80+ SA bands, singers to follow: Memeburn’s ultimate Twitter guide

The South African music industry has grown exponentially during the last few years. Bands, DJ’s, soloists, record labels have all taken to the web to promote themselves, and what better way to spread your message than Twitter? Using the micro-blogging platform, artists share their vision, announce gigs and interact with their fans.

We’ve set ourselves the ambitious task of hosting the definitive guide to SA music on Twitter. Please comment and let’s grow it into a powerful resource.

1. Freshlyground, the seven-piece band consisting of members from South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, is arguably the biggest Afro-pop act South Africa has ever produced. In 2010 they made a giant leap into the international music scene when they helped create the 2010 Fifa World Cup anthem, Waka Waka, with Shakira. They also performed Waka Waka live on stage with her. Their tweets are mainly related to their gigs and schedule, yet with this recent tweet one there it’s no surprise why they are so big: “Waka Waka is officially the most successful world cup song of all time!!! Multi platinum with 2.2 million… http://fb.me/EWkzj3Vr“.
   @FRESHLYGROUNDsa
   Name Freshlyground
   Location Cape Town
   Web http://www.freshlyground.com/
   Twitter Bio: Freshlyground is a South African band with an eclectic and distinct sound.

2. Koos Kombuis is a musician, singer, songwriter and author. He is also one of the founding fathers of the legendary Voëlvry movement of the 1980s. Its aim was to “liberate Afrikaans from the shackles of its past”. The impact of Kombuis’ music can still be felt today in groups like Fokofpolisiekar and Koos still remains defiant as you can see in this tweet: “Signing off now! Have a politically incorrect week-end, but dont drink before 11 o’clock!”.
   @KoosKombuis
   Name Koos Kombuis
   Location Cape Town
   Web http://http://www.thoughtleader.co.za/kooskombuis/
   Twitter Bio: Koos is a South African satirist, author and journalist with a dark past.

3. DJ Fresh is on the list because he is one of the country’s biggest Tweeters, but he also has thirteen house albums under his belt and a slot on Gauteng’s highest-rated radio station, 5FM. DJ Fresh also owns Big Dawg Productions and has been very outspoken against xenophobia in South Africa.
   @DJFreshSA
   Name DJ Fresh
   Web http://www.djfresh.dj/
   Twitter Bio: Club/Radio Jock.. Twitter holic… Love Big Butts and i cannot lie.. I’LL HOUSE YOU!!

4. Die Antwoord is South Africa’s latest musical export and viral marketing phenomenon. The group consists of three members Ninja, Yo-Landi Vi$$er and DJ Hi-Tek. Ninja aka MaxNormal has fronted various bands over the years such as The Original Evergreens, MaxNormal.TV and The Constructus Corporation taking on various stage personalities. This has also in part lead to the recent success of Die Antwoord with their white trash personas and profanity making it into just about every one of their tweets like: “jou ma se poes in a fish paste jar x x x http://fb.me/w7jiWbqz”.
   @DieAntwoord
   Name NINJA
   Location Cape Town
   Web http://www.dieantwoord.com/
   Twitter Bio: ZEF NINJA RAP RAVE CREW

5. The Rudimentals are an eight-piece ska/reggae band that have toured with groups like UB40 and have performed at events like the Cape Town Jazz Festival and Zimfest. Their tweets are mainly related to performance times and gigs, but they’re worth a follow if you’re into reggae and would like to know what’s happening when and where.
   @rudimentals
   Name The Rudimentals
   Location Cape Town
   Web http://rudimentals.co.za/
   Twitter Bio The Rudimentals are an eight-piece ska/reggae band from Cape Town, South Africa.

6. Fokofpolisiekar is an Afrikaans punk rock band from Bellville, Cape Town. In a sense they are the modern day equivalent of the Voëlvry movement, breathing new life into Afrikaans music and making Afrikaans rock popular among a new generation. In 2009, a documentary about the band was released. “Fokofpolisiekar: Forgive Them for They Know Not What They Do”. It premiered at the 2009 Encounters International Documentary Film Festival where it won the “Audience Award”.
   @fokofpolisiekar
   Name fokofpolisiekar
   Location South Africa
   Web http://www.fokofpolisiekar.co.za/
   Twitter Bio: ‘n Site vir alle fopk fans, bly up to date met alles op die blog en ander happenings by die fop kamp.

7. Skwatta Kamp is one of South Africa’s premier hip-hop super groups. Their career now spans over 10 years, 6 group albums and various solo albums. Pronounced “Skwa-tah Camp”, the group’s name is derived from “Squatter Camp”, the many informal settlements scattered around South Africa.
   @Skwatta_Kamp
   Name Skwatta Kamp
   Location Joburg, Gauteng, South Africa
   Web http://www.myspace.com/skwatta
   Twitter Bio: Hip Hop / Rap / R&B

8. Just Jinjer, formerly known as Just Jinger, is one of the most successful rock bands ever in South Africa, having sold more that a quarter of a million albums. The band’s debut album, All Comes Round, became the best-selling rock album in South African history. Over the last decade, the band has performed and toured with U2, Counting Crows and Def Leppard among many others. The band is back in SA after being based in Los Angeles for the past 8 years.
   @justjinjer
   Name Just Jinjer
   Web http://www.justjinjer.com/
   Twitter Bio: Official Twitter of Just Jinjer

9. TKZee rewrote the South African music history books by becoming the biggest selling kwaito group in the country. The group is made up of three school friends – Tokollo Magesh, Kabelo Mabalane, and Zwai Bala. Zwai is a classically trained musician who met aspiring rappers Kabelo (Bouga) and Tokollo (TK) at St. Stithians College. TKZee’s sound is unique. It is a mixture of hip-hop, classical, house, and gospel beats that fuse into what is called “Guz” music.
   @tkzeeband
   Name TKZee
   Location South Africa
   Web http://tkzee.co.za/
   Twitter Bio: Legendary Kwaito group. Join on http://tkzee.co.za/

10. HHP has been one of South Africa’s leading indigenous Hip Hop artists for a while. His style of music is known as Motswako, which means “mixture” in Setswana. HHP also has a 12 piece band. The band consists of 6 ladies — Bass player, Alto Sax, Trombone, Keyboard, 2 backing singers — and 6 guys — Guitarist, Keyboards, Drums, 2 backing singers and HHP, the rapper. The group has shared the stage with the likes of Will Downing, Angelina Kidjo, Jamie Cullum, Saul Williams and Snoop Dogg to name but a few.
    @HipHopPantsula
    Name Hip Hop Pantsula
    Location Jozi Dikereseng, Gauteng, South Africa
    Web http://www.myspace.com/hiphoppantsula
    
12. @Prime_Circle
    Name Prime Circle
    Location South Africa
    Web http://www.primecircle.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: Proudly South African rock band!

13. @7thsonsa
    Name 7th Son
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://7thson.co.za
    Twitter Bio: South African Reggae Rockers.

14. @JackParow
    Name Jack Parow
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://www.woelag.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: Jack Parow in jou moeder se huisie! Ek is die original donker dodgy afrikaans rapper… heavy uitgeskollie!

15. @aKINGband
    Name aKING
    Location 34.087696,18.857141
    Web http://www.myspace.com/akingband
    Twitter Bio: We are a 4 piece Pop Rock band.

16. @amaAmbush
    Name amaAmbush
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://www.marimbas.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: African music, marimba players

17. @bushrock7
    Name Anton Goosen
    Location South Africa
    Web http://www.antongoosen.co.za/

18. @AshtrayElectric
    Name Ashtray Electric
    Web http://www.ashtrayelectric.co.za/
    Twitter Bio BONJOUR. ALBUM AVAILABLE IN LOCAL MUSIC STORES & ONLINE AT RHYTHM RECORDS

19. @bensharpa
    Name Ben Sharpa
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://www.pioneerunit.com/
    Twitter Bio: in rehearsaal with K-the-I???, RZatz and DJ Raiko right now!! Sharpaganda in da house biiiiaatch!

20. @BLACKSTONERADIO
    Name BLACKSTONERADIO
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://www.blackstoneradio.com/
    Twitter Bio: stoner rock camaraderie based in the good ol’ South of Afreaka…mouthful?

21. @bobbyvjaarsveld
    Name Bobby van Jaarsveld
    Location South Africa
    Web http://www.bobbyvanjaarsveld.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: (Suid) Afrikaanse Sanger

22. @Captainstu
    Name Captain Stu
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://www.facebook.com/CaptainStuband
    Twitter Bio: A fun band from Cape Town, South Africa.

23. @catstringtheory
    Name Cat String Theory
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://www.myspace.com/catstringtheory
    Twitter Bio: Audacious. Energetic. Night and Day. Classic. Bite. Contrary. Full of Electricity. Rock. You?

24. @chrischameleon
    Name Chris Chameleon
    Location South Africa
    Web http://www.chrischameleon.com/
    Twitter Bio: i make the entertainment.

25. @Versy77
    Name Contro ‘Versy
    Location New York
    Web http://www.myspace.com/archlyricist
    Twitter Bio: MC, Activist, Author.Tv Presenter and journalist

26. @crossingpoint
    Name Crossingpoint
    Location Durban
    Web http://www.crossingpoint.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: a noisy South African hardcore band since 1998..

27. @dannykmusic
    Name Danny K
    Web http://www.dannyk.com/
    Twitter Bio: My official Twitter account !!

28. @DieHeuwels
    Name Die Heuwels Fantasties
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://www.Facebook.com/dieheuwels
    Twitter Bio: alt pop band, South Africa!

29. @djeazy
    Name djeazy
    Location Cape Town
    Twitter Bio: 1st the Creator, 2nd life, 3rd hip hp

30. @GoldFishLive
    Name GoldFish
    Location Cape Town, Ibiza, everywhere
    Web http://www.goldfishlive.com/
    Twitter Bio: Electro-Jazz Duo

31. @hiperdelic
    Name hiperdelic
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://www.pioneerunit.com/
    Twitter Bio: http://soundcloud.com/hipe http://www.myspace.com/hiperdelic

32. @honeybwoof
    Name honeybwoof
    Location Cape Town
    Twitter Bio: i do it for the love of music. african dope records and publishing, my dog luka, living at the foot of table mountain with a view of the city.

33. @HOTWATERSA
    Name HOT WATER
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://www.hotwater.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: SOUTH AFRICAN FOLK-ROCK

34. @jackhammersa
    Name jackhammersa
    Location Pretoria
    Web http://jackhammer.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: Rocking down the highway since 1984

35. @juliafj
    Name Julia Fabrin
    Location Copenhagen
    Web http://fireflies.dk
    Twitter Bio: singer, songwriter (and student) i love music, vintage dresses, pinotage, rollercoasters, mixtapes, classic books, mint hubbly, adventuring 😉

36. @karenzoid
    Name Karen Zoid
    Location South Africa
    Web http://www.karenzoid.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: Let’s twit again

37. @Karma
    Name Karma-Ann Swanepoel
    Location Los Angeles
    Web http://www.theofficialkarmasite.com/
    Twitter Bio: Hi. My NAME is Karma. I am a real person. Not the concept!

38. @LetitiaLindeque
    Name Letitia Lindeque
    Location South Africa
    Web http://www.letitialindeque.blogspot.com/
    Twitter Bio: I’m a singer, songwriter and musician from South Africa. I write contemporary pop, dance and soft rock music.

39. @louisecarver
    Name Louise Carver
    Location Joburg
    Twitter Bio: musician

40. @rubadubtopstyle
    Name Rub-A-Dub
    Location South Africa
    Web http://www.reverbnation.com/rubadub

41. @Starrzan
    Name The X-Structure
    Location The Cape of Good Hope, Africa
    Web http://thexstructure.com/
    Twitter Bio: Starrzan is the wild and ridiculously good-looking frontman of the virtually awesome band The X-Structure. He is an adventurer, explorer, writer and a dreamer.

42. @Terrormc
    Name Terrormc
    Location CAPE TOWN
    Web http://Www.myspace.com/Theterrormc

43. @TheDirtySkirts
    Name The Dirty Skirts
    Web http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Dirty-Skirts/6602185813?ref=ts
    Twitter Bio: The Dirty Skirts deliver a brilliant concoction of alternative pop, punk and rock – with a solid dose of electronica thrown in for good measure.

44. @parlotones
    Name The Parlotones
    Location Here, There, Everywhere
    Web http://www.facebook.com/theparlotones
    Twitter Bio: South African Pop/Rock Band.

45. @watermarkhigh
    Name The Watermark High
    Location Gauteng
    Web http://www.thewatermarkhigh.co.za/
    Twitter Bio The Watermark High is a band from Gauteng, South Africa. Post-Rock / Electronica / Indie / Ambient

46. @TidalWavesTunes
    Name TidalWaves
    Location Johannesburg
    Web http://www.tidalwaves.co.za/
    Twitter Bio A swell and crash of roots rock reggae with a slow, seductive undertow and a spray of intense energy. They’re humble, hard working, and happy souls.

47. @vancokekartel
    Name Van Coke Kartel
    Web http://www.vancokekartel.com/
    Twitter Bio Our 3rd album – Skop, Skiet & Donner is out now.

48. @zebraandgiraffe
    Name Zebra & Giraffe
    Web http://www.zebraandgiraffe.co.za/
    Twitter Bio Album – The Inside

49. @DJLOYD
    Name loyiso mdebuka
    Web http://www.djloyd.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: SDJ/TV&Radio Presenter/MC/Voice Over Artist and nonsense talker…

50. @340ml
    Name Rui Soeiro
    Location Johannesburg | South Africa
    Web http://www.myspace.com/340ml
    Twitter Bio: South Africa based Afro-Dub band

51. @zakiibrahim
    Name Zaki Ibrahim
    Location T.O./Cape Town/Vancity Canada
    Web http://www.myspace.com/zakiibrahim
    Twitter Bio: Soul / Hip Hop / Electroacoustic

52. @ProVerbMusic
    Name Proverb Thekisho
    Location JoBurg, South Africa
    Web http://www.proverbmusic.com/
    Twitter Bio: Inspirational MC, SA Idols Host, Bread Winner, Husband, Father, Artist, TV Presenter, Radio DJ, Lecturer

53. @JRSohot
    Name Jr Bogopa
    Location South Africa
    Twitter Bio: Your favourite Rappers’ favourite Rapper.

54. @ZwaiBala
    Name Zwai Bala
    Web http://www.myspace.com/zwaibala
    Twitter Bio: keen learner, educator, husband, father, brother and friend. Love good people, Africa. Not as serious as many perceive.

55. @loyisomusic
    Name Loyiso Bala
    Web http://www.loyisomusic.com/
    Twitter Bio: Singer /Urban /RnB /Pop / Songwiter/ Producer.

56. @Lungelo
    Name Lungelo
    Location JHB, South Africa
    Web http://www.lungelo.co.za
    Twitter Bio: TS Records Artist| TV & Film Composer Music Producer Protools Mixing engineer Founder of soundBourne Inc

57. @akaworldwide
    Name AKA
    Web http://www.myspace.com/akaworldwide
    Twitter Bio: Best there is, was, and ever will be.

58. @big_ol_flabba
    Name Big_ol_flabba
    Location South Africa
    Twitter Bio: The ONLY rapper with a proper set o’ balls…nahmean!!!

59. @RJBenjamin
    Name RJBenjamin
    Web http://wefollow.com/RJBenjamin
    Twitter Bio: Soul Singer from South Africa… with a sultry, sexy voice!

60. @GhettoRuff
    Name GHETTO RUFF
    Location SOUTH AFRICA
    Web http://www.ghettoruff.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: http://ghettoruffint.blogspot.com/

61. @KeziahFisher
    Name Keziah Fisher
    Location Cape Town, South Africa
    Web http://www.keziahfisher.com/
    Twitter Bio: South African Singer, Professional Architect BAS(Uct), BArch(SA), Business Woman, Director of 3 Construction Companies and Perfumista.

 

1. @shugasmakx
   Name Lebogang Mothibe
   Location South Africa
   Twitter Bio: A Hip Hop Artist & Ent. Industry Player. Half Owner Of Buttabing Entertainment & Ventilation Productions. 1 Of The Originals, 1 Of The Best, Numba 1!!!

2. @37mph
   Name Mpho Pholo
   Web http://www.myspace.com/37mph
   Twitter Bio: Music Producer/Pianist/Composer/Artist/Sit-Down Comedian

3. @ArnoCarstens
   Name Arno Carstens
   Web http://www.arnocarstens.com/
   Twitter Bio: Solo Singer/songwriter’ and singer of Sringbok Nude Girls. New solo album ‘Wonderful Wild’ out now. Available on iTunes, Amazon, and in all good music stores!

4. @DesmondandTutus
   Name Desmond & the Tutus
   Web http://desmondandthetutus.blogspot.com/
   Twitter Bio: 4 guys with glorious moustaches who play in a band.

5. @Evolverband
   Name Evolver One
   Location Johannesburg, South Africa
   Web http://www.evolver.co.za/
   Twitter Bio: Rock Band.

6. @versusthewolf
   Name Versus the Wolf
   Location Cape Town
   Web http://myspace.com/versusthewolf
   Twitter Bio: Versus the Wolf are a progressive rock band from Cape Town South Africa.

7. @dearreadermusic
   Name Dear Reader
   Location Johannesburg
   Web http://www.dearreadermusic.com/
   Twitter Bio: Alternative / Folk / Pop

8. @AbelKraamsaal
   Name Abel Kraamsaal/span>
   Location South Africa
   Twitter Bio: Afrikaans singer/songwriter

9. @JohnnyCradle
   Name Johnny Cradle
   Location Johannesburg
   Web http://johnnycradle.com/
   Twitter Bio: South African, Band

10. @KeenoLee
    Name Keeno Lee
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://www.stereotyperecords.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: Singer.Actor.Songwriter.Live 2 love,love 2 live.

11. @ChadSaaiman
    Name Chad Saaiman
    Web http://www.stereotyperecords.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: Sama-Nominated Singer/Songwriter/Executive Producer:Stereotype Records

12. @lloydjansenSTR
    Name lloyd jansen
    Location Cape Town, South Africa
    Web http://www.stereotyperecords.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: Performing and Recording Artist

13. @civiltwilightst
    Name Civil Twilight ST
    Location Cape Town via the East Coast
    Web http://www.myspace.com/civiltwilightstreetteam
    Twitter Bio: CIVIL TWILIGHT OFFICIAL STREET TEAM. Dedicated to promoting @civil_twilight_ the best band to ever come out of South Africa!

14. @loneraynger
    Name Ray
    Location Jozi
    Web http://facebook.com/loneraynger
    Twitter Bio: Soaking up life one day at a time, currently on a Canada tour doing voxbox sessions and telling the tale!

15. @thesickleaves
    Name The Sick Leaves
    Location Pretoria, South Africa
    Web http://www.myspace.com/thesickleaves
    Twitter Bio: New album LAST DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY out NOW.

16. @Straatligkindrs
    Name Straatligkinders
    Location Potchefstroom
    Web http://www.straatligkinders.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: we are a afrikaner-core band, and part time models.

17. @dansdanslisa
    Name Dansdanslisa
    Location Potchefstroom
    Web http://dansdanslisa.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: we are trained boyfriends and we sing too!

18. @jsomethingmusic
    Name J’Something
    Location ÜT: -26.218177,28.043856
    Twitter Bio: Singer/Songwriter/Studio Manager/Warm Brother/Soul Candi Radio Producer/Guitarist/Hustler

19. @newhollandband
    Name New Holland
    Location Cape Town
    Web http://www.newhollandband.co.za/
    Twitter Bio: Über cool.

20. @lottery_tickets
    Name The Lottery Tickets
    Location South Africa
    Web http://www.myspace.com/thelotterytickets
    Twitter Bio: In studio

21. <@lottery_tickets
    Name The Lottery Tickets
    Location South Africa
    Web http://www.myspace.com/thelotterytickets
    Twitter Bio: In studio

22. @lovehatecake
    Name Gravity Wins Again
    Location Cape Town, South Africa
    Web http://www.gravitywinsagain.com/
    Twitter Bio: We are a band. We have a new EP out. Twit twit.

23. @RCBand
    Name RCBand
    Location RockChurch, (E)Peoria, IL
    Web http://rcpeoria.org/
    Twitter Bio: The band for RCpeoria.org.

24. @KoldproduK
    Name KoldproduK
    Location South Africa
    Web http://www.myspace.com/koldprodukproject
    Twitter Bio: Africa’s Pop Sensation!

25. @88KOS
    Name 88 Kilos of Sunshine
    Location South Africa
    Web http://www.88kos.com/
    Twitter Bio: Ex Sharkbrother – resurrected as 88 Kilos of Sunshine – new music liberated. #PursuingHappiness

26. @ftgallows
    Name Facing the Gallows
    Location ozie, South Africa
    Web http://www.myspace.com/facingthegallows