Playtime Evo 002 — Music Evolution: Sounds of South Africa

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Playtime Evo 002 — Music Evolution: Sounds of South Africa

By Nelson ‘NILO’ Moopana

Music's beauty is the ability to give you the platform, a soundtrack that defines you, your character, or your mood. A sound, or sonic in music can be well described as a distinct character or texture in a piece of music, that defines the whole, giving it a place to reside.

In this publication, we’re going to look at some of South Africa’s unique sounds, and looking at how they’ve contributed to South African music culture.

A particular sound in music can be defined by its timbre, which refers to the tone color or quality of the sound. Timbre is what allows us to distinguish between different instruments or voices, even when they are playing or singing the same note at the same volume.

Timbre is affected by various factors, including the harmonic content of the sound, the attack and decay characteristics of the sound, and the way the sound is produced or amplified. For example, a piano and a guitar playing the same note will have different timbres due to the differences in the way the sound is produced and the harmonic content of the sound.

Other factors that can affect the perception of a sound’s quality or character include its pitch, volume, and duration. By combining different sounds with different timbres, pitches, volumes, and durations, composers and musicians can create complex and varied musical textures that engage the listener’s emotions and imagination.

HIP-HOP

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In hip-hop music, a particular sound could be defined by the timbre of the drum machine or sampler used to create the beat. For example, the Roland TR-808 drum machine is known for its distinctive sound and has been used in many classic hip-hop tracks, such as “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force and “Rock Box” by Run-DMC. The 808’s deep, booming bass and crisp, snappy snare sound have become iconic in the genre and are instantly recognizable to many fans of hip-hop music.

Other examples of defining sounds in hip-hop could include the use of specific synthesizer patches, vocal effects, or scratching techniques on a turntable.

DEEP HOUSE MUSIC

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In deep house music, a particular sound could be defined by the timbre of the bassline.

Deep house basslines typically have a warm, rounded tone and are often created using a synthesizer with a low-pass filter to remove higher frequencies and emphasize the lower frequencies. Examples of classic deep house basslines include the one in “Promised Land” by Joe Smooth, which features a smooth, pulsing groove that underpins the entire track.

The sound of the drums in deep house music is also an important defining characteristic, often featuring a mix of electronic and organic percussion elements that create a hypnotic, groovy rhythm. Other defining sounds in the deep house could include the use of atmospheric pads and chords, vocal samples or loops, and various sound effects such as reverbs and delays.

In South Africa, Defining a “South African sound” in music is a complex task, as the country has a rich and diverse musical heritage that is influenced by many different cultures and traditions. However, there are some characteristics and elements that are often associated with South African music and can help define its sound:

1. Rhythm: Many forms of South African music are known for their complex and infectious rhythms, often featuring a combination of traditional African rhythms and Western musical influences. For example, the distinctive rhythm of the South African genre known as “kwaito” is based on a combination of house music and African rhythms, and is characterized by a deep, driving beat that is hard to resist.
2. Vocal Harmony: Vocal harmony is another key element of South African music, with many styles featuring intricate harmonies and call-and-response vocals. This is particularly evident in traditional African music and gospel music, both of which are popular in South Africa.
3. Traditional Instruments: Many forms of South African music incorporate traditional instruments such as the mbira, the marimba, and various percussion instruments like the djembe and the talking drum. The use of these instruments helps give South African music a unique and distinctive sound that is difficult to find elsewhere.
4. Political and Social Context: South African music has often been used as a means of expressing political and social messages, particularly during the apartheid era. Artists such as Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela were known for their anti-apartheid activism, and their music helped to raise awareness of the struggle against apartheid both within South Africa and around the world.

Overall, the “South African sound” in music is a rich and diverse one that incorporates many different elements and influences and continues to evolve and develop in new and exciting ways.

The Influence of Jazz: Forever Close to our hearts

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Jazz and Jazz-influenced musicians like Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim, and others have had a significant impact on the development of South African sound in music. Jazz has been an important genre in South Africa since the 1920s when American Jazz bands began touring the country and influencing local musicians. In the 1950s and 60s, South African Jazz musicians began developing their own unique styles, incorporating elements of traditional African music and rhythms, as well as political and social commentary.

Hugh Masekela was one of the most prominent Jazz musicians to emerge from South Africa, and his music helped to bring attention to the struggles of black South Africans under apartheid. Masekela’s fusion of Jazz, African rhythms, and popular music helped to create a distinctive South African sound that has continued to influence musicians both in South Africa and around the world.

Abdullah Ibrahim, also known as Dollar Brand, is another Jazz musician who has had a significant impact on South African sound. Ibrahim’s music combines Jazz improvisation with traditional African rhythms and melodies, creating a unique and powerful sound that has inspired many musicians in South Africa and beyond.

The influence of Jazz and Jazz-influenced musicians like Hugh Masekela and Abdullah Ibrahim has helped to shape and define the South African sound in music, creating a rich and diverse musical landscape that continues to evolve and inspire new generations of artists.

The Rise of Fall Of Genres: Overview & Trends

The South African sound in music is constantly evolving and changing, with new artists and genres emerging all the time. Some of the most popular and influential genres in contemporary South African music include:

1. Amapiano: Amapiano is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in South Africa in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its use of deep, resonant basslines, African rhythms and melodies, and an emphasis on percussion and vocal samples. Amapiano has become hugely popular in South Africa and is now gaining attention around the world.
2. Gqom: Gqom is another genre of electronic dance music that originated in South Africa in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its minimalist beats, driving basslines, and use of syncopated rhythms and percussive samples. Gqom has become a major force in South African music and is known for its high-energy and infectious dance rhythms.
3. Afrobeats: Afrobeats is a genre of music that originated in West Africa, but has become increasingly popular in South Africa in recent years. It is characterized by its blend of African rhythms and melodies with elements of hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall music. South African artists like Mafikizolo, Cassper Nyovest, and DJ Maphorisa have helped to popularize Afrobeats in the country.
4. Kwaito: Kwaito is a genre of music that originated in South Africa in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its use of house music beats and African rhythms and is often associated with the post-apartheid youth culture in South Africa. Kwaito has remained popular in South Africa and has influenced many other genres of music in the country, including Amapiano and Gqom.

Overall, the South African sound in music continues to evolve and innovate, drawing on both local and global influences to create new and exciting forms of music that reflect the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.