Today we’re getting traveling back home in South Africa, where hip-hop has also become a major influential tool amongst the youth. Since the widespread influence of Hip-Hop became worldwide, the South African youth was inevitably influenced by its different elements and features.
The topics that we will be going over, are:
1. Way Back When in South Africa
2. South African Hip-Hop in the 2000s.
3. The Pioneer of SA Hip-Hop.
4. The Now of Hip-hop South Africa
Read On!
Way Back When in South Africa
Prophets of Da City
The picture you see above is a picture of the Prophets of Da City. They are a hip-hop group from Cape Town, South Africa. They are made out of around eight individuals, however, the specific participation fluctuates every now and again; these include:
•Mark Heuvel (dance),
•Ishmael Morabe (vocals)
•Ramone
•DJ Ready D
•Shaheen Ariefdien.
The group began around 1988-1990. Their lyrical themes involved political messages about the state of South Africa. In a country ruled by the apartheid government, POC served as the voice of the people in South Africa, allowing them a powerful fan base.
They pioneered the origins of Hip-Hop in South Africa. During those times, Hip-Hop influenced South African youth only in response to British Imperialism.
While being dominated and forced into the western culture, combined with the diverse traditional tribes included, Hip-Hop served as the only medium to express themselves. In South Africa, it was a way to report the uniqueness of their struggle.
South African Hip-Hop in the 2000s
The turning point of SA Hip-Hop was when Skwatta Kamp won their first gold plaque status award in 2004. They were the first Hip-Hop group to win an award in South Africa. After the Mkhukhu FunkShen project was released, they sold 25 000 copies. The project received a wide range of success.
This opened doors for many rap artists and rap groups to be able to sell a multitude of records. The evolution began and we started seeing the appearances of rappers like :
•ProKid
•ProVerb
•HHP
•Emile XY
•Tumi, now known as Stogie T
•Da Les
Now the SA Hip-Hop community was able to generate millions of rands ever since then. This encouraged the emergence of other elements of Hip-Hop such as b-boying and graffiti.
The milestone achieved by Skwatta Kamp was able to create a platform for many Hip-Hop artists in South Africa. There began the evolution of South African Hip-Hop.
The Pioneer of African Hip-Hop
Afrika Bambaataa; born as Lance Taylor is an American DJ, rapper, songwriter, and producer from the South Bronx; New York City. I know you’re probably asking yourself that, how can an American-based Hip-Hop artist become the pioneer of SA Hip-Hop. Let me elaborate.
Lance Talyor wrote an essay in school which won him a trip to Africa. This is where he got to be influenced by cultural diversities. After watching the movie Zulu, he got inspired by the solidarity of the Zulu which was portrayed. Having the chance to visit the place and being able to learn more about their social environment.
He changed his name from Lance Taylor to Africa Bambaataa Aasim, inspired by the Zulu Chief Bhambatha, who led a rebellion to fight against unfair economic practices in the early 20th century of South Africa.
Zulu Nation
In the 1970s he went on to create his own Hip-Hop collective called Zulu Nation. It was comprised of various people and art forms involved in the culture. It involved rappers, B-boys, graffiti artists, and many more.
This is what cultivated the culture within South Africa. It encouraged the spread of Hip-Hop into various nations and cultures.
Hip-hop in South Africa Today.
After more than 30 years since Hip-Hop was introduced in South Africa, it has allowed various artists to make a living in South Africa and abroad. People in America are beginning to notice the SA talent. We are beginning to see more and more upcoming rappers emerge.
Young Artists such as A-Reece, Nasty C, and Shane Eagle are gaining a wide range of success, internationally. They are currently leading the new school and you want to know what I think? I think it can only get bigger from here on, as Hip-Hop is still yet to continue with its spread.
Hip-Hop is Real!
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