music - The African Mirror

Apr

04

2024

Thandiswa Mazwai’s makes Tiny Desk concert dream debut

South African music fans rejoiced when legendary Thandiswa Mazwai, a powerhouse vocalist and champion of kwaito music, graced the stage (well, desk) for NPR's beloved Tiny Desk Concert series. Premiering on YouTube on April 1, 2024, Mazwai's Tiny Desk set signifies a pivotal moment, not only for the singer but also for the global music community eagerly acquainting themselves with her sounds and performance style in this intimate setting. Mazwai follows a growing list of African artists from across the continent being honoured and platformed on the American YouTube channel. These names include the late Oliver Mtukudzi, Benin’s Angelique Kidjo,…

Oct

05

2023

By PHENDU KUTA, BIRD STORY AGENCY

2023 African Folklore Festival engages next-gen

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE second Pan-African Folklore Festival wowed audiences and brought Johannesburg alive for almost a week during South Africa Heritage Month as multi-faceted storyteller Pilani Bubu brought the rich tapestry of African culture and heritage alive through music, dance, literature, food, and crafts across venues throughout the inner city. The festival featured a diverse line-up of artists from South Africa, Kenya, and Zimbabwe Bubu's 2022 album, "Folklore Chapter One," which planted the seed for the first festival, delved into the concept of folklore – the oral traditions, beliefs, and stories - passed down through generations. The 2023 edition of the event…

Jul

04

2023

By OWEN KONZOLO FOR BIRD STORY AGENCY

The vinyl revival: This man is helping African millennials rediscover the groove

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

"ONE of the beautiful aspects of vinyl is its ability to preserve cultural heritage. In Africa, vinyl has become more than just a medium for music; it has transformed into a cultural artefact," proclaims James 'Jimmy' Rugami, from amongst the hundreds of vinyl records on display in his market stall in Nairobi. "People are rediscovering old recordings of traditional music, reconnecting with their heritage, and finding a sense of pride in their identity." Rugami should know; he has been selling vinyls to a mostly African audience for over 30 years. Located in the bustling Kenyatta Market in Nairobi, Rugami occupies…

BOOMTOWN confirms the freshest lineup for the ‘July’

WITH less than 6 weeks to the most anticipated annual horse race event of the year, BOOMTOWN organizers have finalized their lineup for the much-coveted lifestyle experience at the Hollywoodbets Durban July this past week. BOOMTOWN presented by Heineken®, over the past two weeks have announced the 2023 lineup on their social media platforms. This includes the multiple award-winning Afropop music outfit Mafikizolo, platinum-selling artist Prince Kaybee, hip-hop royalty Blxckie, dance duo sensation Murumba Pitch, superstar DJ Fresh, local fav Okmalukoolkat and newcomer singing sensation TenOceans. Also set to dazzle the attendees with fresh tunes are DJ duo No Comply,…

May

30

2023

By The African Mirror

BOOMTOWN confirms the freshest lineup for the ‘July’

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

WITH less than 6 weeks to the most anticipated annual horse race event of the year, BOOMTOWN organizers have finalized their lineup for the much-coveted lifestyle experience at the Hollywoodbets Durban July this past week. BOOMTOWN presented by Heineken®, over the past two weeks have announced the 2023 lineup on their social media platforms. This includes the multiple award-winning Afropop music outfit Mafikizolo, platinum-selling artist Prince Kaybee, hip-hop royalty Blxckie, dance duo sensation Murumba Pitch, superstar DJ Fresh, local fav Okmalukoolkat and newcomer singing sensation TenOceans. Also set to dazzle the attendees with fresh tunes are DJ duo No Comply,…

May

26

2023

By CONRAD ONYANGO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Can Music, Art, and Religion accelerate intra-Africa trade?

NEWS

WITH its increasing emphasis on music, art, storytelling and religion as unifying factors among 54 African countries, it is anticipated that the Africa Continental Free Trade Area-the world's largest single market will be implemented more quickly. As the continent gears up for this year's Africa Day celebrations on May 25th, several organisations are hosting events around these themes to appreciate diverse cultures and languages and holding online conversations on the role of faith in fostering social and economic integration. Africa Day is an event that signifies the establishment of the African Union and honours the continent's pursuit of unity. The…

Mar

16

2023

By The African Mirror

The true taste of Chamarel: Colours, flavours, music and history

LIFESTYLE

JACQUES ACHILLES FOR BIRD STORY AGENCY WHEN we hear Mauritius, we imagine clear warm coloured blue turquoise waters and endless white beaches—a true picture, of course, but an incomplete one. The country has much more to offer. The true Mauritian experience possibly lies on the road to Chamarel. Located halfway between the upper lands and the coastal region and surrounded by rivers, mountains, forests, sugar cane and pineapple fields is Chamarel- a village in the southwestern part of Mauritius. Unlike many Mauritian villages, which sacrificed their cultures and structures at the altar of 'responding to tourists' needs,' Chamarel refused to…

Feb

08

2023

By The African Mirror

The incredible story of how East African culture shaped the music of a state in India

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE term Siddi refers to Afro-Indians – Africans who mixed with Indians through marriage and relationships. Africans crossed the Indian Ocean and arrived in India during the 1200s, 1300s and 1400s. They were transported by Islamic invaders and Portuguese colonisers as enslaved people, palace guards, army chiefs, harem keepers, spiritual leaders, Sufi singers, dancers and treasurers. Author SAYAN DEY, Postdoctoral Fellow at Wits Centre for Diversity Studies, University of the Witwatersrand Today, the majority of Siddis are found in the west and south-west of India, in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana states. As they settled, they preserved and practised their…

Apr

09

2022

By DORCAS BELLO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Selling his yoghurt, music became this entrepreneur’s marketing super-power

NEWS

“WELCOME to my home,” a cheerful Nekeng Chuwang says, motioning me into the living room of his apartment, situated on a sprawling estate in Jos. I'm here to interview the 27-year-old who shot to local fame after his song, Beautiful Plateau, was adopted as a jingle by local radio and television stations. But I'm not here to talk music. There is another business to attend to. Beyond a gigantic cooler and stacks of smaller coolers choking with ice blocks, a funnel, a spatula and gloves that appear to have been tossed onto a table after intense activity are suggestive of…

Apr

04

2022

By The African Mirror

SA’s DJ Black Coffee wins Grammy Award

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

SOUTH Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa has led the nation in singing praises of DJ Black Coffee - real name Nathi Maphumulo - who has won his first Grammy Award. Black Coffee won the Grammy - the ultimate prize in music - in the dance/electronic category for his album titled “Subconsciously” Ramaphosa said: “Congratulations to Black Coffee for being awarded the Best Dance/Electronic Music award for his album ‘Subconsciously’ at last night’s #GRAMMYs. Thank you for flying the flag and inspiring a new generation of talent to take over the world.” In his acceptance speech, Black Coffee said: “I want to…