We look to music in our lives for a variety of reasons. To meditate, to rejoice, to relive moments, revive spirits, to heal, to speak our minds, to help us put words to our feelings and for while gyming/exercising, for some of us. The fact is that music has a unique role to play in all our lives.

Music is said to be the food for the soul, and having it continue playing on and on, makes for good soul searching and therapy. Some say that music is mesmerizing. Others say, music heals them. Others look to music for inspiration while others say that music is their form of entertainment. One thing is certain, it serves unique purpose to each of us and we often look to music when the going gets tough or when there is reason to celebrate or when we just need that inspiration to feel better about ourselves.

Who remembers the local talent search Coca-Cola Popstars reality TV show that aired in 2000s,with the first winning South African group ‘101‘ releasing their smash hit “Whose it gonna be?” & the second winning group of the show, ‘Adilah‘ releasing the popular “Ses’fikile (We have arrived)?”. And who remembers the all female group ‘Jamali‘ losing to boy-band ‘Ghetto lingo‘ back in 2004? Jamali went on to earn much successes in their music career compared to the winning group and most of these winning groups, including the last winning group, ‘Nne Vida‘ have all fizzled into the air. I wonder what goes wrong… and it’s the same curse for most reality music competitions. As I write this, Idols SA is in its 16th season on-air – all of these shows share a commonality through music and unearthing new talent. The staying power and longevity in the industry is still something lacking.

I love my music and South African music in particular – I am patriotic like that. I own a considerable amount of physical CDs, yes – I say this unashamed, with pride and conviction, even in this digital age. I am still adjusting with conforming to the digital age.

Our music has the power to transcend across genres to cater for a variety of needs and audiences. Our music is unique, in that there is a story behind every lyric, attire and beat. A story, most often attributed to where we come from as a nation to where we ought to be. Our music speaks of diversity, inclusivity, identity and belonging. It’s a not so silent tool we can best use to encourage social cohesion and integration. Our music is world-class, the Grammy award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo and The Soweto Gospel Choir attests to that fact. A number of local artists have also contributed significantly towards putting the world’s spotlight on our country. This article is also a tribute to all of them.

The likes of Sho Madjozi, Sjava, The Soil, Joyous Celebration, Freshlyground and Mafikizolo are typical examples that showcase what the country is capable of brewing for the entire world to enjoy…

I’ve compiled this list of the best 10 albums from South African artists that are worth owning. In no particular order…

Judith Sephuma – A cry, a smile, a dance.

‘Fly away, my heart and don’t despair. The world of full of joy, you cry, you smile then you dance.’ These are the opening lines of this album by celebrated jazz and gospel icon, Judith Sephuma. An album I treasure so dearly for many personal reasons. ‘A cry, a smile, a dance‘ is Judith Sephuma’s debut album, released in 2001 under BMG Africa and was produced by fellow celebrated singer and composer Selaelo Selota. The album is as versatile as the artist herself with songs that cater to the jazz, soul, Afro-pop, traditional and gospel audiences all in one masterpiece. It takes you to the villages and back to the big city after moving from one track to another. I personally credit the album, through its third song ‘You had your hand on me‘ for getting me through one of the most toughest and trying period of my life. I highly doubt that I would have made it through had it not been for the message in the song, to hold on and keep the faith. Other memorable songs in the album include ‘Le tshepile mang (whom have you trusted?)’,’Mmangwane (my mother’s young sister)’, ‘My saviour’ & ‘I remember‘.

Liquideep – Fabrics of the heart

Liquideep is a multi-award winning South African band that is made up of singer-songwriter/vocalist Jonathan ‘Zyon‘ Hamilton and Dj/Producer Thabo ‘Ryzor‘ Shokgolo. They are most popular for the smash hit, ‘Fairytale‘. Their album ‘Fabrics of the heart‘ was released in 2010 under the music stable Mentalwave and although it is over a decade old, still resonates with many South Africans even to this day. It is a treasure. It ticks all the boxes in terms of musicality quality, composition, relevance, relatability and is a complete package. The album set the bar quite high within the house genre scene and made them a household favourite with sales certified as platinum. The album has 15 songs in total which include hits such as ‘Angel‘, ‘BBM‘, ‘Alone‘, ‘Something about you‘, ‘Settle for less‘ & ‘Still‘. The album appropriately ends with a reprise version of the popular ‘fairytale‘. The duo released a follow-up to this album titled ‘Welcome aboard‘ in 2013,which is also worth a listening. If you love timeless South African House music, you’re in for a treat with this one. I bet you won’t skip a track while listening.

Toya Delazy – Due Drop

Latoya Buthelezi, professionally known as ‘Toya Delazy‘ is a South African artist who was born in KwaZulu Natal. Her debut studio album ‘Due Drop‘ was released in 2012 under Sony Music Entertainment Africa. It contains eleven original tracks which include the smash hits ‘Heart‘, ‘Pump it on‘ & ‘Love is in the air‘ amongst many more others and an additional four new tracks, with featured artists on the follow-up ‘Due Drop deluxe‘. It’s a memorable album in that it introduced a fresh new wave of alternative local Hip Hop, Pop and wave music that cuts across all races. The album is timeless and will be relevant to enjoy for many years to come. Toya Delazy is also the granddaughter of former Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi. She followed up this album with ‘Ascension‘ in 2014.

Soweto Gospel Choir – African Spirit

South African gospel and traditional music is unique and no other ensemble best executes these genres than the multi-Grammy award winning Soweto Gospel Choir. The colourful choir from one of the biggest townships in the country was formed in 2002. Their on-stage presence and attires speak to the energy and diversity of the South African nation. The album ‘African spirit‘ was released in 2007 and won a Grammy award for Best traditional world music in 2008. The album has 20 tracks and is eclectic in its compilation. From traditional, contemporary to more urban gospel, you’re guaranteed a song that will resonate with your spiritual needs. Notable songs in the album include the worship hymns ‘Modimo (God)’, ‘Somlandela‘ (We shall follow Him), ‘Akahlulwa yilutho (nothing defeats God)’ & the praise songs: ‘Avulekile amasango (Heaven’s gates are open)/One love’ mash up, ‘Ke na le modisa (The Lord is my sherpard) ‘ & ‘Hlohonolofatsa (Bless)’. It also packs a few punches of its own through their African-inspired interpretations and renditions of popular world genre songs such ‘Forever young‘, ‘One‘ and ‘World in union‘. Other songs that are also worth listening include ‘Africa‘, ‘Rivers of Babylon‘ and ‘Shosholoza‘. There’s a song in this album for anyone.

Zamajobe – Ndawo Yami

If there’s any album, I cannot stop raving about it’s this one. Zama Sithole ‘Zamajobe‘ was born and raised in Vosloorus, East of Johannesburg and ‘Ndawo Yami (My place)’ is her debut studio album which was released in 2004 under BMG Africa. It has a total of 12 tracks. She earned fame after appearing on local singing reality TV competition Idols SA during its second season where she was eliminated at the Top 8 round. She may not have won the competition but managed to win the hearts of many, including mine, long after the competition ended. The album introduced a new voice which has heart and soul to the Afro-pop genre. Her music transcends time and generations, reflecting on the many experiences of life such as love, belonging, solace in solitude and freedom to the state of mind. Notable songs to look forward to in the albums include ‘Magic‘, ‘Hey hey hey‘, ‘Sunshine‘ & the title song ‘Ndawo Yami‘. Other albums to out for from Zamajobe include ‘Ndoni Yamanzi (a vessel of water)’ released in 2009 and ‘Thula Mntwana (quieten down, my little one)’ released in 2013.

Johnny Clegg – The best of Juluka/Savuka

Jonathan (Johnny) Paul Clegg was a singer-songwriter, dancer, anti-apartheid activist and anthropologist who was born in England and was raised in South Africa. He united South Africans from different walks of life through his music, messaging and culture. ‘The White Zulu’ as Johnny was affectionately called, lived a colourful life, through music, that reflected the ideals of the rainbow nation and its rich diversity that our country so desperately seeks to achieve. He dedicated his life to learn and understand the IsiZulu culture, and while doing so, identified with majority of black South Africans. He also connected with many through his music that told bold stories of hope, embracing diversity, freedom and peace – the first three songs of the album: ‘Scatterlings of Africa‘, ‘The great heart‘ and ‘Asimbonanga (we haven’t seen him, this in reference to the arrest of the late former president Nelson Mandela)’ attest to this. He founded the bands Savuka and Juluka in the late 1970s to late 1980s with other noted musicians and continued to enjoy great success long before he went solo. The album was released in 1994 under the Rhythm Safari and has sixteen fantastic songs. Even though the legendary Johnny Clegg may have departed, his teachings through his music continues to live on.

Shwi nomtekhala – Wangisiza baba

2004 was a terrific year for this maskandi duo from the KZN homelands and I bet they never imagined that they would make history by being the first of their kind to sell well over half a million copies of the album. They also broke barriers, through their records, by winning a SAMA award from Best Selling Music album – the very first award handed to a maskandi artist. This twelve track album, released under Bula Music, won them numerous SAMA awards and special credits especially for the song ‘Ngafa (I almost got into deep trouble)’. ‘Wangisiza baba (You’ve assisted me, father)’ was indeed their breakthrough album, getting them noticed and acknowledged for their hard work and contribution to not only the IsiZulu language but to the maskandi genre and culture overall. The album grew their fan base and popularity, instantly setting them up for stardom – although this album was not their debut, which is another proof that God’s timing is also applicable to the music industry and its stories of triumph as well. Songs such as ‘Ngafa‘, ‘Wangisiza baba‘ ‘Imali (money)’ & ‘Ngitshele S’thandwa (Tell me something, my love)’ will continue to be played and adored by many for years to come. I love my home language and admire what this duo did in contributing to the wealth of the maskandi music genre through this masterpiece.

Beatenberg – The hanging gardens of Beatenberg

This trio from Cape Town is made up of Matthew Field, Ross Dorkin and Robin Brink, released their album ‘The hanging gardens of Beaterberg‘ in 2014 under Universal Music Group. This is their second studio album. An album that I refer to as their cross-over one, certainly introducing them to a wider and different market than previously envisaged. This album added a unique twist to the local house music scene with the remix of their smash hit ‘Pluto‘ which they collaborated with Dj Clock. It opened them up to the popular house scene and to many other avenues. Pluto was a firm favourite amongst South Africans and the records in the various charts and dance floors across the country provides testimony to their success. Other fantastic songs to look out for in the album include ‘Rafael‘, ‘Southern Surburbs‘, ‘Beauty like a tightened bow‘ & another personal favourite ‘Ithaca‘. It’s an album that caters for a variety of listeners from those that prefer pop, with a bit of soul to upbeat rock and some elements of retro acoustics. It’s one of a kind. An album that I am certain will be echoed as a firm favourite to many for many decades to come.

Zonke – Ina Ethe (Give and Take) – Live

Now here’s a South African songstress who’s not only talented but has a glorious music career with a voice that speaks to the soul. Zonke Dikana was born in the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth and started off her music career as a backing vocalist who soon featured in popular house songs with artists such as Thebe in the late 2000s. She has worked with many other local artists, composing songs for them and had some international exposure which saw her composing a song titled, ‘Africa, my motherland’ for German-based band Jazzkanite. Zonke’s ‘Give and Take‘ Live album was recorded on the 5th July 2013 at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg. The album won two SAMA awards in 2014 for Best Live DVD and Best African adult album. This album was a follow up and add-on album to the initial Ina Ethe (Give and take) – her second studio album (released in 2011 under TMP Entertainment) following her debut album ‘Life, love ‘n music’ which was released in 2007 under Kalawa Jazmee. Ina Ethe won her a best African adult album award and earned a nomination for Album of the year at the 18th edition of the SAMAs. Ina Ethe consisted of 14 original songs, written and produced by Zonke. The album contains huge RnB and soul anthems such as ‘Feelings‘, ‘Ngomso (tomorrow)’ , ‘Thank you for loving me‘, ‘Jik’izinto (turn things around)’ and ‘Viva the legend‘ (a song she dedicated to her late father, Vuyisile Viva Dikana) amongst many other great songs. So ‘Give and take Live‘ is a special live edition of Ina Ethe with 20 songs that she performed alongside her 25 piece band – the best band of its kind in the country if I may add. The album was presented in the four seasons of the year theme with each song, a representation of the seasons in her own life. The album also included a previously unreleased song titled ‘Say now’ which she debuted at the recording and officially released with the album. It’s one of the best of its kind of album to own alongside her award-winning DVD of the same title.

Brenda Fassie – Memeza

Brenda Fassie’s iconic ‘Memeza‘ (To cry/shout/scream out) album was recorded in 1997 and subsequently released in 1998 and was produced by Sello ‘Chicco’ Thwala. I grew up in the era where the festive period was marked by family gatherings and joyous festivities that brought families, scattered across the provinces for various reasons mostly due to work, together over a feast and music in the background contributed significantly to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Brenda Fassie was the one artist that brought families together and she had the power to unite through song and easily switch between an emotional, sombre mood to a disco one filled with glitz and dance. The title song of the album ‘Memeza‘ is one such emotive ballad that speaks of a person who’s caught at the crossing line between life and death, finding herself begging and crying out for the merciless perpetrators of harm to spare their life. Then comes ‘Vulindlela‘ a popular wedding song that speaks of celebration, where a bridal team from the groom’s side of the family, are asking the neighbours gathered as witnesses to the wedding to open up and make way for them. Other notable songs to look out for include the opening ‘Qula‘ which means to grow up and ‘Sum’ bulala (Please, don’t kill hi/her)’. According to an article from samusicmag, this album has the bragging rights of selling half a million physical copies, making it one of the best selling albums in South Africa of all time.

When it comes to local music, I can go on and on, without feeling guilty at all. That’s the magnitude of the power in our music. You speak of protests, gatherings and celebrations – music is a fundamental to us coming together for a purpose. Saddened that there were some albums that I could not package in this piece but will do so in the near future.

Seeing that I’ve started the conversation, what are your favourite South African albums to add to the list?