Bongi Mvuyana describes her music as alternative soul combined with South African folk sounds. The song SIZWILE (we heard) is a mournful plea - telling us of the death and destruction experienced by people and the earth.
2 Comments
Growing up in South Africa, many kids saw Jean-Claude van Damme as one of those untouchable heroes. In 2016 - over the festive season - a maskandi song was released: Siyobulala Van Damme (we are going to kill Van Damme). Many listeners interpreted this to mean that in "killing Van Damme" they would become invincible themselves. In other words, they would drink so much, but not get drunk. Mbaqanga is a music genre. It reflects an urban lifestyle; where tradition meets the modern-day. The music is rhythmic and cyclical - you can imagine the words forming a circle as a theme or melody is repeated throughout the song. This genre of music developed in shebeens during the 1960s because it was difficult to perform and play music in public during that time. It became a popular style of music among migrant workers in urban hostels. You know a song is huge when prominent musicians cover it. Below is Skatta Kamp's version of Juluka's IMPI. 'Impi' is Zulu for 'war', and also refers to what Zulu warriors were called during the time of the Anglo-Zulu War. Impi by Juluka is a song about one particular encounter between the Zulu and the British army in 1879: the Battle of Isandlwana. The Zulu outnumbered the British by a staggering amount, but the British had a technological advantage: their guns against the Zulu's assegais and cow-hide shields. The Zulu's advanced war methods and tactics led to their victory and the defeat of the British, and resulted in a failed invasion of Zululand. It is this display of courage and ingenuity that inspired Juluka to compose a powerful war cry entangled with the narrative of a historical event. Today, Impi echoes through rugby stadiums; shouted by proud Springbok supporters. Zakwe puts his own spin on the South African classic by Johnny Clegg - Scatterlings of Africa. David "Qadasi" Jenkins gew up in Empangeni, KwaZulu Natal. He has mad Maskandi guitar skills! Embracing tradition - old meets new in this collaboration between Cassper and Mahotela Queens. Workers' Day is a day on which we recognise and acknowledge the struggles and hardships endured by workers around the world. South Africa in particular has a long history of migrant and physical labour that has had an immense impact on our country's political and socio-economic make-up. Think about those - whether you know them personally or not - who travel far for work, away from their loved ones. Think of those left behind, uncertain of when their parents, partners or children will return. Think of those who work 6 or 7 days a week from 8 to 5 to earn a measly couple hundred bucks for strenuous physical labour. Think of those whose dreams will never be realised because they will never earn enough, and so end up paying the price of sacrifice. The Queen of Pop - or MaBrrr - Brenda Fassie. I'm pretty sure any South African knows this song when it starts playing... This song is about a son getting married; a son that no one thought would get married. The song welcomes people to join the ceremony. |
LISTEN
IsiZulu has a strong oral tradition; knowledge and information is often shared through speaking and singing. |