Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a world famous group from Ladysmith, South Africa. In partnership with Paul Simon, they became the most well-known African group in the western world. Performing in Zulu and English, they sing a rhythmic a cappella music in alternately called mbaqanga, Isicathamlya, or "township jive."
Kronik hail from Ennerdale near Soweto and list among their influences R&B, soul and house music. Their music is characterized by a low-key blend of these influences over which they add rap and kwaito chanting. The delivery is soul, but the sound is kwaito. With local languages and street slang used in lyrics reflecting life in South Africa, and a distinctly South African-style of dancing, dressing and performing, kwaito is the sound that defines South Africa's black youth.
88-year old Seabata made his living working as a car radio. No kidding. He would travel in the back of a long distance taxi, playing his accordian and singing to keep the passengers happy. He sings in a dialect so old that very few people understand him, but the language is so musical it is amazing. The music is in the Sotho culture traditional style.
Liela sings in the traditional folk music style with an African influence. Most of her songs are in English but a handful are in Afrikaans, a language that is the first language of many people who are not white. The social commentaries within her lyrics are smoothed by melodies that reminds one of an acoustic Joan Baez. Liela has also extensively done live and studio backing vocals for acclaimed Afrikaans artist Koos Kombuis. She can be reached at lielag@mighty.co.za. Her Web site is http://www.liela.co.za
Submitted by Michael Peterson on December 6.