The Best Southern African Artiste of the Year award at the 17th edition Headies Awards celebrates the artist who has made the most outstanding impact across Africa in the year under review. This prestigious category acknowledges not just talent, but also the ability to influence and inspire through music.
At the 2023 Headies Awards, South Africa’s Focalistic took home the prestigious title of Best Southern African Artiste of the Year.
The nominees for this year’s award come from various Southern African countries, each bringing their unique sounds and styles to the table.
Tyla (South Africa)
Tyla has become one of the most exciting and impactful artists to emerge from South Africa. Her debut album Tyla, released in 2024, garnered critical acclaim and introduced the world to her unique blend of Amapiano, Afrobeats, and pop.
Tyla’s debut album, Tyla, includes standout tracks like “Water,” a global hit that not only captivated audiences worldwide but also earned her the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in February 2024. The song was further elevated with a remix featuring American rapper Travis Scott. The album also boasts collaborations with renowned artists such as Gunna, Tems, and Skillibeng. Tyla’s influence extends beyond accolades; her debut album was featured in Rolling Stone‘s 100 Best Albums of 2024, where it ranked sixth, cementing her position as one of the most impactful artists of the year. Tyla’s recognition at the 2025 Headies is a testament to her continued rise as one of the most influential voices in Southern African music.
TitoM (South Africa)
South African DJ and producer TitoM has risen to prominence with his fusion of Amapiano, Bacardi house, and quantum sounds. His 2024 track “Tshwala Bam” featuring Yuppe has made waves internationally, topping charts and becoming a dancefloor anthem. This collaboration catapulted him into the global spotlight, peaking at No. 3 on Nigeria’s Spotify daily chart, showcasing his cross-border appeal. TitoM’s innovative music and collaborations have earned him a nomination for the Best Southern African Artiste of the Year at the Headies, cementing his place as a force in the music industry.
Yuppe (South Africa)
South African artist Yuppe is another strong contender in the Best Southern African Artiste of the Year category. Known for his seamless fusion of Amapiano with Afrobeats, Yuppe made a significant impact in 2024 with his collaboration on “Tshwala Bam” alongside TitoM and Burna Boy. This track has become a hit across multiple African countries, underlining his influence on the Amapiano movement. Yuppe’s innovative musical approach continues to shape Southern African genres and has earned him widespread recognition, making him a formidable nominee for this prestigious award.
Kell Kay (Malawi)
Malawian artist Kell Kay is a nominee for the Best Southern African Artiste of the Year at the 2025 Headies, marking a significant milestone for Malawi’s music industry. Kell Kay has been a consistent figure in Southern African music, gaining recognition with hits like “Bana Pwanya” in collaboration with Zambia’s Yo Maps. His 2024 single “Lawa” continued to capture the hearts of audiences. Kell Kay’s fusion of traditional Malawian sounds with modern African music genres has made him a key figure in the regional music scene, and his Headies nomination reflects his growing international appeal.
Plutónio (Mozambique)
Mozambican artist Plutónio has had a major impact on the Southern African music scene. In 2024, he released his album Carta de Alforria, blending rap, Afro-pop, dancehall, and R&B with traditional Mozambican sounds. His hit track “Moçambique” featuring Chefin and Ajaxx further solidified his position as a leader in Southern African music. Plutónio’s nomination for the Best Southern African Artiste of the Year at the Headies acknowledges his contributions to the region’s music and his ability to bring Mozambican culture to a global audience.
Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)
Zee Nxumalo is quickly becoming a household name in Southern African music. Known for her fresh approach to Afropop and Amapiano, Zee made waves in 2024 with tracks like “Drip Juluka” featuring Dee Koala, Zulu Mkhathini, and Boity, as well as “Hamba 2.0” featuring Profound. Her ability to blend different musical genres has helped shape the soundscape of Southern Africa, earning her a spot as a nominee for the Best Southern African Artiste of the Year at the 2025 Headies. Zee Nxumalo’s work continues to resonate with fans and solidify her place in the region’s music industry.
The competition for the Best Southern African Artiste of the Year at the 17th edition of the Headies is fierce, with each nominee bringing something unique to the table. From Tyla’s global success to the remarkable achievements of the other nominees, the impact of these artists is undeniable. Their nominations reflect not only their individual achievements but also the continued evolution and global recognition of Southern African music. The winner of this category will undoubtedly represent the pinnacle of Southern African artistry in 2024, continuing to shape the future of African music on the world stage.
