MTN Xploaded, launched just over a year ago as a digital music download platform for unsigned and independent artists, has seen its artists emerging on radio charts around the country recently.
Three acts are currently occupying a space in
5FM's top 40. As of this week, A.K.A. is at number 2, with his synth-infused hip-hop groove,
Do It, having already hit number 1 in June. A.K.A's ascent to the top spot came in close succession to Zubz's recent climb - he also peaked at number 1 in June with the rhythmic and lyrical
Part-Time Lover, Full-Time Freak. Also to be reckoned with are Octave Couplet, who are creeping up the chart with
Do Your Thang, which is currently at number 21. They look set to be MTN Xploaded's next number 1 hit.
A.K.A., also known as Kiernan Forbes, entered the music industry through the now-defunct rap group, Entity. Over the past several weeks,
Do It has also been ubiquitous on
YFM's Hip-Hop Hot 99 chart.
Zubz, meanwhile, has been making waves on leading radio stations nationwide. With his catchy beats and quirky lyrics, Zubz still sticks to his definition of hip-hop: true; lyrical; brave; and wholly Zubz.
Part-Time Lover, Full-Time Freak has appeared in charts on
Motsweding FM;
Lesedi FM;
Good Hope FM; and
YFM, where it also reached number 1. Zubz recently released a remix of the hit featuring Psycho Cindy, a character in the original song, giving her rendition of
Part-Time Lover, Full-Time Freak.
Jus Dat!, another MTN Xploaded group, is without a doubt one of the best hip-hop duos to come out of South Africa. The two see themselves as musicians and poets first, before they are rappers and emcees. Their single,
Sugar Mama, reached number 4 on
Thobela FM's Top 30 charts.
MTN Xploaded's first charters were Futuresound who are repeating the fact as we speak. Their second single,
Daylight, is currently at number 20 in
5FM's Hi 5@5, following Zubz, who had previously been voted to number 1. Given it's quality as a single, there will be no surprise should
Daylight reach dizzy heights in Top 40 charts around the country. Futuresound's first single,
Where Did She Go? is still performing well in Cape Town, where it is currently Number 5 on
Heart fm's SA Top 10.
Visit the MTN Xploaded site to find South Africa's hottest and latest chart toppers. Log onto
www.mtnxploaded.co.za.