Music
The Redemption Trope in South African Cinema
The politics of three prominent South African films: the classics 'Come Back Africa,' late-1980s 'Mapantsula' and Oscar winner 'Tsotsi.'
It’s time to drop the “world music” label
The progressive rock of The Brother Moves On is a great case study for why the category of "world music" is at best dated, and at worst problematic.
The World Carnival Sound
Once a month Hipsters Don't Dance will bless Africa Is a Country with their top 5 World Carnival tunes.
Umlilo is young, black and queer in South Africa
The artist Umlilo documents their metamorphosis from a tortured outsider to a fully realized divine being.
Rap Songs About Weed
We went on a hunt for some South African rap songs about marijuana and emerged with a list ranging from Youngsta, Mothipa's Mpharanyana and Hymphatic Thabs.
This Studio Of A Life
The life and times of the great South African hip hop producer, Nyambz,
Noura Mint Seymali goes global
The meticulous engagement by Noura Mint Seymali with the history of her country Mauritania, the current global music landscape, and her own personal journey as a musician.
The problem with mainstream hip hop
What does AKA adds to the conversation about rap music in South Africa?
You hardly hear about his country in Tumi’s music
Though hip-hop aficionados rate them as one of the best hip-hop outfits this country has ever produced, Tumi and the Volume are largely invsible in local media.
New Sounds from Mozambique
High school students, a women's choir, traditional instrumentalists, bands using hand-made instruments, and a tour guide whose nom de guerre is Harry Potter.
Discovering Prophets Of Da City
An interview with hip hop scholar, Adam Haupt, about hip hop pioneers P.O.C., the viral rappers Die Antwoord and the state of contemporary South African hip-hop.
The State Of African Hip Hop
Hip-hop in Africa is diverse — no single sound defines it. Electro-chaabi, mbalax-influenced rap, and house-sampling styles all reflect the continent’s broad musical scope.