Over the last couple of weeks SABC 1 has been flighting an interesting documentary. "Vuma - A Kwaito revolution" highlights the impact that kwaito has had on the South African music scene, it focuses specifically on the Kalawa Jazzmee Record label and its artists as well as their influence on urban youth over the years.
The show has over the last 6 weeks taken me down memory lane like you won't believe. From reminiscing about the 1st time I saw Bongo Muffin live to having Aba-shante performing at my school socials (what do they call them these days). I've been on a nostalgia trip like you don't know. The Kalawa Jazmee label has brought us musical icons such as Boom Shaka, Alaska, Trompies, Thebe, BOP, Bongo Muffin....etc ( the list goes on and on).
One question that I continually ask myself after every show though, are our artists from this generation capable of raising the bar to next level. The pioneers such as Oskido, Bruce Sebitlo, Thebe and Trompies have laid a foundation that put the sound of Urban Black South Africa on the world map. These artists were touring (and still continue to) the world in their hey day, which new artists are pushing the envelope and taking the scene to the next level....?
Across the various genres (hip hop, kwaito and house) there seems to be a stagnation in creativity and lack new "new" songs.
Let's take a fresh look at where our past and take that as a guide to achieving greatness for South Africa and Africa as a whole. We have the dope beats, fat rhymes and swag dripping artists.... Let the music flow.
And as the ever eternal Thebe said "Haai kumnandi uNku-jiva, haai kumnandi uku-groova"!!!
Just my thoughts....C.Caine
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