in France, Rudelstadt in Germany, Masa in Ivory Coast, Dranoufer in Belgium, Tribute concert for Lady Di in England, Stranger than Paranoia and Mundial in The Netherlands to name a few.. MORE

LOYISO
Based in Johannesburg
Multi talented Loyiso Bala, winner of 3 SAMA’s, 2 Metro FM and GQ’s Best Dressed Awards (amongst others), is undoubtedly South Africa's top R&B artist today. Having toured over 16 countries, Loyiso has enjoyed wide international acclaim. At the end of 2002 he embarked on a world tour that saw him stopping off in London, America and Asia, while in September 2003 he travelled to Dubai and Kuwait for more shows. He has written music for a number of drama series and documentaries for Australian, Namibian and American producers. MORE

MAFIKIZOLO
Based in Johannesburg
Mafikizolo are part of South Africa’s kwaito explosion. Their name may mean 'new kids on the block, who just arrived yesterday' in Zulu, but Mafikizolo are no newcomers. This vibrant, stylish group that created a delicious dance brew by mixing old and new South African sounds, have released seven hit filled Afro Pop albums, sold over a million copies, and picked up countless awards, which makes them one of the biggest groups in South Africa. MORE

MANDOZA
Based in Johannesburg
Today one of South Africa's top kwaito superstars; Mandoza's presence in the SA music industry was first noticed when he surfaced as part of kwaito group, Chiskop, and was confirmed in 1999 with the release of one of that year's top-selling (100 000 units and counting) albums, 9115 Zola South, which also earned Mandoza a 2000 FNB South African Music Award nomination as Best Newcomer. MORE

MARA LOUW
Based in Johannesburg
Also known as Mara Louw Thomson, Mara started singing at the age of 10 with the now famously known choir, Imilonji Kantu. In 1973 she joined Caiphus Semenya's musical, Meropa and toured Japan, Hong Kong, The Philippines, South Africa and London and sang for the Queen at a Royal Command Performance in 1975. On her return to South Africa, Mara's solo career took her to Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia. MORE

MELANIE LOWE
Based in Johannesburg
A top 3 Idols finalist, Melanie has had 3 successful single releases (one of which won her a SAMA for song writing), as well as her debut album Yesterday’s Diary, which was advertised on SABC3, and is soon to be followed by a brand new English album, as well as a single for the Afrikaans market, as she has support in both markets. MORE

PJ POWERS
Based in Johannesburg
PJ Powers, also known as Thandeka, has enjoyed a highly successful musical career in South Africa spanning more than 15 years, during which time she has been one of the few white entertainers who has crossed cultural barriers and been loved by both black and white audiences alike. P.J. Powers has recorded 15 albums and is well known for her UK chart hit World In Union (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) in 1995. More

RINGO MADLINGOZI
Based in Johannesburg
Multi-talented vocalist, drummer, percussionist, guitarist, songwriter and producer Ringo Madlingozi is one of South Africa’s strongest live performing acts. He is however no newcomer to the music scene, and has perservered through a succession of bands, and session work which has had him recording with artists as diverse as Hugh Masekela, Simply Red, Teddy Pendergrass (The Power of One) and Caiphus Semenya, as well as for the movie The Lion King. MORE

SIMPHIWE DANA
Based in Johannesburg
Simphiwe Dana is one of the greatest success stories in South African music. With her earthy voice that really gets under one's skin, Simphiwe is one of the shooting stars on the SA music scene. Media in South Africa hails Simphiwe Dana as "the best thing to happen to Afro-Soul music since Miriam Makeba” and even called her "South Africa’s Jazz Diva No#1". MORE

SIPHOKAZI
Based in Johannesburg
Siphokazi Maraqana, Afro-Soul artist who hails from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, took the SA music industry by storm with the 2006 release of her debut album "Ubuntu Bam", which was awarded with a 2007 SAMA award for Best African Adult Contemporary Album. Siphokazi is however no stranger to the stage, having performed at numerous concerts and festivals, both as a backing vocalist and a featured soloists with renowned artists such as Tshepo Tsola, Ringo Madlingozi, Mat Matshikiza, Simphiwe Dana, Zamajobe, and Stimela. MORE

THANDISWA MAZWAI
Based in Johannesburg
Having performed as backing vocalist with Bongo Maffin for a few years, Thandiswa Mazwai was invited to join as lead singer in 1997, and subsequently ejnoyed a rapid rise to fame. Hailed as the sound of "new South Africa," Bongo Maffin were one of the first group's to perform kwaito, a purely South African mixture of hip-hop, reggae, and house music flavored with South African sensibilities and dialects. A very strong selling point for Bongo Maffin was now-multiple award-winning Thandiswa's politically conscious lyrics and rich, expressive vocals. MORE

THREE AFRO TENORS
Based in Johannesburg
The Three Afro Tenors, performing together since 1997, are Agos Moahi, Given Mabena and Lucky Sibandan. All three members studied at the Opera Department of the Pretoria Technikon, under the vocal tuition of Eric Muller and Pierre du Toit, and were awarded National Diplomas for Performing Arts specialising in Opera. The three highly talented young men, energised by a living passion for their chosen genre of music and song, have taken the local Incentive and Corporate markets by storm! MORE

TONY COX
Based in Johannesburg
Born in Zimbabwe and now residing in Johannesburg South Africa, multiple award-winning acoustic guitarist Tony Cox has become a veritable icon of the instrument in his own country.  And now the guitarist seems to be working his particular six-string magic further a-field. As of late, he has undertaken regular forays into Europe and Canada and has seen a loyal fan-base begin to develop in the UK. MORE

WENDY OLDFIELD
Based in George
Wendy first made a name for herself on radio performing the hit This Boy with rock outfit The Sweatband in the early eighties.  After much success with songs like Tonight, Shape of her body, This boy and many years of touring and performing, she left the group to start a solo career. MORE

YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA
Based in Johannesburg
Yvonne Chaka Chaka is commonly known as the Princess of Africa-- her instantly recognisable name at the forefront of South African music is synonymous with her catchy tunes, compelling performances and a versatility of style. Her successful career has spawned more than 16 albums and a string of gold and platinum hits both locally and in the rest of Africa and award- winning albums including a SAMA Award for Best Female Singer. MORE