The Most Famous South African Singer, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the singer you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 20, 2024 08:22

In the vibrant landscape of South African music, where numerous voices rise and echo through the valleys and cities, identifying the most celebrated singer can often provide insights into the cultural heartbeat of the nation. Ranking these artists not only highlights their individual talents but also showcases the diverse musical heritage that South Africa has to offer. This continuously updated list reflects the current favorites, directly influenced by your votes. By participating in this interactive ranking, you contribute to a dynamic, community-driven assessment of musical brilliance. Each vote you cast influences the standings, giving a true voice to fans and ensuring that emerging artists have a spotlight alongside established icons. This process not only keeps the list fresh and relevant but also connects fans from different backgrounds through shared musical passions.

Who Is the Most Famous South African Singer?

1

56
votes
Miriam Makeba

Miriam Makeba is also known as Mama Africa, she was a Grammy Award-winning singer and civil rights activist. Her music blended African rhythms and melodies with jazz and pop, making her a pioneer of world music.
Miriam Makeba in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous singer in South Africa
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous musician in Africa
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous African
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person in South Africa
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous person in Tanzania
2

39
votes
davidata · CC BY-SA 3.0

Johnny Clegg

Johnny Clegg is known as the "White Zulu," Clegg was a singer, songwriter, and dancer who blended African and Western music to create a unique sound. He was also an anti-apartheid activist and used his music as a tool for social change.
Johnny Clegg in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous singer in South Africa
3

15
votes
Brenda Fassie

Brenda Fassie is known as the "Queen of African Pop," Fassie was a popular singer in the 1980s and 1990s. Her music was a blend of traditional African rhythms, pop, and disco, and she was known for her powerful voice and energetic stage presence.
Brenda Fassie in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous singer in South Africa
4

28
votes
WOMEX · CC BY 2.0

Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela is a jazz trumpeter and composer, Masekela was one of the most influential musicians in South Africa's history. He was an anti-apartheid activist and used his music to raise awareness about social issues.
Hugh Masekela in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous singer in South Africa
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous musician in Africa
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous person in South Africa
5

22
votes

Zahara

Zahara is a singer and songwriter, Zahara is one of the most successful South African musicians of the past decade. Her music is a blend of traditional African rhythms and contemporary pop, and she has won numerous awards for her work.
6

9
votes
Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse

Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse is a musician and songwriter, Mabuse is one of South Africa's most iconic musicians. He was a member of the popular band Harari and has released numerous solo albums.
Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous singer in South Africa
7

5
votes
World Economic Forum · CC BY-SA 2.0

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Yvonne Chaka Chaka is known as the "Princess of Africa," Chaka Chaka is a singer, songwriter, and humanitarian. Her music is a blend of traditional African rhythms and pop, and she has used her fame to raise awareness about issues such as HIV/AIDS and women's rights.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous celebrity in Africa
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous singer in South Africa
8

9
votes

Stephen Neilson · CC BY-SA 2.0

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a male choral group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is one of South Africa's most famous musical exports. They have won multiple Grammy Awards and have collaborated with numerous international artists.
9

1
votes

Brenda Nokuzola Fassie

Brenda Nokuzola Fassie is also known as MaBrrr, Fassie was a popular singer and songwriter in the 1980s and 1990s. She was known for her powerful voice and her ability to blend traditional African rhythms with contemporary pop.
10

8
votes

Morné van Rooyen · CC BY-SA 4.0

Vusi Mahlasela

Vusi Mahlasela is a singer-songwriter and guitarist, Mahlasela is known as "The Voice" in South Africa. His music is a blend of folk, blues, and traditional African rhythms, and he has collaborated with numerous international artists.

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Ranking factors for famous singer

Global recognition

The singer's level of recognition and impact on an international scale is crucial. This can be measured by their success in international markets, chart positions, collaborations with renowned international artists, and awards won on a global stage.
National popularity

Consider the singer's popularity within South Africa. This can be evaluated by looking at their album sales, concert attendance, radio airplay, and fan base within the country.
Cultural influence

Assess how the singer has contributed to South African culture and music industry. This can include their role in promoting traditional and contemporary South African music, representing the nation's heritage, and inspiring other local artists.
Social media presence

An active and engaged online presence is important in assessing the singer's fame. This includes the number of followers on social media platforms, engagement levels, and influence.
Critical acclaim

Consider the singer's reception by music critics. This can include the number of accolades received, critical reviews, and recognition by industry professionals.
Longevity

The singer's career longevity demonstrates their ability to continually engage and captivate audiences over time. This can be measured by the duration of their career, consistent releases, and relevant collaborations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous South African singer. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Singer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3224 views
184 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Singer once every 24 hours. The rank of each Singer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous south african singer

South Africa is a country that boasts of a rich musical heritage. With a diverse population and a blend of cultures, it is no surprise that the country has produced some of the most talented and popular singers in the world. From jazz and gospel to pop and hip-hop, South African music has something for everyone. When it comes to famous South African singers, there are several names that come to mind. One of the most well-known singers from the country is the late Miriam Makeba, who was known as Mama Africa. Known for her beautiful voice and her activism against apartheid, Makeba was a global icon. Another popular South African singer is Brenda Fassie, who was known as the Queen of African Pop. Her music was a mix of traditional African rhythms and pop beats, and she was a trailblazer for female musicians in the country. Other notable South African singers include Johnny Clegg, who combined Western and African music to create a unique sound, and Hugh Masekela, who was a legendary jazz musician and anti-apartheid activist. With so many talented singers coming from South Africa, it can be difficult to choose just one as the most famous. However, these musicians have all made a significant impact on the music industry and continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.