Call it 'underground' or independent, it's important to be in touch with what is happening on the ground to understand what will come next. Like everything else in life, our beloved genre has waves or phases where a certain sub-genre or style becomes more prominent. In 2019 I used to think to myself what will come after the New Wave? For a while, I thought maybe we might see a more rock-infused version of trap but I was very wrong, and honestly, I'm happy I am.
Apple Music recently released stats that list the most-streamed albums since the platform launched in South Africa. Even with the rapid rise of Amapiano, it was an R&B artist that took the number one spot. R&B has always been part of the South African music scene but it oftentimes appealed to an older audience but that has changed in the last two years. Elaine is firmly an international artist with her signing a major deal with Columbia Records.
The explosive stateside success of African rappers, afrobeat and afrobeats artists made the industry listen up. Now, another genre is set to break through.https://t.co/LAcsosc9f3
— billboard (@billboard) September 2, 2021
The R&B scene is filled with talent and the genre feels like it resonates with the youth rather than being an outsider. One such artist is Thando, who has one of the most beautiful voices I have heard with her 'A Force To Be Reckoned With' EP. I always wonder how artists deliver DEBUT projects that are that amazing. Some things aren't fair. Thando deservedly earned herself a SAMA nomination for the Best R&B/Soul Album for her debut EP. Special.
It wouldn't be fair to write this article without mentioning Joda Kgosi. I will say it again, she really has no business making the quality of music she does at her age. 'Truth Is' and 'Lunatic' gained her a lot of deserved attention because wow, have you heard those songs? So you get it. Joda Kgosi might have had one of the most anticipated R&B releases this year alongside Shekhinah and Ayanda Jjiya and that's great company to be around as an artist who just had singles. 'Sour Milk' was an amazing debut body of work with Joda Kgosi showing off her vocal range and mature writing style and the world is starting to take notice with her music being featured on Ebro's 'Discovered On Apple Music'. There are so many talented artists in the R&B scene that I could talk about. With that being said, do you think R&B got next?
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