In celebration of Women’s Month, Apple Music is shining a bright light on the female artists who have dominated the charts so far in 2020.
Taking the honours of first place on the list of Top 10 Mzansi Female Artists is R&B phenomenon, Elaine.
As Apple Music’s New Artist Spotlight recipient in November 2019, Elaine became the first independent female artist in the country to reach No 1 on the South African Apple Music Album Charts with her self-released, seven-track debut EP Elements.
The trap-soul songstress’ EP also took first place as the Top Mzansi Female Album of 2020, and in an incredible feat, all seven of the tracks on Elements featured in the Top Mzansi Female Singles of 2020, an unparalleled accomplishment by the 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Pretoria.
“My EP, Elements, means so much to me,” Elaine explained when questioned about the success of her release on Apple Music. “I gave it all my love and passion, and to receive it tenfold from those who love and appreciate me and my music, is the greatest gift I could ever ask for. I am grateful, humbled and excited for the future. Thank you to every shining star that has been streaming my project, and thank you Apple Music for your love and constant support!”
Other notable features on Apple Music’s Top Mzansi Female Artists list include BET Award-winning vocalist Sha Sha, Afro-soul sensation Ami Faku, and Gospel icon Lebo Sekgobela. Sekgobela is also the only singer who features twice on Top Mzansi Female Albums with her anthemic releases Restored (Live) and Hymns & Worship (Live).
After kicking off Women’s Month by launching the second installment of their annual Visionary Women campaign, spotlighting playlists from SA’s leading female artists, influencers and personalities, Apple Music’s continued dedication to the upliftment of female artists and their work is strong and resolute.
Top 10 lists in full below.
Top Mzansi (South African) Female Artists of 2020:
1. Elaine
2. Sha Sha
3. Lebo Sekgobela
4. Amanda Black
5. Ami Faku
6. Zonke Dikana
7. Bucy Radebe
8. Demi Lee Moore
9. Ntokozo Mbambo
10. Simmy
Top Mzansi (South African) Female Albums of 2020:
1. Elements by Elaine
2. Blossom EP by Sha Sha
3. Imali by Ami Faku
4. Power by Amanda Black
5. Spiritual Encounter by Busy Radebe
6. Country by Demi Lee Moore
7. Restored (Live) by Lebo Sekgobela
8. Tugela Fairy by Simmy
9. L.O.V.E. by Zonke Dikana
10. Hymns & Worship (Live) by Lebo Sekgobela
Top Mzansi (South African) Female Singles of 2020:
1. “You’re The One” by Elaine
2. “Risky” by Elaine
3. “Tender Love (feat. DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small)” by Sha Sha
4. “Umlilo (feat. Mvzzle & Rethabile)” by DJ Zinhle
5. “Changes” by Elaine
6. “I/You” by Elaine
7. “When We’re Alone” by Elaine
8. “Say It” by Elaine
9. “I Just Wanna Know” by Elaine
10. “Uzugcin’impilo Yam’” by Bucy Radebe
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