South Africa is home to a wealth of musical talent that has captured local and international audiences across genres ranging from Amapiano to hip-hop and gospel.
While fans know them by their stage names, many may be surprised to learn their real names behind the fame.
Household names
Award-winning rapper Cassper Nyovest was born Refiloe Maele Phoolo, and the late hip-hop star AKA was Kiernan Jarryd Forbes. These household names have become synonymous with South Africa’s urban music explosion, yet their real identities reveal their personal roots and cultural heritage.
Afro-pop sensation Makhadzi, whose energetic performances have won hearts across the continent, is officially Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona. Meanwhile, Nasty C, one of the country’s biggest rap exports, was born Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo.
In the realm of dance and house music, DJ Black Coffee – whose beats echo in clubs from Ibiza to New York – goes by Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo. Similarly, Master KG, known globally for the viral hit Jerusalema, is Kgaogelo Moagi.
The Amapiano wave has brought new names to the forefront, including Focalistic (Lethabo Sebetso), Young Stunna (Sandile Msimango), and Lady Du (Dudu Ngwenya), who continue to dominate streaming platforms and local radio.
On the gospel front, artists like Kelly Khumalo (Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo) and Nomcebo Zikode (Nomcebo Nothule Nkwanyana) blend spirituality with powerful vocals, contributing to the country’s rich musical diversity.
- Cassper Nyovest – Refiloe Maele Phoolo
- AKA – Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (late)
- Nasty C – Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo
- Black Coffee – Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo
- Makhadzi – Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona
- Sho Madjozi – Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif
- Boity – Boitumelo Thulo
- Kwesta – Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi
- Tyla – Tyla Laura Seethal
- Focalistic – Lethabo Sebetso
Here are 14 more!
- DJ Zinhle – Zinhle Jiyane
- Big Zulu – Siyabonga Nene
- Young Stunna – Sandile Msimango
- Sjava – Jabulani Hadebe
- K.O – Ntokozo Mdluli
- Moonchild Sanelly – Sanelisiwe Twisha
- Kelly Khumalo – Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo
- Prince Kaybee – Kabelo Motsamai
- DJ Maphorisa – Themba Sekowe
- Zakes Bantwini – Zakhele Madida
- Nomcebo Zikode – Nomcebo Nothule Nkwanyana
- Master KG – Kgaogelo Moagi
- Musa Keys – Musa Makamu
- Lady Du – Dudu Ngwenya
Did we leave any South African artist off the list?
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