I don't think of the Academy Awards as a great promoter of world music and culture. But their selection last night of the South African film
Tsotsi as Best Foreign Language Film is certain to gain attention for the
soundtrack, which is dominated by kwaito. Sometimes called "South African Hip Hop," kwaito (
the term translates as "anger") seems to run the gamut from cheezy knockoffs of western hip hop to amazing blends of modern beats with roots drumming and choral singing. Read a good background of kwaito
here.
The Tsotsi soundtrack is dominated by South African artist
Zola (not to be confused with barefoot South African runner
Zola Budd). I haven't yet seen the film or heard the soundtrack (which also include tracks by
Vusi Mahlasela), so until I do here is a track to whet your appetite for kwaito.
[mp3] Jimmy B: "Make Me Bounce"
From
Kwaito: South African Hip Hop (Stern's / Earthworks)
3 comments:
had the pleasure of seeing vusi at the kennedy center last week. definitely go see him if he's playing in your city. awesome vocals. was able to pick up an album of his as well as tsotsi soundtrack. your description is accurate - some songs sound standard american hip-hop or rap, but there's a nice variety to the album making it worth acquiring.
charlie
I should clarify my comment:
your description of kwaito seems accurate as the songs on the soundtrack definitely vary in the manner you described. but again, well worth it, especially with vusi tracks being an added bonus
charlie
thank you so much! i watched tsotsi last week, & from the opening scene was blown away by the awesome sounds. i've been trying to hunt down the soundtrack, but it's only on pre-order here in the UK - how annoying.
was also quite gratified it won best foreign film (although i wish a couple of other films had been nominated). the soundtrack contributes greatly to the film.
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