Simply for the love of Kwaito Music    

Kwaito is a music genre that emerged in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the 1990s. It is a variant of house music featuring the use of African sounds and samples. Typically at a slower tempo range than other styles of house music, Kwaito often contains catchy melodic and percussive loop samples, deep bass lines, and vocals. Although bearing similarities to hip hop music, a distinctive feature of Kwaito is the manner in which the lyrics are sung, rapped and shouted. It is most popular among the black youth of South Africa.

Kwaito took shape in the township Soweto at the same time Nelson Mandela took office. One of the first Kwaito singles to become a hit in South Africa was the song "Kaffir" by artist Arthur Mafokate, which illustrated the freedom of expression resulting from political liberation in South Africa. Arthur Mafokate, Makhendlas (Arthur's brother), Oskido, Boom Shaka, and Mdu Masilela were the first artists to produce a huge kwaito hit and popularize it in and outside of the Black townships.

The kwaito industry is growing fast and it is becoming increasingly competitive. Popular artists include Zola, Mandoza, Mzekezeke, Brown Dash, Spikiri, Mzambiya, and the late African pop and kwaito star Brenda Fassie to mention a few. The kwaito stars in South Africa are seen as celebrities who influence the culture, language, and economy of the nation in ways that is entertaining the listeners while listening.

Kwaito is been criticized in that it is labeled as the African version of hip hop or an imitator. As it emerged it was meant for the black South African youth but it managed to secure its name in the South African music industry and International front. It is known for being sang in African languages and that shouldn’t change. People in other races can take this opportunity to learn African languages through kwaito music.