Hip Hop in South Africa

Paper Summary:

This paper describes how Hip Hop came to South Africa in the 1980s and was first performed as an imitation of the American version, but then grew into a vehicle for political opinion against apartheid that resounded for more than a decade. The writer explains how Hip Hop diverged into many different genres, depending on its geographical location in South Africa, and how it continued to focus on the political situation even after the 1994 elections. It has also evolved to a form of house music called kwaito, which is very popular dance music. The paper concludes that although used as a voice for all who find themselves oppressed, Hip Hop in South Africa has proved especially difficult for female groups in terms of respect and equality, which seems to show that South African Hip Hop has truly become a mirror of South Africa's unique cultural and political setting.

From the Paper:

"During this time, the Hip Hop revolution in the United States provided fertile ground for the oppressed black youth of South Africa. According to Clark, this is one of the reasons why the genre in South Africa evolved to a much greater extent than in the rest of Africa. The country's political paradigm of the time created a sense of resonance for the youth when they heard the radical lyrics of the American form, particularly artists such as Public Enemy, who sang "Fight the Power" during this time. The themes of revolution and empowerment found a home in the hearts of the South African youth."

Sample of Sources Used:

• BBC News (2007, July 25). South African Hip Hop. http://www.theworld.org/?q=node/11662
• Clark, Msia Kibona (2007, July 11). South Africa - Hip Hop Revolution. Global Envision http://www.globalenvision.org/library/33/1682/
• Wright, Steve (1999, June 9). Kwaito: South Africa's Hip-Hop? CNN. http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9906/09/kwaito.wb/

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