This year boomed with music everywhere, but I was particularly drawn into the South African scene. I personally took my time out to explore our local music scene, from attending concerts, live and intimate performances, and meeting new artists, to truly engaging with their artistry. I have always been fascinated by the creative process and the work that goes into producing a great album, and this year was no exception.
I deeply immersed myself in trying to understand the stages an artist goes through before they publicly release their body of work. From the initial spark of inspiration to the final product, I believe that every step of the journey is crucial in shaping the artist's vision and sound. This year, I had the privilege of meeting some of the most incredible artists of our country, from new to old, and I am proud to say that the future of our music is in good hands.
In celebration of South Africa's vibrant music scene, I proudly present my third and final Top 5 Albums of 2024:
Emtee - DIY 3
If anyone could get an award for the best hook in every song, it would definitely be Emtee. After a long 3 years Emtee dropped his highly anticipated fourth studio album “DIY”. The eleven-track album is bind into storytelling, with Emtee's signature style of trapping - each song embodies his personal journey, street culture, hustling and fatherhood/family. The guest appearances from Saudi, Just G, and Nanette add a delightful layer of depth and diversity to the album, but it's Emtee's limitless talent that truly shines through.
Manana - Our Broken Hearts Mend
When we all thought there was no rescuing African R&B Manana went and proved us wrong in his 16 track album titled ‘Our Broken Hearts Mend’. The soulful singer who hails from eSwatini has been making waves in the South African music scene for quite sometime - cementing his presence with his debut album. Manana's soulful voice weaves a narrative that's both deeply personal and universally relatable, taking listeners on a journey through the ups and downs of romance and relationship.The album features one of my favourite rappers ‘Rapsody’ which makes it an obvious choice about my favourite track in the album.
Elaine - Stone Cold Heart
'Stone Cold Heart' is a reflection of Elaine's journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. As she explained, "It's about learning to differentiate between being too nice and being a people pleaser. It's about finding that thin line between being a people person and being taken advantage of." This theme is woven throughout the 14-track album, with each song telling a story of love, heartache, and self-love. One of the standout tracks, 'Love Me Slowly', a cool, laid-back song. The blend of R&B and rock throughout the record is a bold move, but it pays off in a big way, creating an awesome listening experience that's both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Dylan Fine - River Wide
This has to be a long overdue offering, released right before the December festivities, River Wide is a debut album by Cape Town-based artist, Dylan Fine, who has been in the music industry for quite sometime, featuring and working with some of the most prominent South African artists and bands. The album is a masterful blend of his diverse musical capabilities, showcasing his impressive range and versatility as a musician. I had the privilege of attending his album launch, where he serenaded us with his amazing band, performing tracks from the album with passion and precision. The energy in the room was electric. River Wide is a beautiful debut album that not only introduces Dylan as a solo artist but also highlights his continuous impact on South African music industry. My standout songs include Falling, These Four Walls, and the album's title track, River Wide.
Keenan Meyer - Reawakening
The first time I heard ‘Boesman Se Opstanding’ I had to stop everything I was doing and listen, the song's build-up caught me off guard, I was like what is that, I was so impressed at the song's transition which forced me to go and listen to the full album. Reawakening is Keenan Meyer's second studio album, a project he calls a labour of love, and for good reason. In his quest to spiritually connect with self, Keenan took a journey to explore the rich history of his culture, which simultaneously birthed this album. The 7-track album is an homage to his spiritual alignment, a sign of his dedication to his craft and his heritage. The album's themes of spirituality, identity, and cultural heritage are woven throughout each track, creating a narrative that is both personal and profound. Keenan's music is a reflection of his own journey, one that is marked by a deep sense of curiosity, creativity, and passion. And it is this passion that shines through in every aspect of the album, from the production to the lyrics to the performances.
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