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What was the origin of Kwela music? How did Kwela influence the music scene in South Africa? - NSC Music - Question 13 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 13
What was the origin of Kwela music? How did Kwela influence the music scene in South Africa?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What was the origin of Kwela music? How did Kwela influence the music scene in South Africa? - NSC Music - Question 13 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
What was the origin of Kwela music?
Answer
Kwela music is a South African jive style that evolved from Marabi. The most defining instrument used in Kwela music is the pennywhistle, initially replaced by the saxophone. The music originated in the streets of township areas and was accessible to youth, requiring little financial investment. The pennywhistle is compact and easy to carry, making it popular among boys who migrated from rural areas to urban centers. They brought their pennywhistles, which were influenced by a German tradition. Typical instruments in Kwela included the pennywhistle, homemade guitar, empty tin cans, and a one-smare teabass. The style is characterized by a vibrant rhythm, commonly accompanied by drums and shakers.
Step 2
How did Kwela influence the music scene in South Africa?
Answer
Kwela gained popularity among the so-called 'Boere' musicians and was famously recognized through Fred Woodridge's tune 'Pennifletjie Kwela.' This marked a significant opening of the music scene in South Africa for indigenous people. Later on, as the saxophone replaced the pennywhistle during the 1950s, the genre began to decline in use. However, it set a foundation for artists like Johnny Dikobe, who later transitioned from Kwela to become known as Sax Jive. Mawande Kwelela also emphasized how Kwela established a legacy that would shape the South African music industry for the following two decades.