Renowned philosopher and writer, Victor Hugo, said life would be a mistake without music. And as a South African emigrant, we tend to agree – life simply holds more meaning with some song and dance in the mix, especially when those tunes remind us of home.

So in honour of those songs that make our hearts beat to an African drum, we’ve put together a list of 50 South African songs (in no particular order) which play on our heart strings.

Just like the colourful cultures and personalities of the rainbow nation, this mix is rather eclectic (to say the least), and we’ve tried to accommodate everyone. This means grannies and grandpas may want to skip over a few numbers, while our younger readers will necessitate a few eye-rolls at other entries. But no matter your taste; this music is ours, and makes us proud – proudly South African that is.

50 South African hits

1. Master Jack – Four Jacks and a Jill
2. Halala Afrika – Johannes Kerkorrel
3. African Dream – Vicky Sampson
4. Right Here In July – Al Bairre
5. Kaptein – Kurt Darren
6. The Warrior – Ipi Tombi (Bertha Egnos & Gail Lakier)
7. Agter Elke Man – Steve Hofmeyr
8. Our Heritage (braaiday song) – Die Heuwels Fantasties ft HHP, JR & the Soweto Gospel Choir
9. I’d Like – Freshly Ground
10. Sounds of Silence (cover) – the Awakening
11. Gebed – Jannie du Toit
12. If You Wanna Be Happy – Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels
13. Sprokie vir ‘n Stadskind – Koos du Plessis
14. Midnight – 350ml
15. Stof – Klopjag
16. Paradise Road – Joy
17. Born in a Taxi – Blk Sonshine
18. Safe as Houses – aKing
19. Toe vind ek jou – Karen Zoid en Francois van Coke
20. Fine Again – Seether
21. Click song (Qongqothwane) – Miriam Makeba
22. Sonkring – Helena Hettema
23. Take yours, I’ll take mine – Matthew Mole
24. Blue Eyes – Springbok Nude Girls
25. Jantjie – Sonja Heroldt
26. Scatterlings of Africa – Johnny Clegg and Savuka
27. Sarafina! – Hugh Masekela
28. De la Rey – Bok van Blerk
29. The Boy from Apricot Spells – the Led
30. Donkey Rattle – Felix Laband
31. Stuur Groete aan Mannetjies Roux – Laurika Rauch
32. Substitute – Clout
33. Shine – James Stewart
34. Royal Hotel – David Kramer
35. Cooler as Ekke – Jack Parrow
36. Enter the Ninja – die Antwoord
37. Man on the Moon – Ballyhoo
38. Sproetjies – Sias Reynecke
39. Special Star – Mango Groove
40. Victoriabaai – Lucas Maree
41. Oliver Tambourine – Wrestlerish
42. Ek wil jou ken – Anneli van Rooyen
43. Do you remember – Noa Noa
44. The Banded – the Narrow
45. Ten Years – Josie Field
46. Ruiter van die Windjie – Bles Bridges
47. Peter – Desmond and the Tutus
48. Tussen Treine – Richard van der Westhuizen & Lochner de Kock
49. Ou Ryperd – Dozi
50. Gedagte vir die Dag – die Straatligkinders

Bonus entry: Africa – Toto

Although Toto doesn’t count as a South African group, few things bring us so close to tears as listening to this Californian band sing about our favourite continent, which is why we feel they deserve an honorary mention on our list.

And there you have it folks! An eclectic South African mix for all our fellow emigrants abroad. We’re sure you have a few personal favourites to add to this playlist. We say crank up the volume and sing along at the top of your voice.

All hail, mother Africa!