Timeless South African songs to add to your Braai Day playlist
Fire up the coals and turn up the volume! Here are 10 timeless South African songs guaranteed to get your Braai Day party started.
There's a strict formula to the perfect South African braai.
You need the right cut of meat, the perfect heat on the coals, a side dish of potato salad, chakalaka, braaibroodjie or bean salad, and, most importantly, the tunes.
Of course, listening to your favourite Feel Good Station is a no-brainer, but if you’re looking for a few classic alternatives, you’ve come to the right place.
Good food and good music bring South Africans together, no matter the occasion. A proper braai needs a playlist that spans generations, genres, and languages, getting everyone from ouma to the kids on their feet for an impromptu family dance-off.
If you're firing up the grill on Braai Day (because who isn't?), here are 10 non-negotiable South African classics guaranteed to get your party started.
The ultimate Braai Day playlist
'Kaptein' - Kurt Darren
Whether at a rugby match or a backyard braai, it's physically impossible to stand still when this classic plays. By the time the chorus hits, someone is guaranteed to be singing 'Kaptein span die seile, kaptein sy is myne' at the top of their lungs, using the braai tong as a mic.
Burn Out – Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse
Bring on the nostalgia! 'Burn Out' is a true '80s classic and remains one of Mzansi's best crossover songs. This smooth, soulful groove is the perfect backdrop as the wood catches fire and the first drinks are poured.
'Nkalakatha' – Mandoza
Whether you're at a beach house in Durban or a backyard in Pretoria, the late Mandoza’s legendary anthem still gets everyone on their feet the moment the opening basslines hit.
'Special Star' – Mango Groove
Nothing feels quite like home like the pennywhistle intro of Mango Groove. 'Special Star' is pure joy wrapped in a song that instantly transports you to sunny South African afternoons, laughter with friends, and good times around the fire.
'Jerusalema' – Master KG featuring Nomcebo Zikode
'Jerusalema' took the whole world by storm, but it belongs right here at home. It's a modern classic that gave us hope and a reason to dance during the Covid-19 pandemic. From the boardroom to the classroom, everyone was trying to master the dance moves. If you still haven't perfected the moves, rope in the kids for a quick dance lesson.
'Vul'indlela '– Brenda Fassie
'Vul'indlela' by the late Brenda Fassie is a must-play at any authentic South African gathering. From weddings to afternoon braais, the song brings instant nostalgia and high energy.
'Impi' – Johnny Clegg and Juluka
Few songs capture the spirit of the nation like Impi by the late Johnny Clegg and Juluka. Like all the classics on this list, it's a song that transcends race, age and culture, embodying the true spirit of South Africa.
'Ndihamba Nawe' – Mafikizolo
Another dance-floor classic, 'Ndihamba Nawe' by Mafikizolo, is the quintessential Afro-pop anthem that gets everyone singing along and showing off their best dance moves next to the braai.
'Loslappie'– Kurt Darren
What’s a South African gathering without a sokkie? 'Loslappie' gets couples two-stepping and brings an instant dose of local gees to the afternoon - even if you don’t know the words.
'Sister Bethina' (South Africa's unofficial anthem) – Mgarimbe
Dubbed South Africa's unofficial national anthem, no song gets a South African crowd on their feet faster than Mgarimbe's 'Sister Bethina'. Just a few weeks ago, the Mzansi classic was blaring through the speakers during the Springboks vs New Zealand match at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA. On Braai Day, save this one for later in the evening when the meat is resting and the atmosphere hits peak levels. You'll thank us later.
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