As South Africans head into the new year, YNews is celebrating some of the country’s most recognised international acts.
Waving the South African flag high both locally and abroad, these young talents are breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.
Tyla
Johannesburg-born singer, Tyla, joins a long list of South African musicians who’ve found global fame, with the release of her smash-hit “Water” in July.
The 21-year-old, whose real name is Tyla Laura Seethal, quickly solidified herself as one of Africa’s rising talents with the viral success of her catchy song.
She’s the youngest ever South African artist to grace the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with “Water” becoming the first song by a South African to hit the prestigious list since the release of Hugh Masekela’s “Grazzing in the Grass” in 1968.
The track also landed Tyla a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance.
Artists, including Megan Thee Stallion, Christina Aguilera and Tinashe, were just some of the A-list celebs who took to social media to show their love for the smash hit.
Since catapulting to global fame, some of Tyla’s career highlights include performing live on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and joining RNB heavyweight Chris Brown for his “Under the Influence” tour in Europe.
Black Coffee
Grammy award-winning DJ and producer Nkosinathi Maphumulo, better known as Black Coffee, cemented his position among the musical greats in October, when he became the first South African to fill the 20 000 seat capacity Madison Sqaure Garden in New York City.
Top musical acts who’ve previously graced the world-famous stage include Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder and Madonna.
Industry veterans, including Oskido and DJ Sbu, took to their social media accounts to sing the musician’s praises.
Mzansi’s first citizen, President Cyril Ramaphosa, also joined in the celebrations.
Young South African Creatives in 2024 what more do you want?
— djsbu (@djsbu) October 9, 2023
The Global Blueprint is there :
Comedy & TV : Trevor Noah
Film & Acting: Thuso Mbedu, Nomzamo Mbatha, Charleze Etc
Music & DJ: Blackcoffee, Pretty Yende
Fashion & Design : Laduma Maxhosa , Thebe Magugu, Rich Minisi &…
Nothing is impossible for you. I respect the way to treat every task and face every challenge. Congratulations for filling up Madison Square Gardens NYC 🇺🇸 @realblackcoffee
— Legend Live (@OskidoIBelieve) October 8, 2023
:#oskido#oskidoibelieve #blackcoffee pic.twitter.com/1Za8rO1373
Congratulations to Black Coffee for being the first South African DJ to perform at Madison Square Garden in New York City, USA to a sold-out show this past Saturday. South African artists continue to distinguish themselves and promoting our talents on the global stage. We thank… pic.twitter.com/9t6xc1rbET
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 9, 2023
Uncle Waffles
2023 was a big year for South African DJ and record producer, Lungelihle Zwane, professionally known as Uncle Waffles.
The world took notice of the Eswatini-born DJ when Drake posted a video of Uncle Waffles dancing while deejaying.
The 23-year-old, who made her entrance to the music industry as an amapiano DJ, has gone on to grace the cover of Forbes Africa and even had a KFC burger named after her!
The Peacock Revisit hitmaker topped the year off by winning the GQ Women of the Year Award.
Taking to her Instagram, Uncle Waffles shared some of the highlights from her incredible year.
Thuso Mbedu
Award-winning actress, Thuso Mbedu, was yet another South African to make history this year, becoming L’Oréal’s first Black brand ambassador for sub-Saharan Africa.
Mbedu first gained recognition among local audiences in 2014, after landing a small role in the second season of the Mzansi Magic soapie, Isibaya.
Since then, she’s gone on to share the screen with Hollywood heavyweights, including Oscar-winner Viola Davis, who she starred alongside in The Woman King.
It’s only the beginning for the 32-year-old starlet, whose set to work alongside Avengers actor, Mark Ruffalo after recently being cast in a new HBO series.
The untitled project will see Mbedu playing the role of Aleah, a sergeant detective who is recruited for a special task force.
Written by: Naomi Kobbie
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