South Africa is a very diverse country. A country with 11 official languages of which five exist in the national anthem – Nkosi Sikelel’ IAfrika, a country that is known as the Rainbow Nation, and a country with six different colors on the national flag – this is only but a few mentions to how diverse South Africa and its citizens are.

But what we all have in common is music. Music is loved and appreciated by all – no matter the genre or the language. So today we look at 8 big South African songs that we all know and love.

In no specific order:

1. Sipho ‘Hotsticks’ Mabusa – Burnout

You’ve heard it in the ad. The angst of the ’80s sublimated into the angst of a love burning out.

2. Bright Blue – Weeping

If you listen carefully you’ll hear the deep melody of the then banned Nkosi Sikelela harmonising in the background. How many people do you know who are not really roaring, rather they are weeping?

3. Miriam Makeba – Pata Pata

Touch, touch, the song means in Xhosa. This global hit put Makeba on the world stage.

4. Die Heuwels Fantasties – Beloofde Land

Die Heuwels Fantasties seemed to me to fleetingly represent a new wave of Afrikaans self-confidence in terms of the lyrical potential of the language to make good pop music.

5. Johnny Clegg – Spirit Of The Great Heart

Jock of the Bushveld soundtrack. If this song doesn’t get the heart pumping, you are probably not South African.

6. Mango Groove – Another Country

Again, the South African experience faithfully portrayed in the particular, making the song universal in scope. Moving.

7. Ladysmith Black Mambazo

The South African super-group. I used to play soccer on the St Mary’s field in Kloof with their grandkids. Basically the E Street Band of South Africa.

8. Just Jinger – Shallow Waters

It was the ’90s, and Just Jinjer were taking white South Africans out of the grunge fad. We should still be grateful.

If you feel that I’ve left out a song that should be in this list, please feel free to leave a comment in the space down below, and let’s discuss.