Motswako | |
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Cultural origins | Mid 1990s, Mafikeng, South Africa |
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Motswako is a subgenre of hip hop originating from South Africa additionally prominently popularized in Botswana. Mafikeng, the genre's origin point, is located close to the border of Botswana, where Setswana (Tswana) is predominantly spoken similar to Mafikeng. Motswako blends rap lyrics in local languages like Setswana with English over a steady beat. It also incorporates languages such as Sesotho, Zulu and Afrikaans depending on the artist's background. Popularized by South African acts like HHP and Baphixile (comprising "Prof" and "Blax Myth") in the late nineties, it gained a significant following among local audiences. Many emerging artists in South Africa use motswako as a foundation for their music careers due to its accessible principles, emphasizing creative writing skills crucial for mastering the genre. South Africa and Botswana boast a substantial pool of motswako artists, although female representation remains limited. [1] [2] [3]
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The genre's name originates from Setswana translating to "blend", "fusion" or simply, "mix" and in context this word refers to the amalgamation of English alongside Setswana or other indigenous languages in the production of motswako. [2] [4]
The musical characteristics of motswako typically encompass smooth yet laid-back rap delivery, a consistent beat, occasionally employing a four-on-the-floor rhythm and incorporating reggae-influenced Afro-centric or drum and bass beats. Minimalistic electronic elements serve to maintain a backdrop for the rap vocals to take center stage. In its early stages, motswako utilized rap lyrics primarily in Setswana alongside American vernacular. Additionally, other South African languages such as Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans were incorporated. Lyrical themes range from spoken word poetry performed without accompaniment to localized socio-political or economic commentary, drug culture, unity, pride in local culture, romance, objectification of women, pursuit of wealth, aspirations and celebration. [3]
Setswana-based hip hop traces its origins back to the early 1990s. Stoan Seate was at the forefront of developing the musical style. Beginning with Thandiswa Mazwai, Jah Seed and Speedy in Bongo Maffin, Stoan introduced an African hip hop perspective to the ensemble's sound. Stoan additionally incorporated a combination of traditional Tswana dance with contemporary dance moves, mirroring his blend of Tswana with poetry and rap. [5] [6] [7]
Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP), preferring the moniker Jabba, began his journey during his teenage years as a member of the Verbal Assassins, he fashioned himself after Notorious B.I.G., resonating with both Notorious B.I.G.'s stature and allure. Following HHP's introduction to Chicco in the late 1990s, Verbal Assasins released the album Party, which had a lukewarm reception but paved the way for the rise of HHP. Chicco told Kwanele Sosibo of Mail & Guardian following HHP's passing in 2018, "My advice was that the best thing to do is to rap in Setswana because there were very few artists back then doing it, he took my advice and then things started happening for him." [1]
Cashless Society, a commercially successful motswako group, emerged in 1996 with members from Johannesburg and Gaborone. The ensemble was distinctive for rapping in American vernacular rather than Setswana. [3]
Since the 2000s, South Africa has witnessed the rise of several notable acts, including Tuks Senganga, Cassper Nyovest, Spoek Mathambo, Khuli Chana, and Mo'Molemi. More recent additions to the motswako rap scene include Zeus, DJ Rade, Dramaboi, Apollo Diablo and Stagga, who hails from London and has Tswana and Jamaican heritage. Moreover in the 2000s, there was a surge in female motswako artists such as Punah, who blends motswako with jazz and gospel elements. Fifi Cooper, initially an R&B singer, transitioned into one of the most prominent female motswako rappers of her era. [3] In 2019, TV presenter turned rapper Boity Thulo commonly recognized as Boity, released single, "Bakae". Boity described the song as "motswako trap". [8] [9]
Tswana, also known by its native name Setswana, and previously spelled Sechuana in English, is a Bantu language spoken in and indigenous to Southern Africa by about 8.2 million people. It is closely related to the Northern Sotho and Southern Sotho languages, as well as the Kgalagadi language and the Lozi language.
Mahikeng, formerly known as Mafikeng and alternatively known as Mafeking, is the capital city of the North West province of South Africa.
Hip hop music has been popular in Africa since the early 1980s due to widespread African American influence. In 1985, hip hop reached Senegal, a French-speaking country in West Africa. Some of the first Senegalese rappers were Munyaradzi Nhidza Lida, M.C. Solaar, and Positive Black Soul.
The South African music scene includes both popular (jive) and folk forms like Zulu isicathamiya singing and harmonic mbaqanga. Other popular (Afropop) genres are marabi, mbube, afro fusion, house music, South African pop music, rock music, South African hip hop (motswako) and South African gospel.
The Tswana are a Bantu ethnic group native to Southern Africa. Ethnic Tswana made up approximately 85% of the population of Botswana in 2011.
Botswana is an African country made up of different ethnic groups, although Batswana are the majority of the population. Music is a large part of Botswana culture, and includes popular and folk forms. Botswana church choirs are common nationwide.
Besides referring to the language of the dominant people groups in Botswana, Setswana is the adjective used to describe the rich cultural traditions of the Batswana - whether construed as members of the Setswana ethnic groups or of all citizens of Botswana. the Batswana believe in the rich culture of Botho-Ubuntu, ‘‘People are not individuals, living in a state of independence, but part of a community, living in relationships and interdependence.’ Batswana believe in working together and in being united.
The Sotho-Tswana, also known as the Sotho or Basotho, although the term is now closely associated with the Southern Sotho peoples are a meta-ethnicity of Southern Africa. They are a large and diverse group of people who speak Sotho-Tswana languages. The group is predominantly found in Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, and the western part of Zambia. Smaller groups can also be found in Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Jabulani Tsambo, better known by his stage name Hip Hop Pantsula, later shortened to HHP, was a South African Motswako rapper (Motswakolista) who performed in several languages, mostly in Setswana. He was prominent in bringing South African hip hop and motswako rap to the mainstream world. After his death, the African National Congress called him a "music icon who became a beacon of hope and inspired many artists, and individuals in our country".
Tumelo Kepadisa, simply known as Tuks Senganga or Tuks, is a South African motswako rapper born in Mafikeng, in the former homeland of the Bophuthatswana. He frequently performs in ethnic languages, though mostly Setswana. Tuks Senganga started writing in 1993, drawing inspiration from everyday issues in his immediate environment. His career took off in 2005 with his first album Mafoko A Me. This was the album that earned him the Best Hip Hop Album Award at the 12th Annual MTN South African Music Awards (SAMA).
Mafoko A Me is the debut studio album of South African hip hop artist Tuks, released in 2005 in South Africa.
Tabure Thabo Bogopa Junior, professionally known as JR, is a South African entrepreneur and musician. He frequently performs Motswako rap, in both Setswana and English. He has had two number-one hip hop songs as well as two number-one pop hits on South African charts.
MC Prayer is the second studio album of Motswako hip-hop artist Tuks, released in 2006 in South Africa through EMI Records as the follow-up to his SAMA award-winning debut Mafoko A Me.
Refiloe Maele Phoolo, professionally known as Cassper Nyovest, is a South African rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, record producer and amateur boxer. Born and raised in Mahikeng, North West, he is regarded as one of the most successful artists in South Africa. In 2014, he established his own record label, Family Tree Records. Nyovest rose to fame with the release of his debut studio album, Tsholofelo (2014) which produced the hit singles "Gusheshe" and "Doc Shebeleza".
Mthembeni Ndevu, professionally known by his stage name Emtee is a South African rapper. He was born and grew up in Rockville, Soweto, where he was involved in talent shows. His career began at the age of 17, and his debut hit single, "Roll Up" was released in 2015. Emtee was signed to Ambitiouz Entertainment, released his debut album Avery (2015), which was commercially successful and was eventually certified platinum by Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
Khulane Morule, better known by his stage name Khuli Chana, is a South African Motswako rapper.
Gqom, gqom tech or sghubu), is an electronic dance music genre and subgenre of house music that emerged in the early 2010s from Durban, South Africa, pioneered largely by music producers Naked Boyz, Sbucardo, DJ Lag, Rudeboyz, Nasty Boyz, Griffit Vigo, Distruction Boyz, Menzi Shabane and Citizen Boy. It was developed from kwaito, a subgenre of house from South Africa.
Radio Botswana- abbr RB1 is a radio station in Botswana operated by the Government of Botswana in the capital city Gaborone. The Radio station provides news, current affairs about the country Botswana, the culture of Botswana, education and also provides entertainment to its followers. Radio Botswana station 1 started diffusing to its crowd in the year 1965 and during that time it was initially called the Radio Bechuanaland before the country became independent. During the time it was called Radio Bechuanaland, the station got assistance of wave transmition from the Mafikeng Veterinary, and it served the department with communication covering a circle of 20 miles. The partnership between the Mafikeng veterinary and radio Bechuanaland was to broadcast the agricultural agenda/programmes.
Radio Bechuanaland from the year 1967 was on air at a band of 90 meters every night. The station is called Seroma mowa sa Botswana in Setswana language.
The South African Hip Hop Awards are an annual hip hop award ceremony, that celebrates achievements within the South African hip hop culture, established in 2012. The awards are presented annually, and are broadcast live on SABC. The annual presentation ceremony features performances by artists, and some of the awards of more popular interest are presented in a televised ceremony.