The class of 2026: SA musicians ready for the spotlight

​If your playlists feel tired, this is your sign to refresh them.

Across the country, a new wave of artists is creating music with heart, purpose and identity.

From KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to Gauteng, from rock stages to amapiano dance floors, these voices are shaping the sound of now and the future.

Here are the emerging South African artists who deserve your attention this year.

DJ Veek

DJ Veek, born Manqoba Buthelezi, is a producer, songwriter and DJ from Ladysmith, now based in Durban.

His sound combines traditional 1990s South African rhythms with modern house music and amapiano. The result feels rooted yet forward-looking, familiar yet new.

He has already worked with respected names such as Nkosazana Daughter, Zee Nxumalo, DJ Zinhle, MaWhoo and Babalwa M. These collaborations reflect both his growing reputation and his ability to adapt across styles without losing his identity.

Inspired by his father’s musical background, Veek speaks often about shaping the future of African sound, not only contributing to it.

Last month, he released an EP titled “Nkosi” with Criimora b.k.z. In announcing the project, he thanked his supporters and explained that the EP carries their story and their prayers in the form of art.

He described it as a labour of love and a reflection of gratitude to the community that has carried their journey.

Midnight Avenue

Midnight Avenue is a youth alternative rock band from Chatsworth in Durban.

The group is made up of five teenage musicians who came together towards the end of 2024, united by a love for live music and honest expression. Their sound leans into atmosphere and emotion, built for the stage with electric guitar, drums, slower songs and vocals that feel soft but gritty.

What sets the band apart is their clear intention. Their message centres on spreading love and helping listeners feel understood and less alone.

That purpose is evident in their debut single “Summer Rain”, which they released last month.

Even at this early stage, they are already working towards an album, showing commitment and momentum that is rare in such a young band.

Okwanda

Okwanda is a rising singer whose name is quickly becoming familiar in the amapiano circles.

She broke through with the viral hit “Phatha Phatha”, featuring Sir Trill, a song that travelled fast across social media and dance floors.

Her music blends rhythm and emotion, sitting comfortably within amapiano and 3-Step while still carrying a soulful feel.

Beyond Trill, she has collaborated with artists such as B Soul, Dunny82k, Q Bonke and Mlooda. These partnerships show her versatility and growing influence.

Jesse Breytenbach

Jesse Breytenbach is the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Cantrel.

The band includes his father, Neil Breytenbach, who is a member of Prime Circle. While that legacy could be a heavy shadow, he has used it as a foundation rather than a crutch.

Cantrel is known for a gritty rock sound inspired by the nineties and for live performances filled with energy.

Jesse has spoken openly about their approach, explaining that much of modern rock leans on heavy production and electronic layering, while Cantrel wants to keep things real. For him, it is about creating a massive live sound that holds on to the iconic feel of earlier rock while still feeling current.

He has shared that rock was always part of his life. He grew up surrounded by it, watching legends, learning how they write and seeing how they continue to perform with passion.

Instead of rebelling against that world, he embraced it fully.

Thobeka

Thobeka is a gqom artist and vocalist whose voice has become one of the most recognisable in the Durban scene. 

She has worked with key figures in the genre, including DJ Lag, Que DJ and DJ Tira. Her vocals are powerful and expressive, which has made her a sought-after collaborator.

She is also a South African Music Awards (Samas) winner. In 2024, she featured on Que DJ’s album “We Do Not Play The Same Gqom 2”, which won Best Gqom Album.

Reflecting on this milestone, she shared how she began as a young girl recording vocals with friends and never imagined reaching such heights. 

She credited the support of her community for carrying her forward and described the award as a major step in pursuing her career in music and entertainment.

Natasha MD

Natasha MD is a multi-talented artist working across music, modelling and voiceover.

She is best known for her work in afro house and amapiano, where she has built a strong reputation through collaboration and consistency. Her catalogue includes songs like “Mama”, “Moya”, “Kilimanjaro" and several EPs that showcase her range.

She began recording professionally in 2016 and quickly developed a style that blends soulful roots with the energy of contemporary house music.

This sound has attracted collaborations with artists such as Prince Kaybee, Kelvin Momo and Hanna Haïs.

Late last year, she released a deeply personal song titled “The Awakening”. In sharing it with her audience, she spoke about how 2025 had been one of the hardest years of her life.

She expressed gratitude to those who stayed with her and trusted her with their work, and shared her faith that she would come back stronger. She admitted that the song reflects her struggles and that even listening to it was difficult.

Nkeshemba

Nkeshemba is a rising maskandi artist and songwriter whose music blends tradition with a modern feel.

He has gained significant traction, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where his work connects strongly with listeners who value cultural resonance and lived experience.

His hit song “Ngixolele Mtanami" made a major impact last year and has since passed eleven million views on YouTube, a clear sign of his reach.

His lyrics often carry emotional weight, touching on themes of family, hardship, hope and accountability.

Earlier this month, he took a moment to thank his fans and supporters for the encouragement and love that they showed during his first year as a maskandi artist.

He reflected on how, when he was just starting, he was still finding his way in the music industry, and their belief in him made a real difference.

He also expressed gratitude to event organisers who trusted him and gave him opportunities to perform, noting that every booking and stage helped him grow as an artist.

Their support motivates him to work harder and continue developing his craft.

Looking ahead, he promised to bring more music this year and shared that he is already preparing something special, with more details to come soon.