Explore Bubblegum Music on Josplay Music Bubblegum music has a vibrant rhythmic framework and frequently has upbeat tunes that are danceable. Its melodic signature, which often has a 4/4 time signature, blends soulful vocals with synths to create a dynamic sound.
Bubblegum music , a distinct pop genre from South Africa is characterized by a fusion of vocals, electronic keyboards, and synthesizers, this genre aimed to resonate with urbanized South African youth, featuring lively beats conducive to dancing. Amidst the cultural landscape of black South Africa during the '80s, bridging the gap between the American-influenced jazz and funk of the '70s and the dominance of Kwaito and house music in the '90s, Bubblegum emerged as a local pop phenomenon.
Influenced By: Mbaqanga
Bubblegum’s distinct sound was unmistakable. It featured the rattling beats of drum machines combined with synth-driven melodies, creating a South African pop style that was both danceable and soulful. The genre borrowed from the traditional sounds of mbaqanga, marabi, kwela, and Afro-jazz, but reinvented them with a modern twist. Born in a time of apartheid, Bubblegum music thrived on black-owned radio stations and in public spaces where local artists shaped the sound. They used the sound as a tool for social commentary and also produced tracks that celebrated life, fun, and resilience, even amid the realities of segregation.
Though Bubblegum would eventually be overtaken by Kwaito in the '90s, it laid the groundwork for the sound that would evolve into today's Amapiano. Bubblegum music was South Africa’s take on American funk and disco, attracting a large, loyal following and even breaking through racial divides to reach a diverse audience. However, due to South Africa’s isolation under UN sanctions, Bubblegum didn't receive the international exposure it deserved. As the ‘90s approached, the genre began to evolve, shedding its American funk roots in favor of a more local, electronic style. This shift ultimately paved the way for Kwaito and then modern house music.
The genres of mbaqanga, marabi, and kwela—which were developed in the 1940s and 1950s as musicians sought a unique indigenous sound amidst jazz and blues influences—were the basis for bubblegum music. Its profound fusion with South African Township culture was what made it special. Bubblegum was a popular genre in South Africa that represented the country's take on American funk and disco. It broke over racial barriers during the apartheid era and even managed to reach a multiracial audience. However, Bubblegum never gained the international prominence it deserved because of South Africa's isolation brought on by UN sanctions. Many labels and musicians had become obscure by the early 1990s.
Soulful voices and harmonies, a hallmark of South African music, prominently features in bubblegum music. Inspired by genres such as mbaqanga, marabi, and kwela, which emerged in the 1940s and 1950s as musicians looked for a regional sound to complement their jazz and blues inspirations, Bubblegum was notable for its strong ties to South African Township culture. It was also renowned for it use of local languages like Zulu and Xhosa in their lyrics.
Bubblegum" is typically low-fidelity, stripped-down music with a lot of synths, keyboards, and drum machines mixed with the kind of incredibly soulful vocal harmonies and trademarks that are unique to South African music.
Bubblegum music from South Africa often explores themes of urban life, resonating with the vibrant energy of the youth. The experiences of metropolitan communities are reflected in its lyrics. It also conveyed messages of hope and resistance during the apartheid era using local languages without drawing much attention from the government, it was a strong tool for social commentary.
Lively synths, drum machines, and soulful vocals define the sound of bubblegum music, which embodies the colourful spirit of South African urban culture.