Great songs are initially foreign to the ear, but familiar to the soul.

There is something inexplicable about the way music moves the soul. As Bob Marley so aptly put it:

One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain.

I couldn’t agree more. Music has been an integral part of my life and moves me to my core in ways that very little else can. Sometimes, I need that pick-me-up especially when things are a little rocky. Below are a list of songs that – no matter how down I feel, they manage to lift my spirits and make me feel understood. The words may not necessarily speak exactly to this point, but still there is an element of hope I cannot shake.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but may you find some peace in some of these songs.

‘Imithandazo’ | Kabza De Small & Mthunzi ft. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & UmthakathiKush

‘Ngixolele’ | Busta 929 ft. Boohle

‘Moshomo’ | Mr Brown & Kabza De Small

‘Asibe Happy’ | Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Ami Faku

‘Ngilonde’ | Mr Brown

‘Sibongile’ | Mafikizolo

‘Siyabonga’ | DJ Zinhle, Black Motion, Kabza De Small & Nokwazi

‘Osama’ | Zakes Bantwini, Kasango

‘Porcelain’ | Moby

‘Find Your Way Back’ | Beyonce

‘Free Mind’ | Tems

‘Good Times’ | Jamie XX ft. Young Thug & Popcaan

‘Should I Go’ | Brandy

As you can tell, this list comprises a lot of Amapiano and House music. There truly is something spiritual about these genres which lift the spirit in ways that no other music can really do.

What are some songs that help lift your spirits?