A – Alternative R&B: Although it’s not incredibly popular in South Africa, there are other branches under the R&B umbrella. The alternative to the mushy and often whiny narrative came in the form of people like Pebbles whose song Destiny carved out a different path for singers.
B – Backstage: As far as youth-driven TV shows go, e.tv’s Backstage was instrumental in breaking new acts in various genres, but specifically in R&B. This is where KB was discovered and where Clint Brink hit the jackpot.
C – Cape Town taxis: If the Gaatjie can quit squealing for a second, you might be able to enjoy the string of R&B songs that blast out of the Mother City’s taxis. Even on regional radio, R&B is royalty.
D – Donald: Don’t be in denial, Donald has made significant strides for bringing R&B back to the mainstream. His gold-selling album led to a DVD recording for his legions of fans and his friendship with the likes American R&B artist, Kenny Latimore, made him one to watch in the industry.
E – Eddie Zondi: Metro FM’s Sunday programming in general deserves a huge mention on this list. But the late, great Eddie Zondi was particularly special to listeners all over the country. His Romantic Repertoire show was strictly R&B and had one of the highest ratings and ladies loved him like he was Cool J.
F – Future: If we have to forecast, we believe that R&B is in good hands with the likes of Cici taking up the baton. As featured in this issue, the future is also bright with the inclusion of singers like Masandi, Elo, J Smallz and Melo B Jones in the genre.
G – Guys like Brian Themba give the ladies a local flavour of the much-loved international genre of R&B. His breakout solo track, Dominoes, was something Kevon Edmonds and Maxwell would drool over. Other notable R&B guys are the likes of Twins who in the ’90s paved the R&B way for South African singers with hits like Shona Phansi and 10 000.
H – Hooks: Our deputy editor called Tamara Dey “the Nate Dogg of South African hooks” and if her singing hooks for kwaito and hip hop artists is anything to go by, we will consider it. Along with TK, Moneoa, Sphum and others, the choruses of many songs by artists of a different genre have been drastically improved by the presence of an R&B singer.
I – Ishmael: Like they say on the streets, this dude can sang! That usually just means one can sing just about anything that’s thrown at them. Now 41, Ishmael has contributed so much to the R&B genre, from his solo work to Jozi’s hits and even when he takes on gospel. Vocally, few males can match the national treasure that is Ishmael.
J– Jamali: These sisters with voices are easily the most successful outfit to come out of a TV reality show. They might be a trio that reminds you of Destiny’s Child, but there was no clear Beyonce in this clique. Mariechan opens the songs, Jackie carries them throughout and Liesel does the high notes. Pity they don’t do much stuff together.
K – Khanyo/Kabomo: In 1997, Khanyo gave us a good R&B album called I’ll Be There. This offering showed her vocal strengths on songs like Just Us and Nothing Compares. It was one of those memorable compilations that leaves you wondering why we don’t have such sounds today.
L – Loyiso Bala: While his brother Zwai was in the super-kwaito group TKZee, Loyiso went the R&B way and many people did not take him seriously at first. But after releasing hot songs like Girl Without a Name, Wrong For You and Musukukhala and winning several Samas, there is no doubt that Loyiso knew what he was born to do.
M –Money: Where is it? The fact that a lot of singers have become known as house vocalists when they started out as R&B singers is alarming. Not that the house songs aren’t good – them netting way more gwap than the slow jams is proof of the opposite – but it would be nice if there was equal economic return for the genres.
N – Ntokozo: Not to be mistaken for gospel powerhouse, Ntokozo Mlambo, this Ntokozo (whose surname is Masinga) is now known as the one-hit wonder who belted out All I Need in the ’90s. But back then, she was very popular for her looks as well as for her beautiful voice.
O – Olwethu is a singer-songwriter who clearly took a page out of the Destiny’s Child vocal class 101. Writings on the Wall, DC, though. Anyway, the newbie has a powerful range and is definitely one to watch. If only she could strengthen her pen game and also steer clear of that house trap.
P – Percy Mukwevho was the babyfaced kid who could belt out a note. He sang slow jams and complemented kwaito hits. You might remember him from that corny line he sang: I’m spectacular/In vernacular. Or you might recall that he was Mzambiya’s original sidekick before Msawawa showed up. Either way, he could sing.
Q – Queens of R&B have to include Bucie, Nothende, Maleh and Moneoa. Bucie might have leaned towards house music, but that’s because it pays the bills. If you want to hear what she really sounds like, then refer to Don’t Let it Burn, the duet she does with Donald. Nothende is the effortless and almost reluctant singer who gave us Oooh. Maleh has kept winning ever since Chimsoro was released and Monea could be our mini-Mimi since featuring on Shugasmakx’s Take It Easy.
R – Reggae? That question – accompanied by a bewildered facial expression – was on the lips of many an R&B lover when the South African Music Awards announced that they were doing away with the Best R&B category. They decided to replace it with Best R&B/ Soul/Reggae. Say what? Hopefully, the surge of songbirds will make the Samas reconsider giving R&B its just due this year.
S – Slow Jams like Fiso’s Sing You My Love Song define the baby-making music that is R&B. Who could ever forget that era when this song came out? Zanele, from Brian Temba, takes over where Fiso left off.
T – TK tragically passed away and with that a lot of promise was lost. The multi-award winning songstress gave us the classic albums, TKO and Black Butterfly, which have all become a blueprint for the up-and-coming R&B enthusiasts.
U – Undisputed as the queen of transitions is Lira. Her path crossed with Arthur Mafokate and his 999 label. There, she was the first lady of R&B and shone considerably. But it was only when she freed herself of the R&B title that she flourished. She made the transition from just R&B to Afro-soul, changed her image and started making that paper. We’re not mad, R&B’s loss is the world’s gain.
V – Vusi Nova: Sharing the stable with the great Nathi, Vusi Nova has an impressive vocal range as can be heard on I’d Rather Go Blind. He should let the R.Kelly thing go, though.
W – Wanda Baloyi: While she tends to lean towards jazz and sometimes pop, it is songs like Indoda and Dancing Heart that cement her place in one of the finer ones in R&B.
X – X is the question mark. This list is by no means the definitive, be-all and end-all of South African R&B. Tonight is very keen to know who you would include on the list. Hit us up on Facebook or Twitter.
Y – YFM’s R&B Hot 9 @ 9: Khutso Theledi is single-handedly serving R&B lovers their entire lives on this countdown that is on the Gauteng station (and to the world via live streaming and DStv’s audio bouquet) every Tuesday at 9am and at 9pm. She debuts new local and international R&B songs and gives insight into the hits as well.
Z – Zonke: When she heeded the R&B call we had classics including Jik’izinto. Now she’s opening for the likes of Lionel Richie, while Anthony Hamilton waits for that duet he’s been hoping for.