©
David Debrincat
South Africa Travel Guide
©
David Debrincat
South Africa is the 'Rainbow Nation' and any visitor will see this reflected in its culture and musical styles. A trip to South Africa will give you the chance to discover not only tribal music but also rediscover a number of global icons.
Whether it's a baptism, marriage or other, music and marching bands accompany every celebration. At weekends, the main South African tourist spots spring to life with musical groups and traditional dancing.
As with the rest of the African continent, music is the heart and soul of daily life. Along with other national pastimes, such as football, music brings people together. Across townships and neighbourhoods, numerous organisations help thousands of people country-wide make a living from their musical talents.
Music here is an ancestral art. Whether they're Zulus, Xhosas, Ndebeles or Sothos, music isat the heart of every tribal gathering.
Even if American or British music is blasted across big cities, there are a number of South African artists who have become international stars.
Jazz fans would have heard of the pianist Dollar Brand and his 30 albums, Hugh Masekela with his 20 releases, not forgetting the traditional beats of Pops Mohamed. With different musical styles, each one has seen success in Europe.
Another world-wide success is Ladysmith Black Mambazo... and any Paul Simon fan will know 'Graceland'! Joseph Shabalala, the lead singer, has won gold and platinum discs as well as a Grammy Award.
But perhaps the best known of them all are Myriam Makeba and Johnny Clegg. A Jo'burg native, Myriam Makeba took the musical world by storm with her hit 'Pata Pata'. 'Mama Africa', as she is fondly known, was an emblematic anti-apartheid campaigner. She died, aged 76, on stage in Italy, whilst performing her legendary song.
'Asimbonanga', 'Scatterlings of Africa', 'I Call Your Name', 'African Shadow Man', 'One Man One Vote', 'Dela'...just some of the songs that you'll no doubt recognise. Johnny Clegg, AKA the 'White Zulu', is South Africa's biggest international star. With 17 albums under his belt, he has become an ambassador for the country's music, his original, ecletic style reaching all corners of the globe. A 'defender' of the poor, Brit-born Johnny sings in Zulu as much as he does in English. I once saw him in concert. If you get the chance, take it - you'll see an unforgettable performance!
