In recent years a new generation of hip hop artists has emerged in South Africa, who are taking it back to the roots and celebrating the many cultures that surrounded them growing up in the townships. They are reshaping the sense of identity of South Africa’s youth and expressing what it means to be born free.
Born Free: The Hip Hop Scene In South Africa
► Black Coffee – Come With Me Feat. M.Que
South African House DJ, Black Coffee, enlists Johannesburg vocalist M.Que and a couple of New York City dance collectives for his latest single ‘Come With Me’.
► Okzharp – Dear Ribane Feat. Manthe
Fresh new sounds from Durban’s Gqom scene via London’s Hyperdub. This is Okzharp featuring the multitalented artist Manthe Ribane. Look out for the forthcoming EP Dumella 113 coming at the end of the month.
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► Fantasma – Eye Of The Sun
Eye Of The Sun is the title track from Fantasma’s new EP of the same name which also features Moonchild and is directed by Travys Owen.
► Okmalumkoolkat – Holy Oxygen
Peep this Afrofuturistic themed video from Johannesburg’s Okmalumkoolkat aka Smiso Zwane directed by Wim Steytler. Okmalumkoolkat is also half of the rap/electronic duo Dirty Paraffin though this track is from his recent solo EP Holy Oxygen I.
► Culoe De Song World DJ Session Mix Live From Cape Town
Teleport to club ERA in Cape Town, South Africa for this recent Culoe De Song World DJ Sessions Mix for Mixmag.
► New video + EP From Spoek Mathambo’s Fantasma
South Africa’s Spoek Mathambo has teamed up with DJ Spoko to present his new 5-part band Fantasma. A blend of electronica, hip-hop, traditional Zulu maskandi music, shangaan electro, South African house, psych-rock and punk.
Future Sound of Mzansi Documentary Explores South Africa’s Musical Landscape
Future Sounds of Mzansi is a documentary which aims to explore, express, and interrogate South Africa’s cultural landscape, 20 years into it’s democracy. A chief vehicle of this exploration is electronic music, a staple of South African popular culture. The film explores the past, present and future of the scene and its multiple sub-genres, presented through the eyes of internationally acclaimed artist Spoek Mathambo.
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► Black Coffee Featuring Toshi – Buya
You may have missed this deep house winner from rising DJ/producer Black Coffee out of Johannesburg. The song is off of his album ‘Africa Rising’ currently out on Soulistic Music and features radiant vocals by Buya.
► Nelson Mandela Reggae Tribute Mix
Since Nelson Mandela’s passing on December 5, 2013, there have been several tribute mixes floating around the web paying their respects. This particular mix though, takes a different approach by featuring strictly reggae tunes, an effort that highlights the Mandela’s impact throughout the African diaspora.