South African subgenre of hip hop
Motswako
is a subgenre of hip hop originating from South Africa additionally prominently popularized in
Botswana
. Mafikeng, the genre's origin point, is located close to the
border
of Botswana, where
Setswana
(Tswana) is predominantly spoken similar to Mafikeng. Motswako blends rap lyrics in local languages like Setswana with English over a steady beat. It also incorporates languages such as
Sesotho
,
Zulu
and
Afrikaans
depending on the artist's background. Popularized by South African acts like
HHP
and Baphixile (comprising "Prof" and "Blax Myth") in the late nineties, it gained a significant following among local audiences. Many emerging artists in South Africa use motswako as a foundation for their music careers due to its accessible principles, emphasizing creative writing skills crucial for mastering the genre. South Africa and Botswana boast a substantial pool of motswako artists, although female representation remains limited.
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Title and traits
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The genre's name originates from Setswana translating to "blend", "fusion" or simply, "mix" and in context this word refers to the amalgamation of English alongside Setswana or other indigenous languages in the production of motswako.
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The musical characteristics of motswako typically encompass smooth yet laid-back rap delivery, a consistent beat, occasionally employing a
four-on-the-floor
rhythm and incorporating reggae-influenced Afro-centric or drum and bass beats. Minimalistic electronic elements serve to maintain a backdrop for the rap vocals to take center stage. In its early stages, motswako utilized rap lyrics primarily in Setswana alongside American
vernacular
. Additionally, other South African languages such as Zulu,
Xhosa
and Afrikaans were incorporated. Lyrical themes range from spoken word poetry performed without accompaniment to localized
socio-political
or
economic
commentary,
drug culture
, unity, pride in local culture, romance,
objectification of women
, pursuit of wealth, aspirations and celebration.
[3]
History
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Early years - 1990s
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Setswana-based hip hop traces its origins back to the early 1990s. Stoan Seate was at the forefront of developing the musical style. Beginning with
Thandiswa Mazwai
, Jah Seed and Speedy in
Bongo Maffin
, Stoan introduced an African hip hop perspective to the ensemble's sound. Stoan additionally incorporated a combination of traditional Tswana dance with
contemporary dance
moves, mirroring his blend of Tswana with
poetry
and rap.
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Hip Hop Pantsula
(HHP), preferring the moniker Jabba, began his journey during his teenage years as a member of the Verbal Assassins, he fashioned himself after
Notorious B.I.G.
, resonating with both Notorious B.I.G.'s stature and allure. Following HHP's introduction to
Chicco
in the late 1990s, Verbal Assasins released the album
Party
, which had a lukewarm reception but paved the way for the rise of HHP. Chicco told Kwanele Sosibo of
Mail & Guardian
following HHP's passing in 2018, "My advice was that the best thing to do is to rap in Setswana because there were very few artists back then doing it, he took my advice and then things started happening for him."
[1]
Cashless Society
, a commercially successful motswako group, emerged in 1996 with members from
Johannesburg
and
Gaborone
. The ensemble was distinctive for rapping in American vernacular rather than Setswana.
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2000s - present day
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Since the 2000s, South Africa has witnessed the rise of several notable acts, including
Tuks Senganga
,
Cassper Nyovest
,
Spoek Mathambo
,
Khuli Chana
, and
Mo'Molemi
. More recent additions to the motswako rap scene include
Zeus
, DJ Rade, Dramaboi, Apollo Diablo and Stagga, who hails from
London
and has Tswana and
Jamaican
heritage. Moreover in the 2000s, there was a surge in female motswako artists such as Punah, who blends motswako with
jazz
and
gospel
elements.
Fifi Cooper
, initially an
R&B
singer, transitioned into one of the most prominent female motswako rappers of her era.
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In 2019,
TV presenter
turned rapper
Boity Thulo
commonly recognized as Boity, released single, "
Bakae
". Boity described the song as "motswako trap".
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See also
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References
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