Summary

Kwela, a lively South African urban dance genre, originally referred to Zulu choral responses. It later evolved into street band music featuring pennywhistles at township dances. By the 1950s, it incorporated guitars and a string bass, expanding to include North American swing music. Renowned kwela artists like “Spokes” Mashiyane and Lemmy (“Special”) Mabaso emerged, and the style spread to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi

Influences
JosplayExplore Kwela Music on Josplay Music
HistoryKwela, began with the ambition of young locals emulating swing jazz with accessible music instruments. This is a lively South African urban dance genre and the use of the term according to Elkin Sithole, first occurred during the 1940s in connection with a new Zulu vocal music known as the ‘bombing style’. it later evolved into street band music featuring pennywhistles at township dances. By the 1950s, it incorporated guitars and a string bass, expanding to include North American swing music. The new musical style was known as "jive" and gained popularity after a film, The Magic Garden, featured a pennywhistle boogie. This street music, heard in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, soon attracted the attention of local record companies, and the genre was branded as "Flute Jive," and "Kwela." Renowned kwela artists like “Spokes” Mashiyane and Lemmy (“Special”) Mabaso emerged, and the style spread to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, particularly through musicians like Daniel and Donald Kachamba.


Elements 

Kwela music is characterized by bright melodies, syncopated rhythms, and upbeat beats. Often in 4/4 time signature, it features catchy pennywhistle melodies. The vibrant energy of South African urban life is reflected in the music's dynamic arrangement of bars and rhythms.

Zulu choral traditions, township life, and swing music from the United States have all had a significant influence on South African kwela music. The region's varied cultural fabric is reflected in this combination.

Kwela music is known for its lively, rhythmic singing style, which reflects its Zulu roots through exuberant vocal replies. The upbeat tunes, which are frequently accompanied by pennywhistles, capture the spirit of vibrancy in the genre.

Kwela music is a genre of vibrant urban dance & swing music that originated in South Africa. It began as Zulu choral responses and developed into a lively kind of street band music featuring guitars, pennywhistles, and swing elements.

South African kwela music examines topics of joy, urban living, and cultural heritage. Bright melodies and upbeat beats tell a lively story of ordinary occurrences.

The pennywhistle and other bright, piercing instruments contribute to the timbre of Kwela music. The essence of metropolitan South African life is captured by its bright and colourful sound.