Zim-born Sha Sha among musicians who impressed in Africa for 2022
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Loading... - Mary Wekesa
- 26 Jan 2023
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At the end of every year, Music In Africa’s editors take stock of the biggest releases of the past 12 months by compiling our eagerly anticipated pan-African playlist. This selection of music, divided into six continental regions, is available here.
We also make a point to follow the artists behind Africa’s big releases and track their careers with great pride and eager interest. Below are African artists who made an impression on our editorial team in 2022.
Southern Africa
Zakes Bantwini (South Africa)
Zakes Bantwini made a significant impact in 2022 with his Ghetto King album. With its mixture of EDM and tribal house, the album spawned the hit single ‘Osama’, which peaked at No 1 on the Radiomonitor SA charts. The project earned Bantwini an Apple Music feature as Isgubhu cover star in February. He was also among the big winners at the 2022 South African Music Awards (SAMAs), with two trophies for Best Collaboration and SAMRO Highest Radio Airplay Composer. His song ‘Bayethe’ with collaborators Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Global Music Performance category. And this wasn’t all. The producer added to his growing trophy cabinet when he was crowned Musician of the Year at GQ’s Men of the Year Awards in December.
Sha Sha (Zimbabwe/South Africa)
The Zimbabwean singer continued to be a major force in the Southern African music industry in 2022. In June, Sha Sha signed a management deal with Black Major, before she released her ‘iPiano’ video featuring Kamo Mphela and Felo Le Tee. This was followed by a few new singles that led up to the August release of her album I’m Alive, which boasts collaborations with top local artists including Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Mellow & Sleazy, Ami Faku, Blxckie, Rowlene and A-Reece. In October, the 28-year-old musician was featured on a massive Spotify billboard in New York City’s Times Square, cementing her place among today’s most exciting young African artists. Read More…
