There’s a particular kind of artist South African house music produces every few years. Not always the loudest in the room, nor the name pushed hardest on a lineup, but the kind whose presence feels inevitable in hindsight — as if the music has been preparing audiences for them long before the moment arrives.
For Sió, 2026 is shaping up as that year.
It’s tempting to start this piece with “despite the odds” or “against the grain.” But let’s not. Because here’s the truth: femme-presenting artists in Cape Town and beyond aren’t breaking into the music scene — they’re helping build it. And if you’re not paying attention, you’re not just missing the moment. You’re missing the movement.
The first thing I saw was a pink drink and a pile of scavenger hunt cards. Not the usual start to a Cape Town music launch, but Pretty Loud has no interest in doing things the usual way. On 7 August, co-founders Erin Elliot and Amy Tjasink — two women with the resumes and stage presence to back it up — introduced their new women-centred music collective with The Pyjama Party. Invite-only, unapologetically femme, and designed to feel like the sleepover of your dreams, it doubled as a statement of intent: the future of music in this city is collaborative, not competitive.
On a warm Cape Town afternoon, Lynn Cupido is somewhere between tending to her indoor plants and building worlds out of sound. The two might seem worlds apart, but for the 28-year-old singer-songwriter, model, and dancer, both are acts of care — both demand patience, intention, and an openness to growth.
When Kristi Lowe first released a song into the world, she wasn’t thinking about airplay or playlists. She was fifteen, navigating an impossible family crisis, and music was a lifeline. Her debut single I Need More Time, written with her older sister Jenna and produced with local electronic heavyweights GoodLuck, was less of a career launch and more of a call to action — one that South Africans answered, sending the song up the iTunes charts in a matter of hours.
Newest single by Teagan, ‘Lock You Down’, hits like a ray of December sunshine—a track that somehow feels both deeply familiar and refreshingly original. The Cape Town-based singer-songwriter has found a sweet spot between glossy pop hooks and the airy, upbeat sensibilities of amapiano. This isn’t just another throwaway summer tune; it’s a layered piece that radiates confidence, underscored by warm percussion and a chorus that practically begs you to sing along while dancing barefoot under the sun.
Cape Town’s music scene thrives on diversity, and Luzelle is a prime example. This genre-bending vocalist and guitarist isn’t afraid to surprise audiences with her powerful voice and dynamic performances. Weaving English and Afrikaans lyrics with folk-rock influences, Luzelle carves her own path, drawing inspiration from legendary artists like Karen Zoid and Freshlyground.
1, 2, 3, Abeluw – and that’s how she makes her entrance. From the vibrant streets of Midrand in Johannesburg, where stars seem to be born, emerges Luvuyo Bulelwa Hadebe, renowned as Abeluw. She has been raised and nurtured into a formidable singer and songwriter, capable of translating life stories into melodic antidotes and unique symphonies that gently stir thoughts and emotions.
Breaking into the RnB and hip-hop space is a challenging task alone. Now, add bursting on to this male-dominated scene as a solo-female musician — the battle increases tenfold. Local songstress Scintilla, however, breaks down how to establish yourself in the industry with ease. This multifaceted musician unpacks her journey of setting goals, setting boundaries, setting yourself up for success in the face of adversity, and remaining authentic in the process.
[The imagery of Emmaleen leans into her genre’s aesthetic. PHOTO: Supplied/Emmaleen]
Namibian-born Emmaleen is a self-taught guitarist, banjo player and vocalist who has been gracing Cape Town with her gothic blues for the past several years. She has played on stages around the Mother City, including SurfaRosa, Evol, and The Armchair Theatre.
