South African Hip Hop And The Legends of Song

by Mayuyuka

Anyone interested in hip hop must have had the conversation about how much influence American acts seem to have on local artists. For better or worse, it won't end any time soon and the 'trap sound' will be replaced by something else in due time. Here's my take on this  though:

We really shouldn't be too worried about South African hip hop adopting styles, trends or sounds we consider foreign or western... not even trap! Hip Hop is still very much in safe (South African) hands. I think a lot of contemporary hip hop keeps past South African music alive, whilst simultaneously introducing it to a new audience. Perhaps we take for granted that there is a percentage of young SA hip hop fans who may not have been exposed to the music that forms the basis of a lot of new hip hop releases. Over the past couple of years the most interesting local trend has been the infusion of kwaito sounds.  The immensely popular Cara Cara by K.O, used this formula brilliantly!

 Apart from just sounds though, witty name drops like L Tido's Steve Kekana hook keep the listening audience well informed of past South African musicians: L Tido also pays homage to Mshoza on Dlala Ka Yona. In terms of vocal samples, another Tweezy produced banger, AKA's All Eyes On Me interpolates Brenda's Fassie's Ngiyakusaba sample to great effect.

There are plenty of other examples of the past taking centre stage, including the Thebe inspired Bula Boot by Priddy Ugly. Cassper Nyovest's breakout hit rhythmically name drops kwaito legend Doc Shebeleza  against a trap backdrop. Killer A's Siyay'Shova interpolates the legendary TKZee remarkably too!

Thankfully for fans of both old and new this re-purposing of sounds and name dropping of icons (re)introduces the sizeable fan-bases of this generations artists to legendary acts of the past. This also ensures that South Africa's proud musical history will remain an influence on contemporary music, including a genre like hip hop, often anxious about being influenced by 'western' trends!

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