Cape Town’s biggest music debate starts here.
Last year Smile FM asked Cape Town to choose the Best Song Ever. The votes poured in. The debates got heated. And the Mother City had plenty to say.
This year… we’re going even bigger.
WHO IS THE BEST ARTIST EVER?
Not just a great song.
Not just one unforgettable album.
We’re talking about the artists who defined generations.
The voices that became part of our lives.
The legends behind the songs we grew up with, celebrated with, danced to and still turn up loud.
And this year, Cape Town decides.
PHASE ONE: NOMINATE YOUR ARTIST
Before the knockout begins, we want to hear from you.
Who belongs in the tournament?
Who do you believe is simply the greatest artist of all time?A legendary solo artist?
A band that changed music forever?
A South African icon?
The soundtrack to your life?
Nominate the artists you believe deserve a place in Smile FM’s Best Artist Ever Knockout. We’ll count every nomination and reveal the official Top 16 artists heading into the tournament.
HOW TO NOMINATE:
✔ Submit your artist below
✔ Tell us why they deserve to be there
✔ Listen on-air as the shortlist takes shape
Nominations close soon—so get yours in.
[FORM HERE]
THE RULES:
What counts as an “Artist”?
• Solo artists or bands
• Any era, any genre
• International or South African
• Should have 10 X top 10 hits (anywhere)
Nominations:
• Listeners vote for up to 3 artists
• One vote per day (to encourage return visits)
Judging Criteria:
• Longevity
• Number of iconic songs
• Cultural impact
• Influence on other artists
• Emotional connection
THEN THE TOURNAMENT BEGINS
Once nominations close, the official Top 16 artists will be revealed.
Each matchup is simple:
Artist vs Artist
You vote
One advances
One goes home
Round by round we’ll move through:
- Round of 16
- Quarterfinals
- Semifinals
- The Final
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Nominate your artist.
Vote every round.
Comment on social.
Send us your voice notes.
Cape Town—this is your tournament.
Nominate now. Vote loud. Listen live.
