Inside South Africa's powerful music hubs: a city-by-city breakdown

South Africa’s music scene is a mosaic of regional sounds, each city and province shaping its own style while influencing the national soundscape.

From the streets of Johannesburg to the coastal rhythms of Durban, the country is home to hubs that nurture talent and define genres.

Johannesburg

This is the country’s music hub. It hosts major labels, recording studios, radio stations and event venues. 

This infrastructure has made it central to SA’s music industry. Signature sounds include Amapiano, kwaito, hip hop, Afro-soul and gospel.

The city has produced Amapiano stars such as Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, kwaito veterans like Trompies and hip hop acts including Kwesta.

Must-visit areas for great music include Maboneng, Braamfontein, Newtown and Soweto.

Cape Town

The Mother City is known for its arts and festival culture. Its music scene covers jazz, electronic, indie rock, ghoema and a growing hip hop movement.

Local artists like Kyle Shepherd and Goldfish have put the city on the international jazz and electronic map, while hip hop acts such as YoungstaCPT are shaping the local rap scene.

Popular spots include Long Street and the Observatory, while the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) attracts talent from across the country and around the world each year.

Durban

Durban shapes South Africa’s music scene through its pioneering Gqom sound and vibrant Afro-house and maskandi traditions.

Gqom artists such as DJ Lag and Distruction Boyz have gained global recognition, while KwaZulu-Natal maskandi performers, including Mthandeni SK, Khuzani, Thokozani Langa and Imithente, keep traditional Zulu music alive in the city.

Durban is also home to leading gospel acts like Ntokozo Mbambo, Khaya Mthethwa and the Durban Gospel Choir.

Clubs along Florida Road and Davenport, together with events at venues such as Moses Mabhida Stadium, Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse and People’s Park, provide key stages for these genres.

Pretoria

Pretoria is emerging as a live music hub and the heart of the Bacardi music movement.

Pioneers such as the late DJ Spoko and DJ Mujava helped define the subgenre, while newer artists like Doowap, known as the 'Bacardi Babe’ and Jelly Babie, are carrying it forward.

Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape has a rich tradition of Xhosa music, with Afro-soul, gospel, jazz, traditional Xhosa styles and Afro-pop shaping the region’s sound.

Artists such as Emtee, Lloyiso, the Bala Brothers, Thandiswa Mazwai, Bongeziwe Mabandla and Msaki have carried this heritage to national audiences. Local festivals showcase both contemporary and traditional music.

Mahikeng

Mahikeng is recognised as the birthplace and stronghold of Motswako, a style of hip hop that blends Setswana and English lyrics over distinctive beats.

The city has produced leading Motswako rappers such as Khuli Chana and Fifi Cooper, who have carried the sound to national and international audiences.