The 5 South African songs you need to listen to

South Africa's diversity has given birth to a plethora of musical sounds over the years. From traditional music all the way to new waves such as amapiano, Mzansi knows how to do music well and caters for all tastes.

But what are the quintessential South African songs you need to add to your playlist, as both locals and visitors coming to sample the best of what the country has to offer?

Below are five songs that need to form the starting point of your adventure into the sounds of South Africa.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Shosholoza

For many, 'Shosholoza' was the soundtrack to the 1995 Rugby World Cup, uniting a nation at a time when it needed it the most. However, the origins of the song are actually found in Zimbabwe, where it was sung by Ndebele miners travelling by train to South Africa. The late Nelson Mandela admitted in his book, 'The Long Walk To Freedom', that he used to sing the song while imprisoned on Robben Island as it "made the work lighter". 

What was once a traditional miner's song has found global fame over the years, with international artists such as Peter Gabriel and Helmut Lotti performing their own versions. However, the most famous version is that of Grammy winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who, over the years, have shown the world that traditional songs have their place in mainstream popular culture.

Johnny Clegg & Savuka - The Crossing (Osiyeza)

It would be wrong to have a list of South African classics without including the late Johnny Clegg. The singer, songwriter, musician, dancer, anthropologist, and staunch anti-apartheid activist showed the world during the country's darkest time that there was hope for South Africa, with his beliefs and talents earning him the nickname of 'White Zulu'.

While 'The Crossing' may not be the first choice of many when it comes to their favourite Johnny Clegg song, the power and meaning behind it make it my personal favourite. Written and recorded in 1993 following the passing of Clegg's bandmate Dudu Ndlovu, it addresses the theme of the transition from life to death, which echoed throughout the country at a time when South Africa was finally moving towards freedom from apartheid.

Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata

Released in 1967, 'Pata Pata' became a global sensation, with Miriam Makeba rightly receiving international recognition for her talents. The song was inspired by the dance of the same name, which was popular at the time in Johannesburg and surrounds.

The song's impact in 1967 saw it rise to 12th on the US Billboard Hot 100 and 7th on the US Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart, while it hit number one in Venezuela and 12th in Iceland, an unexpected placement. Almost poetically, 'Pata Pata' was the final song Makeba performed live before passing away after collapsing while on stage in Italy.

Brenda Fassie - Weekend Special

While the lyrics of the song speak of being used, loneliness, and longing, the joy it sparks in people when it plays is almost contradictory in nature. Released in 1983 by Brenda & The Big Dudes, the song became something of an anthem at the time, with the commercial success catapulting Brenda Fassie into the big time—an incredible achievement for a 19-year-old and a debut album.

Known as South Africa's Queen of Pop Music, the Madonna of the Townships, and MaBrrr, Fassie sadly passed away at the young age of 39 in 2004, but her legacy continues to live on in her music.

Mgarimbe - Sister Bethina

The official unofficial national anthem of South Africa. Go to any sporting event or large gathering in South Africa and 'Sister Bethina is likely to be played - more than once. South Africans have adopted the song just like they did 'Shosholoza' in 1995, and the unity it brings is something to behold in person.

Mgarimbe first released the track two decades ago. While controversy has surrounded unpaid royalties, his reemergence as a kwaito star, thanks to the song's adoption by the South African public, has given rise to a second wave of his career - and it's clear that he isn't done yet.

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