In South Africa, Mandelas Rainbow Nation had gathered to celebrate their impending victory, but they instead had to break into a moving rendition of Senzeni na (What have we done to deserve this) to demonstrate their sense of injustice. Singing was their natural response.
In Africa every step has a beat; every thought a song, so what happened at this announcement was almost to be expected, Africans always turn to music. People sing when they celebrate, sing when they commiserate, when they work and when they play. It is part of everyday life.
Fast forward to 2010 and the Rainbow Nation along with the rest of Africa prepares for to host the world biggest tournament for the first time. For Africans this is a massive endorsement, another Yes we can moment, so naturally it will be greeted with, and accompanied incessantly by, song.
On the streets of Soweto, Alexandra, the Cape Flats, in the cities and Suburbs House music has become the soundtrack to many peoples lives. House music is huge in Southern Africa and is not just a source of pleasure but an avenue to international stardom for many young Africans and will have a major impact at the World Cup this year.
Durbans Black Coffee has become the epitome of this, taking the world by storm with his smash hit Superman. Southern African house is smooth and effortless and deeply rooted in the soulful sound of mbaqanga the traditional Zulu sound it grew out of. Djs in Southern Africa blended this with House to form Kwaito in an outrageous experiment in the nineties that has developed into the more polished sound it is today.
The first to rise to stardom with this sound was Oscar Oskido Mdlongwa from Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. His Church Grooves have long provided the standard and have now taken their rightful place in House Music legend. Oskido paved the way for the likes of Black Coffee who has taken the music to new levels as the music gains global acclaim.
On Friday June 11, 2010 The Custard Factory in Birmingham will celebrate South Africa 2010 by screening both opening matches live. This celebration will also include homage to the Rainbow nation and its love affair with House Music bringing together the exceptional talents of Djs from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Australia, England and Jamaica to provide the soundtrack to this celebration.
Profits from the event will go towards supporting UK based Zimbabwean Charity WEZIMBABWEs Education projects in Zimbabwe. For more information contact: events@quartzmarketing.co.uk
Post published in: News