An old bakkie, a crackling radio, a icebox of snacks and a thousands-kilometre-worth stretch of road — that’s all you need to enjoy the spectrum of musical offerings in the Rainbow Nation. Cross state lines and the music shifts with subtle or vast nuances, be it instrumental or lyrical.
Hugh Masekela, Witbank
Hailing from Kwa-Guqa township in Witbank, Hugh Masekela set a legacy for South African music since his entry into the industry in 1956. His anti-apartheid songs resonated with millions of oppressed minorites at the helm of government threat. A trumpeter, flugelhornist and cornetist, Hugh’s background in the the coutnry’s first youth orchestra Huddleston Jazz Band set him on the way to success. His reach went global with tracks such as Up, Up and Away and collaborating with Dave Matthews Band in 2013 in Johannesburg.
Drive through Witbank, play Hugh’s works as you do. A major coal-mining district, Witbank was home to industrial workers— all of whom were subjected to unjust segregation. In 2006, the area was officially renamed to eMalahleni. Hugh’s beautifully expressive music almost teleports you to a time of agony for millions through the deep Zulu roots of Mbaqanga , a style that originated in the 1960s.
Die Heuwels Fantasties, Bellville
Ever since hitting the music scene in 2007, the Afrikaans electronic band is a signal that progressive music blares with popularity. Their feel-good tunes were welcome in a time when the country was saturated with propagating media.
Lucky Dube, Ermelo
One of South Africa and the world’s most influential reggae figures, the late Lucky Dube’s tuneful footprints include soulful hits such as Captured Live and House of Exile . Lucky Dube shaped South Africa’s music scene in such a bid way, it spread throughout the continent as he shot to fame in the 90s. His lyrics heavily critiqued South African legislature during apartheid, “All he dreams about is the freedom of the nation/ When every man will be equal / In the eyes of the law / As he closes his eyes / For the last time he said again.”
Through his music, he bridged gaps in African diaspora and reunited the Caribbean realm with Africa once again in a time the world was barely getting over losing Bob Marley.
Freshlyground, Cape Town
With their fusion of folk music, blues and jazz as well as their vast Southern African repertoire from Mozambique and Zimbabwe, Freshlyground has enraptured the world over. Their FIFA anthem Waka Waka with Shakira garnered over a billion views on YouTube.
Brenda Fassie, Langa, Cape Town
Affectionately known as ‘Madonna of the Townships,’ every Southern African household is bound to have a cassette of Brenda Fassie. The Afropop queen was known for her activist music, sexual fluidity and headstrong personality. Her solo album Memeza continues to enthrall fans and new listeners. Her infusion of Kwaito , urban South African styles, gave her music local flavour.
