Kwaito

Kwaito is a genre of South African music that emerged in the 1990s, characterized by its fusion of traditional African rhythms, American hip-hop, and contemporary electronic dance music. Defined by its distinctive slow-burning tempo, typically between 86-110 BPM, kwaito often features prominent use of the "mbira" (thumb piano), synthesizers, and deep, syncopated basslines. Vocal styles range from melodic rap to soulful, harmony-rich choruses, often incorporating local languages and slang. Originating in the townships of Johannesburg, kwaito reflected the post-apartheid era's cultural and economic shifts, speaking to the experiences and aspirations of South Africa's youth. As a genre, kwaito is distinct from its American hip-hop influences due to its unique blend of traditional African instrumentation and modern electronic production techniques, making it a pivotal force in shaping the country's contemporary music landscape.

Latest Kwaito Release
undefined album image
French Kiss
Single - Released July 4, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
DJ Maphorisa
Kabza De Small
Scotts Maphuma
Freshlyground
Young Stunna
Sjava
Top Playlists
The Needle / Zimbabwe 10 Kwaito artists
The Sound of Namibian Pop 9 Kwaito artists
The Needle / Botswana 9 Kwaito artists
The Needle / Zimbabwe - Emerging 8 Kwaito artists
The Needle / Botswana - Current 7 Kwaito artists
The Sound of Sesotho Pop 6 Kwaito artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 151 Kwaito artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 2,755 releases .

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Kwaito artists you love!

Get Started Browse Arists
  1. July 4, 2025
  2. July 4
  3. July 4
  4. July 4
  5. July 4
  6. July 4
  7. July 4
  8. July 4
  9. June 27
  10. June 20
  11. June 13
    undefined album image
    Iphupho
    7 tracks
  12. June 13
  13. June 13
  14. June 13
  15. June 6
  16. June 6
  17. June 6
  18. June 1
  19. May 30
  20. May 30
    undefined album image
    Hmm
    1 tracks
  21. May 30
  22. May 30
  23. May 24
  24. May 23
  25. May 23
  26. May 23
  27. May 22
  28. May 21
  29. May 16
  30. May 15
  31. May 11
  32. May 9
  33. May 9
  34. May 9
  35. May 9
  36. May 9
  37. May 9
  38. May 9
  39. May 2
  40. May 1
  1. June 13, 2025
    undefined album image
    Iphupho
    7 tracks
  2. May 23
  3. May 1
  4. April 11
  5. April 4
  6. April 4
  7. April 4
  8. March 28
  9. March 28
  10. March 28
  11. March 28
  12. March 28
  13. March 14
  14. March 7
  15. February 28
  16. February 28
  17. February 24
  18. February 21
  19. February 21
  20. February 1