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Mbaqanga Music Guide: Brief History of Mbaqanga

Table of Contents

1. What is Mbaqanga?
2. Who are the pioneers of Mbaqanga?
3. What are the influences of Mbaqanga?
4. How has Mbaqanga evolved?
5. How has Mbaqanga influenced other music genres?

What is Mbaqanga?

Mbaqanga is a genre of South African music that originated in the 1960s. The word "mbaqanga" is Zulu for "maize meal", which is a staple food in South Africa. This name was given to the genre because it was popular among working-class black South Africans who could afford to buy maize meal but not expensive meat. Mbaqanga is a fusion of traditional Zulu music, jazz, and Western pop music. The genre is characterized by its use of the guitar, bass, drums, and brass instruments, as well as its distinctive rhythms and harmonies.

Who are the pioneers of Mbaqanga?

The pioneers of Mbaqanga were musicians like Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, the Soul Brothers, and the Manhattan Brothers. These musicians were popular in the 1960s and 1970s and helped to establish Mbaqanga as a distinctive South African genre. Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens were known for their powerful vocals and energetic performances. The Soul Brothers, on the other hand, were famous for their catchy melodies and danceable rhythms. The Manhattan Brothers were one of the first South African groups to perform Mbaqanga on an international stage, touring Europe in the 1950s.

What are the influences of Mbaqanga?

Mbaqanga has been influenced by a variety of musical traditions, including traditional Zulu music, jazz, and Western pop music. The use of the guitar, bass, drums, and brass instruments in Mbaqanga is influenced by Western pop music, while the rhythms and harmonies are influenced by traditional Zulu music. Jazz has also played a significant role in the development of Mbaqanga. The improvisational nature of jazz has influenced the way that Mbaqanga musicians approach their music, allowing for greater experimentation and creativity.

How has Mbaqanga evolved?

Mbaqanga has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1960s. In the 1980s, Mbaqanga began to incorporate elements of disco and funk music, resulting in a more dance-oriented sound. This new style of Mbaqanga became known as "bubblegum" music and was popular throughout South Africa. In the 1990s, Mbaqanga began to incorporate elements of hip hop and rap music, resulting in a new style of Mbaqanga known as "kwaito". Kwaito is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and its incorporation of hip hop and rap-style vocals. Today, Mbaqanga continues to evolve and incorporate new influences, with many contemporary Mbaqanga musicians incorporating elements of house music and other electronic genres into their music.

How has Mbaqanga influenced other music genres?

Mbaqanga has had a significant influence on a variety of other music genres, both within South Africa and beyond. In the 1980s, the bubblegum style of Mbaqanga influenced the development of pop music in South Africa, while the kwaito style of Mbaqanga influenced the development of hip hop and rap music in South Africa. Mbaqanga has also been influential in the development of world music, with many international musicians incorporating elements of Mbaqanga into their music. Paul Simon's album "Graceland", for example, features several tracks that were influenced by Mbaqanga, while other artists like Peter Gabriel and David Byrne have also incorporated Mbaqanga into their music.

Conclusion

Mbaqanga is a genre of South African music that has had a significant impact both within South Africa and beyond. The genre's fusion of traditional Zulu music, jazz, and Western pop music has resulted in a distinctive sound that continues to evolve and influence other music genres. From its origins in the 1960s to its current incarnation, Mbaqanga has remained a vibrant and important part of South African culture.