For many, music is not about clefs, symbols, lines, and spaces. It is more intuitive, emotive and innate.
From the church member that plays the rhythmic chimes of the triangle, the DJ that releases the song that we dance to at 00:00 as we kiss the year goodbye, or the Gwijo Squad that unifies fans at a Rugby World Cup final. As South Africans, music is the medium we choose to protest, celebrate, honour ancestors and pray to who we believe in since the beginning of time.
As Mark Twain said, 'There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope? That is the African musical landscape - a kaleidoscope of culture and history colliding with sounds and synths to make genres like Amapiano, Afrobeat and folk music.
We spoke to three remarkable South African artists, Simphiwe Dana, Da Capo and Bongeziwe Mabandla, on their lives, careers and how they are creating and weaving worlds into melodies.
THE GIFT THAT HAS KEPT ON GIVING
WITH 20 YEARS OF MUSIC INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE BUT ONLY SIX STUDIO ALBUMS, SIMPHIWE DANA HAS BEEN DELIBERATE ABOUT HER WORK PACE.
When your parents name you, they have high hopes for your future. Your name is the message they send out into the world in thankfulness and expectations. On 23 January 1980, it was both a prophecy and prayer when her parents named her, Simphiwe Sinethemba Dana. Roughly translated, Simphiwe means we have been given a gift.
Bu hikaye GQ South Africa dergisinin June - July 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye GQ South Africa dergisinin June - July 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
I am Legend
For 40 years, Toyota has produced an iconic 4x4. In 2024 it's received a subtle, rejuvenating facelift - and more. The Land Cruiser 76 is made for Africa.
Alternative Investments
We take a look at how alternative investments offer a diverse range of opportunities beyond the traditional, with a particular focus on venture capital
THE HEART OF A CHAMPION
AYABONGA KHAKA IS A RIGHT-ARM medium bowler for South Africa's national cricket team, and earned a national contract with Cricket South Africa in 2018.
THE DEFENDER OF HOUSE
From his debut album Golden Power to the recent hit \"Yes God\", Oscar Mbo is still the king of deep house music. Apart from consistently energising groovists with his beats, he also stands out as the country's most stylish DJ - and a savvy businessman
GOLDEN BOY
With top-charting hits such as \"Adiwele\", \"Sete\" and \"Imithandazo\", Young Stunna is the face of amapiano, and a rising icon. In a remarkably short time, he's carved out his path in the music industry and stands poised to conquer the world
Fierce, Fearless and Flourishing
THESE FIVE REMARKABLE WOMEN LEADING WITH COURAGE, DETERMINATION, AND LIMITLESS AMBITION ARE REDEFINING SUCCESS IN THEIR OWN TERMS
DAMIAN WILLEMSE HUMBLE STAR OF SA RUGBY
He's renowned for his skill and versatility - but the legacy of Damian Willemse is built on inspiring others, both on and off the field
The Visionary Curator: Jana Terblanche's Journey in the Art World
Poetic and political this ambitious yet principled art curator challenges the traditional and champions African voices
Non-invasive Cosmetic Treatments Guide
From advanced laser therapies to cutting-edge injectables, these innovative procedures offer effective solutions for smoothing wrinkles, enhancing skin tone, and contouring the body
Lelowhatsgood The Maverick DJ Disrupting Africa's Cultural Landscape
“Demon’s Kiss” put him on the map but there’s more to this Renaissance man than just hit singles.