Music is South Africa’s heartbeat, bringing people from many backgrounds together with its rich sounds like gospel, amapiano, and jazz. From lively street corners to big concerts, music fills daily life with joy, hope, and unity. It tells stories of the past and inspires new creativity, connecting young and old across the nation. More than just fun, music in South Africa is a powerful way to share culture, celebrate life, and build a strong community.
Why is music South Africa’s favourite pastime?
Music is South Africa’s favourite pastime because it unites diverse communities, reflects the nation’s history, and enriches daily life. Over 58% of South Africans prefer music over sports or travel, enjoying genres like gospel, amapiano, and jazz, which foster cultural identity, creativity, and social connection.
The Soundtrack of South African Life
Step through the vibrant neighborhoods of Johannesburg or wander along the breezy avenues of Cape Town, and the air fills with a melody uniquely South African. The harmonies of gospel choirs spill from church doors, amapiano’s infectious basslines vibrate from minibus taxis, and soulful brass melodies float from local street performers. Here, music saturates daily life, acting as a cultural adhesive that bridges generations, unites communities, and transcends social barriers.
In a nation where diversity defines the population, music stands as a rare common ground. According to the latest BrandMapp survey, conducted by the consumer insights firm WhyFive, over 58% of people living in households earning above R10,000 monthly identify music as their preferred pastime. This figure surpasses other popular activities such as travel, sports, and the country’s famous food culture, confirming what many South Africans have known instinctively: music remains central to their collective experience.
The survey’s findings point to a deeper truth—music in South Africa isn’t just a source of entertainment. It serves as a mirror of society’s values and history, a means of storytelling, and a vital part of the country’s identity. The role of music in daily life goes far beyond casual listening; it weaves itself into moments of joy, reflection, and even protest.
Echoes of History and the Rise of New Sounds
To grasp why music resonates so deeply in South Africa, it helps to explore its historical significance. Music has long played a dual role—both comforting and empowering the populace. During the oppressive years of apartheid, legendary artists such as Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela turned their songs into anthems of hope and tools of resistance. Their music broadcast messages that words alone could not safely express, strengthening the resolve of countless listeners.
These historic roots continue to influence the nation’s soundscape. Genres like amapiano, which fuses local rhythms with global house and jazz, have taken center stage, dominating playlists in both trendy clubs and township bars. Gospel remains a vital spiritual pillar, while R&B and soul ignite nostalgia alongside innovation. The BrandMapp survey highlights these styles as top favourites, capturing the nation’s appetite for both the old and the new.
A new generation of South Africans, having grown up in the digital age, are fueling further change. Gen Z and Millennials search online for music more often than any other topic, except for news and weather. Accessible data bundles, affordable smartphones, and streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music have transformed how music is discovered and shared. Aspiring DJs and musicians now produce hits from their bedrooms, gaining nationwide recognition almost overnight. This technological shift has lowered entry barriers and ignited a surge of creativity that reshapes the industry.
Uniting a Nation: Music’s Reach Across All Demographics
What sets music apart from other leisure activities in South Africa is its universal appeal. Brandon de Kock, BrandMapp’s Director of Storytelling, notes that music consistently claims the top hobby spot, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. In a country celebrated for its multiculturalism, this shared passion is exceptional. Other popular pursuits—watching movies, reading, cooking, or dining out—enrich daily life, but few can draw together such a wide array of people in the same way music does.
The survey also reveals that music’s popularity even surpasses sport—a remarkable fact in a land where rugby, soccer, and cricket often spark fierce loyalty and community pride. While stadiums fill to capacity during major tournaments or high-stakes matches, the data shows a different trend: 62% of adults plan to attend a live music event in 2025, compared to just 41% who intend to go to a live sports event. This preference highlights music’s role as a communal ritual, offering a sense of togetherness and emotional release that sport rarely matches.
Live music events amplify this sense of unity. From the grand stages of Johannesburg’s Market Theatre to the scenic lawns of Kirstenbosch in Cape Town, concerts attract diverse crowds eager to celebrate both local icons and international stars. Jazz festivals, gospel extravaganzas, and awards shows become vibrant gatherings where the country’s many voices join in a shared chorus. These occasions remind South Africans of their collective strength, hope, and joy.
Everyday Magic: Music’s Presence in Daily Routines
The enchantment of music extends well beyond major festivals and concerts. Everyday life pulses with rhythm and song, turning ordinary moments into celebrations. Public taxis, for instance, double as moving sound systems, with drivers competing to introduce passengers to the latest tracks. Markets, salons, and churches each have their own distinct playlists, shaping the tempo and mood of the day.
Sunday afternoons often echo with gospel music drifting from neighborhood gatherings, while evening braais (barbecues) become spontaneous jam sessions, complete with singing, drumming, and laughter. These informal musical traditions provide comfort in tough times and foster resilience within communities. During the isolating months of lockdown, South Africans found solace by singing from their windows and balconies, sustaining a sense of hope and solidarity when it was needed most. Families connected across generations, sharing old songs and inventing new versions, keeping cultural ties strong even in isolation.
For many, music is both a companion and a source of healing. It offers a means to process hardship, celebrate milestones, or simply enjoy quiet moments alone. Whether through headphones during a busy commute or on speakers at a family gathering, music marks the passage of everyday life and becomes entwined with personal memories.
Flourishing Diversity and Economic Impact
South Africa’s musical identity draws strength from its extraordinary diversity. With 11 official languages and countless cultural traditions, the country provides fertile ground for creative experimentation. Zulu choral harmonies might blend with Afrikaans folk, while Tswana rappers join forces with Xhosa jazz musicians. These collaborations spark innovation and recall formative artistic movements from around the globe, such as the Harlem Renaissance or Brazil’s Tropicalismo.
Contemporary artists continue to expand the boundaries of South African music. Sho Madjozi, a Tsonga rapper and poet, blends traditional sounds with stylish hip-hop, earning accolades at home and abroad. Black Coffee, a trailblazing DJ from KwaZulu-Natal, has built an international following while always referencing his roots. Artists like these inspire young South Africans to see music as both a mode of self-expression and a viable career path.
The music industry’s economic importance continues to grow as well. Live events create employment for sound engineers, stage crews, security personnel, and vendors. Recording studios and music academies nurture new talent, while streaming platforms offer artists much-needed revenue. As technology evolves, the industry adapts, providing fresh opportunities for both established stars and up-and-coming performers.
A Lasting Bond: Music as the Heartbeat of South Africa
Music’s power in South Africa endures not only as a source of joy but also as a vital force for unity and hope. The BrandMapp survey’s findings confirm what is visible in daily life: music brings people together, regardless of background or circumstance. It offers both escape and belonging, comfort and celebration.
Whether shared in the quiet intimacy of a family home or in the raucous energy of a packed stadium, music remains the nation’s heartbeat—an ever-evolving expression of South Africa’s spirit, resilience, and boundless creativity. Far more than just a hobby, music acts as a living testament to the country’s rich past, dynamic present, and promising future.
1. Why is music considered South Africa’s favourite pastime?
Music is South Africa’s favourite pastime because it unites diverse communities, reflects the nation’s history, and enriches daily life. Over 58% of South Africans prefer music over other popular activities like sports, travel, or food culture. Genres such as gospel, amapiano, and jazz foster cultural identity, creativity, and social connection, making music an integral part of everyday life.
2. How does music reflect South Africa’s history and culture?
Music in South Africa carries deep historical significance. During apartheid, artists like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela used their songs as anthems of hope and resistance. Today, genres like amapiano blend local rhythms with global influences, while gospel, R&B, and jazz remain vital expressions of spirituality and nostalgia. This rich musical tapestry tells stories of the past and celebrates the country’s cultural diversity.
3. In what ways does music unite South Africans across different demographics?
Music is uniquely universal in South Africa, transcending age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Unlike other hobbies, music consistently ranks as the top pastime for people across all groups. Live music events—such as jazz festivals, gospel concerts, and awards shows—bring together diverse audiences, fostering a sense of community, togetherness, and emotional release that few other activities can match.
4. How has technology influenced the South African music scene?
Technology has revolutionized how South Africans discover, share, and create music. Affordable smartphones, data bundles, and streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have lowered barriers to entry, enabling aspiring artists to produce and distribute music from their bedrooms. This digital shift has sparked a surge in creativity and introduced new sounds, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials.
5. What role does music play in everyday South African life?
Music permeates daily routines in South Africa—from gospel choirs on Sunday afternoons to jams at evening braais and tunes played loudly in public taxis. It shapes moods, creates shared experiences, and provides comfort and healing. During challenging times like the COVID-19 lockdown, music helped maintain hope and solidarity by connecting families and communities through song.
6. What is the economic impact of the music industry in South Africa?
South Africa’s music industry contributes significantly to the economy by creating jobs in live events, recording studios, and music education. Festivals, concerts, and awards shows employ sound engineers, security, vendors, and more. Streaming platforms provide revenue to artists, helping both established musicians and emerging talent build careers. The industry’s growth reflects the country’s flourishing musical diversity and global influence.
If you have more questions about South African music or want to explore specific genres, artists, or events, feel free to ask!
