5 Local Music Styles

1Kwaito
Kwaito emerged in the early 1990s – slowed-down house beats, looped melodic samples, deep basslines and repetitive vocals. The name Kwaito is derived from the Afrikaans word kwaai, (angry) as well is its paradoxical slang “cool” connotation. The language of Kwaito is Isicamtho, township slang, and a mix of local languages. Pioneers like Boom Shaka, TKZee and Bongo Maffin have given way to superstars like Zola, Mandoza, Mzekezeke and Brothers of Peace.

2Ghoema
The fold music of the Cape evolved from multicultural influences swirling about the Tavern of the Seas. The term ghoema is derived from the barrel-shaped drum made out of a tin can without a bottom, an instrument closely associated with Cape Malay music. Goempie was also used by the Cpae Malay people to describe the abdomen of a pregnant woman. Ghoemaliedjies (songs) incorporate the Malay comic song or moppie and are a strong part of the annual Minstrel Carnival.

3Kwela
South African pennywhistle music rose to international prominence in the 1950s. A typical kwela lineup was two pennywhistles, a home-made guitar and tea-chest bass. The term kwela is derived from the Zulu for “get up”, as well as being township slang for police vans, the kwela-kwela – street-corner pennywhistle players served as entertainment and lookouts. Cheap and portable, the pennywhistle enabled the swift adaptation of traditional folk tunes. Prominent players include Aaron “Big Voice Jake” Lerole and Spokes Mashiyane.

4Jazz
South Africa is one of the few countries outside the USA where jazz has been a genuinely popular music, rather than the preserve of an exclusive clique of fans. Its roots lie in rural-inspired marabi and more commericial mbaqanga. Artists such as Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim and Miriam Makeba responded to industry and political pressures by going into exile and winning an enthusiastic following.

5Boeremusiek
The traditional music of rural Afrikaans speakers, the vastrap cousin of ghoema has today come to embody Afrikaner culture. For an authentic experience, dance he langarm to sakkie-sakkie played by and accordion-wielding boereorkes. Once of the most established groups is Klipwerf Orkes, who have sold hundreds of thousands of albums over the past two decades.