Kwaito: South African Hip Hop
Kwaito is the South African equivalent of hip-hop-the authentic street music of township youth. But it's no mere imitation of African-American sounds: Its pulsing dance beat evolved from such styles as mbaqanga and dancehall, as well as house and disco. Boom Shaka contributes a soulful, modern version of "Nkosi Sikelela," the national anthem, while Arthur performs the controversial "Kaffir," a song that would not have been allowed under the apartheid regime. Kwaito lyrics are often chanted rather than sung, and some tracks, such as Jimmy B's "Make Em Bounce," are rooted in the more familiar vocal styles of South Africa. --Paul-Emile Comeau --From Rhythm Magazine