“We have such a beautiful culturally diverse country that if someone listened to this playlist they would think I was musically schizophrenic,” legendary singer-songwriter PJ Powers tells Apple Music. “The truth is all these artists have added to the fusion of sound that we are able to so proudly call South African music. I believe together with new emerging artists, these artists and their music will continue to to shape South African culture.” For our celebration of South Africa’s 30 Years of Freedom, the “Jabulani” singer chose songs that most resonated with her, including tracks from Brenda Fassie, Karen Zoid, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sipho Gumede, Sankomota, Jeremy Loops, Sibongile Khumalo, and more. “I have chosen my list and songs based on knowing exactly where I was and how I felt the first time I heard them,” she explains. “From the first time I heard Brenda sing ‘Black President’ and the pride I felt, to the sadness in my heart when I heard Bright Blues ‘Weeping’. None of these songs—whether protest or simple love songs—in my opinion, have dated, or ever will. What are her hopes for the country’s next 30 years, and beyond? “South Africa’s diverse culture, whilst rich and strong, I believe is not being used enough as a tool to bring us together—which we all know is sorely needed,” she urges. “I will never forget Nelson Mandela and I having a conversation when he said, ‘South Africa Needs to be like a fruit salad.’ When I asked what he meant, he said, ‘We need to retain our different flavours and colour; we need to compliment each other in one bowl.’ I smiled, but thought it was genius. We need to be aware of what guidance we will take in protecting our future.”