Sounds of South Africa: A Musical Journey

As an experiment to find out how much South African musical knowledge it had, we asked the Artificial Intelligence system called ChatGPT to compile us this week’s mixtape. The following is a transcript of our conversation and the result:

Do you know what a “mix tape” is?
Yes, I’m familiar with the concept of a “mixtape.” A mixtape is a compilation of songs or music tracks, typically from different artists and genres, recorded onto a cassette tape or other medium. Mixtapes were especially popular during the 1980s and 1990s when cassette tapes were the dominant format for music distribution. People often made mixtapes to share their favorite songs with friends, or as a personalized gift for someone special. The term “mixtape” has evolved over time and can now refer to a digital playlist or a compilation album released by an artist, although the original concept of a mixtape remains rooted in the idea of curating a collection of songs for a specific purpose or theme.

We would like you to compile a 20 song mixtape to introduce an international audience to the music of South Africa, including a wide range of styles from that country, including – but not limited to – rock, pop, jazz, folk, reggae, mbaqanga, kwaito, and a range of styles to get a broad overview. It is important that all the artists are South African.
I have compiled a mixtape of 20 songs to introduce an international audience to the music of South Africa. This list includes a wide range of styles and genres to provide a broad overview of South African music:

  1. Miriam Makeba – “Pata Pata” (Afro-pop)
  2. Johnny Clegg & Savuka – “Asimbonanga” (Afro-pop, World Music)
  3. Ladysmith Black Mambazo – “Homeless” (Isicathamiya, Zulu A Cappella)
  4. Hugh Masekela – “Grazing in the Grass” (Jazz)
  5. Brenda Fassie – “Vuli Ndlela” (Pop, Kwaito)
  6. The Parlotones – “Push Me to the Floor” (Rock, Indie)
  7. Freshlyground – “Doo Be Doo” (Afro-fusion, Pop)
  8. Abdullah Ibrahim – “Mannenberg” (Jazz)
  9. Mafikizolo – “Khona” (Afro-pop, Kwaito)
  10. Simphiwe Dana – “Ndiredi” (Afro-jazz, Soul)
  11. Yvonne Chaka Chaka – “Umqombothi” (Afro-pop, Bubblegum)
  12. DJ Mujava – “Township Funk” (House, Kwaito)
  13. Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens – “Kazet” (Mbaqanga)
  14. Die Antwoord – “Enter the Ninja” (Alternative Hip-hop, Rave)
  15. Jeremy Loops – “Down South” (Folk, Acoustic)
  16. Black Coffee ft. Bucie – “Superman” (House, Electronic)
  17. Spoek Mathambo – “Control” (Electronica, Afro-futurism)
  18. BLK JKS – “Molalatladi” (Alternative Rock, Art Rock)
  19. Lucky Dube – “Different Colours/One People” (Reggae)
  20. Mango Groove – “Special Star” (Afro-pop, Marabi)

This mixtape covers a variety of genres and eras in South African music, showcasing the country’s rich musical heritage and diversity. Enjoy!

Thank you. Do you know what “sleeve notes” are?
Yes, I am familiar with the term “sleeve notes” (also known as liner notes). Sleeve notes are the written material that accompanies a physical music release, such as an album or an EP, typically found inside or on the packaging of vinyl records, CDs, or cassette tapes. They can provide various types of information, such as:

  • Background information on the recording, composition, or production of the music.
  • Song lyrics.
  • Credits for the musicians, producers, and other personnel involved in the creation of the music.
  • Personal anecdotes or stories from the artist(s) or other contributors.
  • Artwork or photography related to the music or the artist(s).

Sleeve notes offer additional context and insight into the music, and they can help listeners form a deeper connection with the artist and their work. In the digital age, sleeve notes have largely been replaced by digital booklets, which can be accessed through certain music platforms, or by artist websites and social media.

Could you write (approximately 750 words) sleeve notes to accompany your 20 song selection?
Title: “Sounds of South Africa: A Musical Journey”
Welcome to “Sounds of South Africa,” a carefully curated compilation of 20 songs that showcase the rich and diverse musical landscape of South Africa. This mixtape is designed to introduce an international audience to a wide range of styles from this vibrant country, including rock, pop, jazz, folk, reggae, mbaqanga, kwaito, and more. We invite you to immerse yourself in these captivating sounds and explore the unique musical tapestry of South Africa.

  • Miriam Makeba – “Pata Pata” (Afro-pop)
    Known as “Mama Africa,” Miriam Makeba was a legendary singer and activist who brought South African music to the world stage. “Pata Pata,” released in 1967, remains her most famous song and features her distinctive vocal style alongside a danceable Afro-pop rhythm.
  • Johnny Clegg & Savuka – “Asimbonanga” (Afro-pop, World Music)
    Johnny Clegg, often referred to as the “White Zulu,” was a British-born South African musician and anthropologist. “Asimbonanga,” released in 1987, is a powerful anti-apartheid anthem that pays tribute to Nelson Mandela and calls for unity among South Africans.
  • Ladysmith Black Mambazo – “Homeless” (Isicathamiya, Zulu A Cappella)
    Formed in 1960, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is an award-winning male choral group that specializes in isicathamiya, a traditional Zulu a cappella style. “Homeless” was co-written with Paul Simon for his “Graceland” album and showcases the group’s intricate vocal harmonies.
  • Hugh Masekela – “Grazing in the Grass” (Jazz)
    Hugh Masekela was a renowned South African jazz musician and trumpeter. His 1968 instrumental hit, “Grazing in the Grass,” combines elements of jazz with South African rhythms, creating an uplifting and timeless tune.
  • Brenda Fassie – “Vuli Ndlela” (Pop, Kwaito)
    Brenda Fassie, dubbed the “Madonna of the Townships,” was a beloved South African pop and kwaito singer. “Vuli Ndlela,” released in 1997, is a high-energy track that showcases Fassie’s incredible vocal range and infectious charisma.
  • The Parlotones – “Push Me to the Floor” (Rock, Indie)
    The Parlotones are a South African indie rock band known for their emotive lyrics and anthemic sound. “Push Me to the Floor,” released in 2009, features driving guitar riffs and a soaring chorus, making it a standout track in the South African rock scene.
  • Freshlyground – “Doo Be Doo” (Afro-fusion, Pop)
    Formed in 2002, Freshlyground is a multiracial South African band that blends elements of Afro-fusion, pop, and folk. “Doo Be Doo,” released in 2005, is a catchy, feel-good song that celebrates life and the power of music to bring people together.
  • Abdullah Ibrahim – “Mannenberg” (Jazz)
    Abdullah Ibrahim, formerly known as Dollar Brand, is a celebrated South African jazz pianist and composer. His 1974 composition “Mannenberg” is considered a cornerstone of Cape Jazz and serves as a symbol of hope and resilience during the apartheid era.
  • Mafikizolo – “Khona” (Afro-pop, Kwaito)
    Mafikizolo is a South African duo that combines Afro-pop and kwaito elements to create infectious dance tunes. Their 2013 hit “Khona” showcases their signature harmonies and energetic beats, making it an irresistible addition to the mixtape.
  • Simphiwe Dana – “Ndiredi” (Afro-jazz, Soul)
    Simphiwe Dana is a talented South African singer-songwriter known for her Afro-jazz and soul fusion. Her 2004 song “Ndiredi” highlights her emotive vocal delivery and thoughtful songwriting, earning her a place among South Africa’s most respected artists.
  • Yvonne Chaka Chaka – “Umqombothi” (Afro-pop, Bubblegum)
    Dubbed the “Princess of Africa,” Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a South African music icon whose career spans over three decades. “Umqombothi,” released in 1988, is a catchy, upbeat song that showcases her powerful voice and a lively bubblegum pop sound.
  • DJ Mujava – “Township Funk” (House, Kwaito)
    DJ Mujava is a South African producer and DJ known for blending house music with kwaito influences. His 2008 track “Township Funk” features hypnotic beats and syncopated rhythms, making it a dance floor favorite in South Africa and beyond.
  • Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens – “Kazet” (Mbaqanga)
    Mahlathini, known as the “Lion of Soweto,” and the Mahotella Queens were a groundbreaking mbaqanga group that combined powerful vocals with driving rhythms. Their 1987 hit “Kazet” showcases their unique sound, which helped popularize mbaqanga music both locally and internationally.
  • Die Antwoord – “Enter the Ninja” (Alternative Hip-hop, Rave)
    Die Antwoord is a controversial and provocative South African group that blends hip-hop, rave, and performance art. “Enter the Ninja,” released in 2010, captures their edgy aesthetic and confrontational lyrics, making them a standout act in the South African music scene.
  • Jeremy Loops – “Down South” (Folk, Acoustic)
    Jeremy Loops is a South African singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his folk-infused sound. “Down South,” released in 2014, features catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a laid-back acoustic vibe that showcases Loops’ diverse musical talents.
  • Black Coffee ft. Bucie – “Superman” (House, Electronic)
    Black Coffee is a renowned South African DJ and producer known for his soulful house music. His 2010 collaboration with singer Bucie, “Superman,” combines deep, groovy beats with Bucie’s sultry vocals, creating a captivating dance track.
  • Spoek Mathambo – “Control” (Electronica, Afro-futurism)
    Spoek Mathambo is a South African musician and producer who pushes the boundaries of electronic music with his Afro-futuristic sound. “Control,” released in 2011, is a haunting and experimental track that showcases Mathambo’s innovative approach to music.
  • BLK JKS – “Molalatladi” (Alternative Rock, Art Rock)
    BLK JKS is a South African alternative rock band known for their genre-defying sound that blends rock, jazz, and traditional African music. “Molalatladi,” released in 2009, features intricate guitar work and powerful vocals, making it a standout track on this mixtape.
  • Lucky Dube – “Different Colours/One People” (Reggae)
    Lucky Dube was a South African reggae musician and one of the country’s most successful artists. His 1993 song “Different Colours/One People” is a call for unity and understanding, reflecting the spirit of the post-apartheid era and showcasing Dube’s distinctive reggae sound.
  • Mango Groove – “Special Star” (Afro-pop, Marabi)
    Mango Groove is a South African band that fuses marabi, kwela, and pop music to create a lively and upbeat sound. Their 1989 hit “Special Star” features catchy horn arrangements and infectious rhythms that capture the essence of South African music.

“Sounds of South Africa” aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the music of this incredible country. The tracks on this mixtape represent a broad spectrum of genres, each with its own unique flavor and cultural significance. South Africa’s music scene is a testament to its rich history, resilience, and diverse heritage, and we hope that this collection inspires you to delve deeper into the sounds and stories of South Africa.

As you listen, you may notice themes of unity, resistance, and hope woven throughout the mixtape. These themes reflect the struggles and triumphs of South Africa’s past and present, showcasing the power of music to connect people across borders and cultures. Whether you’re dancing to the upbeat grooves of kwaito, swaying to the soulful melodies of Afro-jazz, or losing yourself in the hypnotic rhythms of house music, “Sounds of South Africa” offers a musical journey you won’t soon forget.

We encourage you to explore the works of the artists featured on this mixtape, as well as other musicians from South Africa who continue to shape the country’s diverse and evolving musical landscape. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and enjoy the sounds of South Africa!

Thank you. That is excellent work. Could you suggest a prompt to feed to an image generating tool to create a cover image for this mix tape?
Certainly! To generate a cover image for the “Sounds of South Africa” mixtape using an image-generating tool, you can use the following prompt:

“Create an album cover for a mixtape titled ‘Sounds of South Africa.’ The cover should evoke the rich cultural diversity and vibrant musical heritage of South Africa. Incorporate elements such as traditional African patterns, musical instruments, and the South African landscape, blending them together in a visually striking and harmonious composition. The color palette should be warm and inviting, reflecting the energy and spirit of South African music.”

This prompt should provide enough detail and context for the image-generating tool to create an engaging and visually appealing cover image for the mixtape.

Thank you
You’re welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to help. Enjoy your South African mixtape, and have a great time exploring the music!

The Bright Blue Mixtape

In February this year four members of the original line-up of Bright Blue performed a reunion concert in Scarborough on the Western Cape Peninsula. The sold out show was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience, mostly people who attended their concerts back in the 1980s and 1990s. For many Bright Blue fans, they were more than the group who had hit songs with “Window On The World” and “Weeping”.

When they formed in Cape Town in 1983, Robin Levetan (vocals), Tom Fox (guitar, vocals), Ian Cohen (bass, vocals), Dan Heymann (keyboards) and Peter Cohen (drums) captured the sound and expressed experiences – and sometimes struggles – shared by their mostly young South African fanbase. Most poignantly, through their lyrics they expressed their views about the conscription of white males into the South African Defence Force. Songs like “Window On The World”, “Who Is The Enemy” and the David Bruce tribute song, “The Rising Tide” expressed the sentiments of many of their white male fans. To add to this, Bright Blue often performed on End Conscription Campaign platforms. They occupied a special place in many fans’ hearts. Between the release of their first album, Bright Blue, in 1984, and their second album, The Rising Tide, in 1987, the band’s progress was indeed interrupted by the conscription of some members, and in addition, Levetan left. The four remaining members rose to prominence with the chart-topping success of the anthemic “Weeping”, but the band was soon reduced to three members when Heymann left to live in the USA.

The remaining three members released the 3-song e.p Open Your Eyes in 1996 and then in 2003 (with Dan Heymann) they released the song “Madiba” as a free-to-download single (recorded in 1990). In 2008 the original five members reunited to play at an End Conscription Campaign concert at Spier Estate in the Western Cape. The recent (second) reunion was a long time coming, and unfortunately did not include Dan Heymann, but it marks such an important moment in South African music history that we decided to celebrate the event with a mixtape dedicated to Bright Blue’s music, and the bands’ influences.

We have included several of their songs: “Window On The World” and “Living In Africa” from their first album, with Robin Levetan on vocals; “Weeping” off their second album (featuring Tom Fox on vocals); and further singles, “Wouldn’t Miss It For The World”, “Madiba”, and “World Turns” (again featuring Tom Fox on vocals). We have also included several songs which in some way feature Bright Blue members: “Hungry Child” was written by Robin Levetan to be sung by a combination of musicians at the Operation Hunger Concert In The Park in 1985 (at which Bright Blue were unable to perform); two songs by The Usual (who featured post Bright Blue Tom Fox on guitar): “Like A Vision” and “I Believe You”; two songs off Robin Levetan’s 2010 solo album A Far Country: “You and I” (featuring Dan Heymann on keyboards) and “Perfect Day” (featuring Ian Cohen on bass and Tom Fox on guitar); “Jerusalem” by the Usual’s vocalist James Stewart (written by Dan Heymann and featuring him on keyboards), and “Working Class” by Freshlyground (featuring Peter Cohen on drums).

Interspersed among these songs are ten tracks which Tom Fox listed as songs which reflected the spirit of Bright Blue, politically and musically. In 1999 Tom Fox was asked to compile a list of Bright Blue’s Top 10 anti-apartheid songs for the Cutting Grooves Censorship of Music Exhibition in Grahamstown. In response he submitted a list of tens songs about racism, apartheid and the spirit of South African music. These songs were “Skokokoro” by Condry Ziqubu, “Burn Out” by Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, “Hellfire” by the African Jazz Pioneers, “Bring Him Back Home” by Hugh Masekela, “Isiphiwo” by the Soul Brothers, “African Sky Blue” by Juluka, “Toasted Take Aways” by the Cherry Faced Lurchers, “Mannenberg” by Abdullah Ibrahim, “Kazet” by Mahlathini and the Mohatella Queens, and (the only non-South African track on this mixtape), “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley & The Wailers. Although it must be pointed out that Tom didn’t list particular songs by the African Jazz Pioneer, Mahlathini and the Mohatella Queens, and the Soul Brothers, but simply pointed to their music in general. Appropriately, Basil Coetzee, who performed saxophone on “Mannenberg”, agreed to play the sax on Bright Blue’s “Weeping”, a performance which adds to the anthemic feel of the song.

We hope you enjoy this mix, and we hope Bright Blue meet up for another reunion before too long!

  1. Window On The World – Bright Blue Featuring Robin Levetan
  2. Skokokoro – Condry Ziqubu
  3. Burn Out – Sipho Hotstix Mabuse
  4. Hellfire – African Jazz Pioneers
  5. Living In Africa – Bright Blue Featuring Robin Levetan
  6. Bring Him Back Home – Hugh Masekela
  7. Isiphiwo – Soul Brothers
  8. African Sky Blue – Juluka
  9. Where Would I Go – Bright Blue
  10. Toasted Take Aways – Cherry Faced Lurchers
  11. Hungry Child – Concert In The Park Artists (Written By Rob Levetan)
  12. Weeping – Bright Blue
  13. Mannenberg – Abdullah Ibrahim
  14. Kazet – Mahlathini And The Mohatella Queen
  15. Wouldn’t Miss It For The World – Bright Blue 3rd Line-Up
  16. Like A Vision – The Usual
  17. I Believe You – The Usual
  18. Madiba – Bright Blue
  19. You And I – Robin Levetan (Featuring Dan Heymann)
  20. Jerusalem – James Stewart (Written By Dan Heymann, Also On Keyboard)
  21. Perfect Day – Robin Levetan (Featuring Ian Cohen And Tom Fox)
  22. Working Class (Or Fire Is Low) – Freshlyground
  23. World Turns – Bright Blue 3rd Line-Up
  24. Redemption Song – Bob Marley & The Wailers

South African Women Singers Volume 1

In the last mixtape we commemorated Women’s Day by selecting a variety of songs which focused on women and issues affecting women in South Africa. While working on that selection we thought it would be fitting to compile a further mixtape which features some of the women’s voices which have formed part of the South African soundscape since the 1950s. Our initial aim was to select songs by twenty women singers but we soon realised that our task would be easier if we extended our latitude and made way for two mixtapes, rather than one. So this mixtape features the first 20 South African women singers in this two-tape series.

Songs chosen do not follow any particular theme, rather we chose singers and then selected songs by those singers which we think showcase their voices. We include some early veterans of the South African popular music scene (Miriam Makeba, Nancy Jacobs, and Letta Mbulu) and some who appeared on the music scene in the 1970s and 1980s (Margaret Singana, Sathima Bea Benjamin, Edi Niederlander, Laurika Rauch, Rene Veldsman – of Via Afrika, Lesley Rae Dowling, Brenda Fassie, Tara Robb – of The Spectres, Jennifer Ferguson, Heather Mac – of Ella Mental and Busi Mhlongo).

We also feature several more recent singers, who released their first recordings in the 21st Century: Simphiwe Dana, Karen Zoid, Zolani Mahola – of Freshlyground, Shannon Hope, Tailor (Anna Wolf) and Julia Church.

Enjoy your weekend listening and take time to find out more about those singers on this mixtape who you have not previously heard or heard of. There are some interesting stories to be discovered …

  1. Babhemu – Busi Mhlongo
  2. Isiphiwo Sam – Margaret Singana
  3. Mahlalela – Letta Mbulu
  4. Ndiredi – Simphiwe Dana
  5. Windsong – Sathima Bea Benjamin
  6. Meadowlands – Nancy Jacobs & Her Sisters
  7. Pata Pata– Miriam Makeba
  8. Weekend Special – Brenda & the Big Dudes
  9. Hey Boy – Via Afrika
  10. (See Yourself) Clowns – Ella Mental
  11. Teddy Bear – The Spectres
  12. Aeroplane Jane – Karen Zoid
  13. I’d like – Freshlyground
  14. Shiloh – Julia Church
  15. Ancient Dust – Edi Niederlander
  16. Suburban Hum – Jennifer Ferguson
  17. The Spaniard – Lesley Rae Dowling
  18. Kinders Van Die Wind – Laurika Rauch
  19. Daylight – Shannon Hope
  20. Where The Boys Are – Tailor

Women’s Day 2022

This mixtape commemorates Women’s Day in South Africa. On the 9 th of August South Africans acknowledge the contribution made by women towards improving South African society. In particular, on the 9th of August 1956 over 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, to protest an extension of the apartheid government’s pass laws.

Accordingly, black women would also have to carry passes when travelling to ‘white’ urban areas. The march was led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams The women left 14 000 copies of a petition at the doors of prime minister, J. G. Strijdom. They stood for 30 minutes before singing a protest song composed especially for that occasion: “Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’ Imbokodo” (You strike the women, you strike the rock).

Significantly, the protest saw feminists coming together to make a stand against institutionalized racism. Over the following decades South African feminists continued to define feminist struggle broadly, tackling racism, class inequality and sexism in an intersectional way.

This mixtape begins with Nothembi Mkhwebane’s interpretation of “Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’ Imbokodo” before moving into a series of songs which celebrate South African women and women more generally: “Women of the World” by the Mahotella Queens, Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s “Legends”, Laurie Levine and Josie Field’s “Trailblazing”, Edi Niederlander’s “Strong Women in Africa” and “African Women” by Pamela Nkutha.

Dope St Jude (“Inside”) and Godessa (“Social Ills”) tackle beauty standards to which girls and women of colour are expected to conform. There follows a series of songs which explore issues about women’s day to day lives. In “Bay of Bombay” Jennifer Ferguson sings of the sacrifices mothers often make: “her eyes would look at the food she cooked, and the clothes she’d clean and iron” all the time her thoughts escaping to “the ships floating on some bay.”

Khaki Monitor describe a young woman “Trying to Make Sense” and in “Mama Shabalala” Juluka describe the struggle of an old refugee woman “looking for a simple home … living from hand to mouth, dodging the wrong arm of the law.”

In “Mother Agriqua” Vusi Mahlasela tells the story of Saartjie Baartman, taken to Europe as a spectacle to be gazed at: an example of the African “other”, both alive and dead (as a museum exhibit). Finally her remains were returned to South Africa and buried. “Wenu se Goli” by Madosini Manquina documents the difficulty of life for rural black South Africans, when men had to leave home to go to work on the mines. The song is an open letter to a migrant mine worker informing him that because he has been away so long his wife’s love is over and she has been unfaithful. Miriam Makeba’s “Welela” is also about the effect of migrant work, but this time the song is about children calling for their mother to return because they long to see her.

Sexual violence is a theme addressed in depth in several songs included here. South Africa’s biggest shame is the widespread sexual violence by men towards women. In “Icala” Busi Mhlongo warns, ‘Don’t ever raise your hand at your woman”. Freshlyground wrote “Gone Gone Gone” (song for Khwezi) as a dedication to Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo, who accused Jacob Zuma of raping her. Her treatment during the trial that followed was appalling, as she was victimized by Zuma’s supporters. In the end Zuma was controversially acquitted of the rape charges. “41 000 Sisters” by Kaalvoet Prinses (Tremaine Barnes) is a song of solidarity with women who have been subjected to sexual violence (41 000 is the average number of reported rapes in South Africa between 2015 and 2019) and is representative of the Barefoot Campaign, a stand against the rape and sexual abuse of women.

Karen Zoid in turn calls for “Justice! Justice!” She angrily demands “Lock away the rapists and throw away the key.” In “Signs” the Pressure Cookies remind us how, when reporting sexual abuse, women are often made to feel guilty about the venues they frequented, the way they were dressed, who they got a lift with, and in fact, they stand accused of failing to “stay behind closed doors”.

The mixtape ends with two songs by male singers providing a critique of sexism. Matthew Van Der Want’s “Lonesome Hero” is a satirical song from the point of view of a woman who wants her lover to experience freedom, but it becomes clear that the experience of freedom which she offers her lover is at her own expense. The song thus questions freedom in a relationship and how in a heterosexual relationship women often sacrifice their own freedom in favour of that of their partners. “Show Luv” by Skwatta Kamp is a hard-hitting attack on men who abuse women, making it clear that such behaviour is never acceptable.

  1. Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’ Imbokodo – Nothembi Mkhwebane
  2. Women of the World – Mahotella Queens
  3. Legends – Yvonne Chaka Chaka
  4. Trailblazing – Laurie Levine & Josie Field
  5. Strong Women in Afrika – Edi Niederlander
  6. African Women – Pamela Nkutha
  7. Inside – Dope St Jude
  8. Social Ills – Godessa
  9. Bay of Bombay – Jennifer Ferguson
  10. Trying to Make Sense – Khaki Monitor
  11. Mama Shabalala – Juluka
  12. Mother Agriqua – Vusi Mahlasela
  13. Wenu se Goli – Madosini Manquina
  14. Welela – Miriam Makeba
  15. Icala – Busi Mhlongo
  16. Gone Gone Gone – Freshlyground
  17. 41 000 Sisters – Kaalvoet Prinses
  18. Justice ! Justice ! – Karen Zoid
  19. Signs – Pressure Cookies
  20. Lonesome Hero – Matthew VD Want
  21. Show Luv – Skwatta Kamp

Post ’94 Protest Music in South Africa

This week marks the second anniversary of mixtapes.ZA. To mark the occasion we have put together a mixtape of post-1994 protest songs, reflecting on how popular musicians have continued to speak out against injustice, despite the toppling of the apartheid government.

South African protest music against the apartheid system is well documented and has been featured in various mixtapes over the past two years. When, in 1994, the African National Congress came to power it was hoped that there would no longer be a need for protest music against injustices. However, extreme poverty and government corruption have continued. As the gap between the rich and poor grew, and public infrastructure deteriorated, some musicians began to protest the ongoing economic inequalities and government corruption through their music. Others also protested the relentless violent misogynist attacks against women which characterize life in South Africa.

This mixtape features a selection of music from different genres which tackle a cross-section of injustices. While there is some debate about what constitutes a protest song, for this mixtape we have selected songs which voice opposition to an injustice. Sometimes the songs are angry, other times they are mournful, and on occasion they are even humorous, when musicians use laughter as a weapon against injustice.

After the initial euphoria that came with the ending of apartheid, musicians began to voice concerns about greed and self-interest in the ANC government. In their 1998 release, “Put Off Saving The World”, Dorp tackled the problem of greed, both in society generally and within the government – “We’ve got inside information; On government masturbation; Don’t need no explanation; To come to a conclusion; It’s a fuct up situation.”

This situation worsened and as the early 2000s set in, service delivery was failing, infrastructure was falling apart and corruption was spreading. In “Potholes And Politicians”, Fuzigish drew a direct connection between government corruption and failing infrastructure: “On my way back home I hit another pothole; The government’s corrupted, the constitution is ill; All I seem to do is pay another bill.” While The A. K. Massive reflected that government lies and corruption put paid to dreams of a better future: “Ahh corruption! No more lies … In a country that teaches you to reach for the future, but be satisfied with less …” Similarly, in “Die Stad Bloei Vanaand”, Johannes Kerkorrel agonizes, “the dream was promised, but just another lie has been sold.”

During the Zuma years government corruption in the form of state capture was so appalling that Freshlyground called South Africa a “Banana Republic”:

All your people dying in freedom
Suffering a profound lack of leading
Are you even there when we call?
Are you a human, man?
Full of lies! Can’t believe what I’m hearing
From your lips a river of scheming
Poisoning all the water we’re drinking
Are we good to go?
Emergency
Discovery
No opportunity
It’s just another day in the Banana Republic
State of emergency!!!!

Freshlyground’s reference to the current situation as a “State of Emergency” especially rankled ANC supporters because it effectively compared Zuma’s abuse of power to that of the apartheid state, who tried to hold on to power through the declaration of a series of States of Emergency in the mid-to-late 1980s. Simphiwe Dana similarly draws a comparison between the two eras – in “State of Emergency”. She protests the way conditions in post-apartheid South Africa mirror the conditions facing the youth of 1976: “Only poverty reigns in our streets”. Lilitha’s “Marikana” also stands as a comparison between apartheid South Africa and the current ANC regime: this time miners shot dead by the new South African Police Services, defending the interests of mining capital.

Johnny Clegg’s “Asilazi” is “about an ordinary person who has to give up power to guarantee
their place in an uncertain tomorrow and the chorus is about those who have been waiting for
so long for this change to take place” (Johnny Clegg). While in “Zabalaza”, Thandiswa
Mazwai considers how those people waited in vain. She laments the state of South Africa and
asks how these atrocities can be happening in her father’s house, suggesting that the
government ought to be the father of the nation, securing everyone’s needs: “Why is it this
way? At my own father’s house; For their blood, sweat and tears; For their struggle and pain;
’Cause they gave up their lives for this.”

“Skunk Atavistic” by Lesego Rampolokeng & Kalahari Surfers is a stream of consciousness type dub poem with moments of bitter protest such as “Amandla for what? Not a fist you are clinching; It’s your sphincter.” Meanwhile in “Politics” Skwatta Kamp overtly and angrily protested the failure of the ANC government to deliver a better society to South Africans:

To me political parties are like escort agencies,
Those that fuck around the most get more money.
Of course they work hard to make their own pockets fat.
They don’t give a fuck about you and me it’s all an act.
Call me ignorant but I know my shit, I got direction.
Why the fuck you think I don’t take part in these elections.
Flabba signing out A-N-C you later.
Skwatta Kamp people’s thoughts are always greater.

Karen Zoid and Kaalvoet Prinses address the most appalling feature of South African society: endemic sexual violence against women. Zoid sings “Justice! Justice! Lock up all the rapists and thrown away the key” while Kaalvoet Prinses (Tremaine Barnes) who champions the Barefoot Campaign which supports victims and survivors of gender based violence, also protests violence against women with her call to action: “Women gave birth to this human race; And a new born girl gets a can of mace …”

Some musicians have used satire, irony and humour to critique human rights abuse and corruption. Witty and biting criticism is able to ridicule those in the wrong, and the subsequent laughter signifies moral triumph over the wrong doing.

In “Die Fokkol Song” (“The Fuck All Song”), Koos Kombuis makes humorous use of the term ‘fuck all” to ridicule and protest the government’s inability to provide South Africa’s basis needs. The song was released prior to the 2010 Football World Cup, and he introduced the song as though it was a welcome message broadcast to tourists arriving at the airport:

“Welcome to the airport, it’s the year 2010, I’m assuming you’re here to watch the soccer games. We finally have a chance to show the world our friendly democracy, so make yourself at home.

Fuck all petrol, Fuck all diesel, Fuck all TV, Fuck all power, Fuck all water in your whisky, Fuck all jokes to laugh about, Fuck all pills at the clinic, Fuck all doctors when you ask, Fuck all people to take the rubbish from your pavement… Welcome to South Africa. Yes, Welcome to South Africa.”

Roger Lucey set his song “Dalai Lama” to the tune of a traditional South African song “Daar Kom Die Alibama” (“There Comes The Alibama”) which apparently commemorated the visit of the warship, ‘The Alibama’, to Cape Town in 1863. Lucey made use of the similar sounding names to sing a humorously cutting critique of the Zuma government’s unlawful (pro-China) refusal to grant the Dalai Lama a South African visa to attend Desmond Tutu’s 80th birthday celebrations. In “House Of Parliament Blues” Tony Cox uses humour mock the shenanigans which go on in Parliament.

In “Blue Light Brigade” the Kalahari Surfers cut and paste Julius Malema’s outrageous verbal attack against a journalist to both criticize and ridicule his behaviour, which is characteristic of the general arrogance of the ruling party politicians (at that stage Malema was an ANC member), most clearly evidenced in the way they race through the streets escorted by the South African Police with no regard for road rules or the rights of the average citizen:

Blue light Brigade
not another cavalcade
to knock you off your bike
as they jump a red light
or beat you to the ground
like a dog
to the sound
of the sirens
and the violence
unleashed
when you express your outrage

When Justin Nurse’s satirical T-shirt company, Laugh It Off, produced a T-shirt which parodied South African Breweries’ Black Label beer (“Black Labour, White Guilt”), South African Breweries sued them. David Kramer recorded and contributed the song “More Reward” towards a fund-raiser CD to help with legal costs. The song protests South African Breweries’ practices: “As we raise out glasses now that freedom’s here; Does the working man really profit from the beer?”

SOIL 7T7 and Half Price protest racism and capitalism respectively. “Can’t Keep Us Down” by SOIL 7T7 is a protest song by means of mobilising people against racism. They sing, “You can’t keep us down; ‘Cos we are coming around .. And we’re never gonna give it up”. Half Price’s “Guess It’s War” also calls for people to mobilise: “we should fight for our freedom, I think that we should die for what we believe in. If you think that it’ll end up alright. That’s bullshit cause it won’t, no it won’t. Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight.”

What these songs show us is that while there are issues we need to protest, South African democracy allows for such protests to be voiced. Songs like these would most probably have been banned by the apartheid government and/or the South African Broadcasting Corporation. And so, for now, that’s one thing we don’t have to protest.

  1. Banana Republic – Freshlyground (2017)
  2. State Of Emergency – Simphiwe Dana (2012)
  3. Zabalaza – Thandiswa Mazwai (2004)
  4. Marikana – Lilitha (2016)
  5. 41 000 Sisters – Kaalvoet Prinses (2019)
  6. Justice! Justice! – Karen Zoid (2015)
  7. Asilazi – Johnny Clegg (2006)
  8. More Reward – David Kramer (2003)
  9. Skunk Atavistic – Lesego Rampolokeng & Kalahari Surfers (2021)
  10. Blue Light Brigade – Kalahari Surfers (2012)
  11. House Of Parliament Blues – Tony Cox (2016)
  12. Dalai Lama – Roger Lucey (2011)
  13. Die Fokkol Song – Koos Kombuis (2008)
  14. Can’t Keep Us Down – SOIL 7T7 (2003)
  15. Politics – Skwatta Kamp (2002)
  16. Put Off Saving The World – Dorp (1998)
  17. Potholes And Politicians – Fuzigish (2002)
  18. Ahh Corruption – AK Massive (2005)
  19. Guess It’s War – Half Price (2006)
  20. Die Stad Bloei Vanaand – Johannes Kerkorrel (2000)

May Day Songs

The first day of May was chosen as International Workers’ Day in 1889, initially to commemorate the deaths of workers in Chicago who had been protesting for an eight-hour working day. Since then it has taken on much broader significance, with a continuing focus on workers’ rights and ongoing contests over those rights.

This mixtape does not so much celebrate May Day as it does contemplate the situation of the working class in South Africa in particular. Almost everything we do, from driving along a road to eating our next meal, watching tv, and communicating on our mobile phones, is possible because of the labour of workers. These products we use are especially affordable because workers are paid less than their labour is worth. South Africa is among the most unequal societies in the world, which, apart from the greed of the wealthy, is in part because workers are generally paid poorly, a situation which is exacerbated by what Juluka (in “Work For All”) refer to as the “jobless army at my door”. The millions of unemployed in South Africa push down the wages of those who do work, just because of their availability to take the jobs of those who are employed. Thus there are many members of the working class who, as Freshlyground sing (in “Working Class”) “have got no work”. As simply expressed by Bayete, there is often “No Work” for members of the working class. This situation is captured in “Zabalaza” by Thandiswa Mazwai, who describes the desperation of an unemployed mother: “I rise early in the morning; To stand at street corners; With my child on my back; Asking for money.”
A compilation of South African songs about work of necessity includes songs about migrant labour, which was a core aspect of the creation of a black working class in South Africa. Under colonialism, many black people were forced off the land into a migrant labour system which in many ways came to define the racial segregation system which eventually became formalised as apartheid. Hugh Masekela’s “Stimela” is about the trains which came from neighbouring countries, bringing foreign workers to the South African mines, while Sipho Mchunu’s “Jomane” is about the hostel life to which migrant workers were subjected once they reached their places of employment. In this case, Mchunu refers to workers at a hostel in Dube. Amampondo’s “Apha-Egoli” is about labourers in Johannesburg, many of them presumably there as migrant workers. “Gumboot Dance” by Zim Ngqawana recalls the central part which gumboot dancing has played as a recreational activity for mineworkers. The dance is rooted in traditional South African culture, and, was, and still is, tourism spectacles aside, a therapeutic form of unleashing deep-seated frustration and anger at the terrible conditions under which migrant workers live and work.

“Miner Man” by Babsy Mlangeni and Des Lindberg’s “Mountains Of Men” (written by David Marks when he was working on the mines) focus on the miners themselves. The former tells the story of a migrant worker working on the mines in South Africa, and documents the difficult conditions under which he has to work. The latter song considers that the mine dumps scattered around Johannesburg (in the 1960s, when Marks wrote the song) were not simply made of mined ore brought up to the surface, but were symbolically mountains of men who sacrificed their lives and health for mining profits: “Men slaved and died just to build us a dream; Those men in the mines they worked the earth’s crust; So these mountains are priceless, all be they of dust.”

In the 1980s Shifty Records recorded and released songs by trade union singing groups, and this vital archival project allows us to include some worker songs which would otherwise not have been recorded. Here we have included “Mooi River Textiles” by workers at Mooi River Textiles, two Federation of South African Trade Unions celebratory songs: “ Ke FOSATU” by the Brits Metal and Allied Workers Union, and “Siyabonga FOSATU” by the K-Team, and “Hlanganani” by DTMB, in which the union singers remind workers that there is strength in unity.

In contrast to the mostly black anti-apartheid aligned trade unions there were also racist whites only trade unions, protecting the interests of white workers against those of black workers. Corporal Punishment’s “Brain Damage” is a sardonic song about Arrie Paulus, the leader of the all-white Mineworkers Union. Paulus was well known for spewing racist comments about black South Africans, something with which Corporal Punishment take issue in the song.

Steve Kekana’s “Working Man”, Sipho Gumede’s “Working Man”, and Johnny Mbizo Dyani’s instrumental “Song For Workers” are tributes to workers in general. While Davy James and David Kramer wrote songs in which they explore the idea of work and unemployment respectively, through characters in their songs. Davy James, who drove a bulldozer for a living and was a singer songwriter in his spare time, wrote “Ballad Of A Working Man” about the life of the traditional working man: “Wake up in the morning, put my boots on; Start yawning, I got work to do.” In “Dawid Ryk” David Kramer explores the personal dynamics of a poverty-stricken character who finds himself unemployed, battling to provide for his wife and children.

“Woza Friday” by Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu (in their pre-Juluka days) is a different sort of protest song against the hardship of working life. It is a celebratory love song to the weekend: “Come, come Friday my darling, come, come, Friday my sweetie”.

And as we approach this May Day long weekend in South Africa, we do so with the contribution of workers in mind, both past and present, and the terrible sacrifices they have had to make, and ongoing hardships they have had to endure.

  1. Working Class – Freshlygroun
  2. Working Man – Steve Kekana
  3. No Work – Bayete
  4. Work For All – Juluka
  5. Mooi River Textiles – Mooi River Textiles
  6. StimelaHugh Masekela
  7. Zabalaza – Thandiswa Mazwai
  8. Working Man – Sipho Gumede
  9. Siyabonga Fosatu – K-Team
  10. Woza Friday – Johnny And Sipho
  11. Gumboot Dance – Zim Ngqawana
  12. Apha-Egoli – Amampondo
  13. Hlanganani – DTMB
  14. Jomane – Sipho Mchunu
  15. Ke Fosatu – Brits Mawu
  16. Brain Damage – Corporal Punishment
  17. Mountains Of Men – Des Lindberg
  18. Miner Man – Babsy Mlangeni
  19. Dawid Ryk – David Kramer
  20. Ballad Of A Working Man – Davy James
  21. Song For The Workers – Johnny Mbizo Dyani