As South Africans, we never miss a chance to get on the dance floor.
And with another successful year coming to a close, we have plenty of reasons to vosho, sokkie and bacardi! But before we bid 2023 a final goodbye, we thought we’d make the perfect playlist to bless your ears this festive season!
So, here’s our gift to you—10 tunes that will take your Christmas playlist to the next level this Dezemba.
Kick off your holidays with the festive cheer of José Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad." Its upbeat rhythm and bilingual lyrics create a joyous atmosphere, setting the tone for a celebration-filled season. And as we know, South Africans have never needed lyrics to sing a song, so Spanish speaker or not, let loose with this timeless classic.
You definitely saw this one coming. We were going to save this song ‘til last, but who are we kidding? No holiday playlist is complete without Mariah Carey's iconic "All I Want for Christmas Is You." The song’s enduring popularity has become a meme and solidified Mariah Carey's status as a significant figure in the Christmas music scene. The song expresses a simple yet heartfelt sentiment rather than the material aspects of the holiday, reminding us all that love is the greatest gift.
So no, this isn’t a Christmas carol by any means, but as the home of the Amapiano genre and a nation of avid groovists, this song is perfect for Mzansi’s summer Christmas festivities. The lyrics tell the tale of someone who’s fallen on tough times and yet still manages to find a silver lining through love and music. Perseverance, melodies, and love—it doesn’t get more South African than that.
Slow things down and let The Queen of Gospel’s soulful crooning remind you to appreciate the peaceful moments amidst the holiday hustle. Allow Rebecca’s powerful vocals and the soulful melody to resonate intensely, perfect for reflecting on the festive season's true meaning. Far from being the most widely recognised song in Dr. Malope’s catalogue, Happy Christmas still holds its own as a tune you need to hear.
This next one… we’re not too sure about. However, this one lady in our marketing department insisted we add this song to the list. If you, like her, enjoy a bit of moody music as part of your Xmas celebration, this one’s for you. Often cited as one of the greatest Christmas songs of all time, Fairytale of New York has been praised for its raw emotion and realistic portrayal of life's ups and downs. So, there’s that, we suppose.
Next is none other than “Mr. Mariah Carey” himself. While the rest of us hustle throughout the year, Michael Bublé and Mariah need just one month to defrost and get to work. The Canadian crooner’s rendition of Meredith Willson’s 1951 song has become particularly famous and is constantly featured in holiday playlists and radio stations worldwide. It’s known for its smooth, jazzy feel and perfectly captures the festive spirit of the holidays, describing scenes and decorations that signify the approach of Christmas.
Weddings, birthdays, graduations (and maybe even funerals); here’s another proudly South African classic that continues to make waves. Despite being twenty years old, it’s still a permanent fixture at any feel-good function and is guaranteed to elevate everyone’s mood. Which is precisely why it’s perfect for those December get-togethers with the family: nostalgia, warm weather and good food; what could be better?
Soft Life guys and girlies, stand up; this is your anthem! Miss Kitt wants it all from a light blue convertible, a yacht, Tiffany decorations, and even a platinum mine. Although "Santa Baby" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, Eartha's original version remains one of the most beloved renditions. If you’re in a sultry and playful mood, this song is the perfect accompaniment to match your vibe.
Let’s throw it back to the 80s real quick with everyone’s guilty pleasure group. Wham!'s "Last Christmas" is a timeless hit that begs you to sing along and revel in the infectious energy of the season. The upbeat rhythm of the song creates a festive ambience that transcends generations. Simply put, it's a no-brainer for any Christmas playlist that's got its jingle bells in a row!
Boney M’s 1987 rendition of ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ became one of the best-selling singles of all time in the UK and is a staple in Christmas music collections. But you’re probably acquainted with this tune. There’s a good chance you sang this in at least one primary school production of ‘The Story of the Birth of Christ’. So, in addition to dusting off old Christmas decorations, why not dust off old memories, too, with this timeless track?
And there you have it, the perfect South African Christmas soundtrack!
As you update your playlist with our top 10 Christmas hits, why not take a moment to update your car insurance, too?
Whether heading to a family gathering, a beach party, or just cruising around enjoying the holiday lights, remember to stay safe and responsible. The holidays are a time of joy but also a time when we need to be extra cautious on the roads.
Pineapple's comprehensive car insurance offers you peace of mind, ensuring that your festive isn’t just merry but secure and worry-free.
Click here for a quick, hassle-free insurance experience, and make this festive season the best one yet.
Happy holidays and a prosperous New Year from all of us at Pineapple!
Pineapple (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP. T&Cs apply. Premium is risk profile dependent.
Please Note: The information provided above is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal or financial advice.
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