Music of South Africa
South African music blends African, European, and Asian traditions.
The music of South Africa exhibits a culturally varied musical heritage in conjunction with the multi-ethnic populace. Genres with the greatest international recognition include mbube, isicathamiya, mbaqanga, afrofusion, kwaito, South African pop music, afro house, South African hip-hop, Shangaan electro, bacardi house, bolo house, gqom and amapiano. The country's most internationally recognised and prominent musicians include Solomon Linda, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Stimela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ray Phiri, Abdullah Ibrahim, Wouter Kellerman, Brenda Fassie, Seether, Die Antwoord, Jeremy Loops, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lucky Dube, Lebo M, Goldfish, Freshlyground, Black Coffee, Anatii, Zakes Bantwini, Master KG, Nomcebo Zikode, Nasty C, and Tyla.
- field
- Music
- nationality
- South African
- known_for
- Culturally varied musical heritage; genres including mbube, isicathamiya, mbaqanga, kwaito, gqom, amapiano
- early_urban_genre
- Marabi (1920s–1950s)
Lore & Background
Early records of music in South Africa indicate a fusion of African, European and Asian cultural traditions. By the end of the nineteenth century, cities such as Cape Town attracted foreign musicians, particularly American ragtime players. In the 1890s Orpheus McAdoo's Jubilee Singers popularised African-American spirituals. Makwaya blended European hymnody with African-American spirituals and emphasized close harmony singing. The discovery of gold, diamonds and other minerals during the late 1800s and early 1900s led to rapid urbanisation. Shebeens arose in the black community, where alcohol was sold and consumed secretly. Jazz fused with African traditional music in these shebeens, creating a new style called Marabi. By the end of the 1920s, marabi had become wildly popular, pioneered in Sophiatown. Despite a sordid reputation and being shunned by white and educated black South Africans, it thrived in townships and peaked in the 1940s and 1950s, creating stars such as Miriam Makeba, Dolly Rathebe, Hugh Masekela, and Abdullah Ibrahim. Christianity was introduced during the 1600s, with missionaries from various countries arriving in the early 1800s. Native converts composed new hymns in African languages. In the early twentieth century, Zionist Christian churches incorporated African musical elements into gospel songs. South African gospel became popular in the 1990s, with artists such as Rebecca Malope and Lundi Tyamara. Gqom gospel emerged in the 21st century.
Reader's Guide
South African music's significance lies in its role as a cultural fusion point and a vehicle for expression under oppressive conditions. The early Marabi style, born in shebeens of the slums, provided a space for free expression for black mineworkers and urban dwellers, despite being stigmatized. This genre laid the groundwork for internationally recognized artists like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela. The country's neo-traditional styles—Sotho, Zulu, Tsonga, Pedi, and Venda—each developed distinct characteristics, such as the Zulu ukupika guitar picking style or the Tsonga shift from Portuguese-influenced sounds to indigenous xylophones and marimbas. Gospel music, rooted in missionary hymns, evolved into a popular genre in the 1990s. The legacy of South African music is its ability to absorb diverse influences—from American ragtime and spirituals to European hymnody and Latin rhythms—while maintaining indigenous elements, producing globally recognized genres and artists that continue to shape the international music landscape.
Did You Know?
- Marabi music was pioneered in Sophiatown and became wildly popular in shebeens by the end of the 1920s.
- The Zulu guitarist John Bhengu developed a unique ukupika style of picking in the 1950s.
- Gqom gospel emerged in the 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres is South African music known for?
South African music spans a wide range of styles, from traditional mbube and isicathamiya choral singing to urban forms like mbaqanga, kwaito, gqom, and the globally popular amapiano. These genres reflect the country's multi-ethnic population and its mix of African, European, and Asian musical influences.
Who are the most internationally recognized South African musicians?
Names like Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and the Ladysmith Black Mambazo are among the most globally known figures from the country. More recent artists such as Die Antwoord and amapiano producers have also brought South African sounds to international audiences.
What was the first distinctly urban music scene in South Africa?
Marabi emerged in the 1920s as the country's earliest urban genre, rooted in the mining towns and townships where Black workers gathered after long shifts. It laid the groundwork for later styles like mbaqanga and jazz-influenced South African pop.
Why is South African music considered culturally unique?
The country's music stands out because it weaves together indigenous African rhythms, European harmonic structures, and Asian melodic elements into a single national sound. This blend is a direct product of South Africa's complex multi-ethnic history and its diverse population.
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