In the past couple of weeks I’ve covered several indigenous South African genres, including Gqom, Kwaito, and Sgubhu. Naturally, local artists are at the forefront of these movements, but what’s surprised me is how many South African artists match and sometimes even surpass their counterparts at other genres more typically associated with the UK and US, from r&b and hip-hop to house and bass. Straight outta Jozi, Astryd Brown is a singer, songwriter and model signed to Playground Productions. ‘They Know’ is a tantalising first offering. Underpinned by a trappy beat and effervescent synth line, Brown’s vocal is snappy and oozes confidence.
