South Africa:
Ten Years of Culture
Part I II
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An exhibit at the International Library of African Music.
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Dr. Andrew Tracey demonstrates a traditional instrument
With 11 officially recognized languages and dozens of other commonly spoken dialects, South Africa is as diverse as any nation in the world. This diversity was suppressed during the Apartheid era, now it is celebrated. The International Library of African Music (ILAM) in Grahamstown is a prime example. This depository of music and musical instruments from all over Africais in its 50th year; recognized as an invaluable national treasure.
Dr. Hugh Tracey's decision to catalogue traditional forms of southern African music in the 1920s was met with skepticism by some and suspicion by others. He traveled from England in 1920, settling in what is now southern Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) where he learned the traditional music of the local farm workers. This sparked a lifetime of interest and research into traditional African music and musical instruments.
Keep in mind: in this era, nobody believed African cultures could produce anything worthwhile. Studying African cultures was considered career suicide. Even worse, you risked being branded a collaborator (and therefore a state enemy) if you expressed too much interest in anything African.
Yet, he persisted, and now South Africa has an internationally recognized treasure trove of music and musical instruments.
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Kids dancing for tips in Soweto
Disregard for African cultures was not new to Southern Africa. 19th century missionaries had, for decades dismissed African cultures as irrelevant. Africans were therefore encouraged (or forced) to adopt Western lifestyles. This trend continued well into the Apartheid era, coming to a flashpoint in Soweto, 1976.
The poverty-stricken Black township near Johannesburg had been tense for months after the government announced a plan to teach Afrikaans - a Dutch-based language spoken by many White South Africans. Many of Soweto's residents felt this was an attempt to erase traditional African languages (and by extension, African cultures) from South Africa.
One by one, students at local schools went on strike, refusing to attend classes. Parents and teachers protested they could barely speak the language, much less teach a course using it. Demonstrations, vocal yet peaceful, were held throughout the township.
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The Soweto "Wall of Fame"
Hector Peterson's image is on the right
On June 16, 1976, police in riot gear confronted a large group of unarmed students marching in protest of the rule. In a moment that remains controversial to this day, the police opened fire on the crowd, killing 40, and sparking one of South Africa's most intense riots; hundreds were killed.
Among the dead that fateful day was young Hector Peterson, 13. The image of his lifeless body being carried through the streets was transmitted around the world--a symbol of tragedy in the struggle against Apartheid. Today, a museum in Hector's name honors the sacrifices of the students--credited by Nelson Mandela himself for keeping the struggle alive when the old guard leaders were in prison.
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Xhosa Women at Mgwali Village
In the new South Africa, culture is not dismissed, it is celebrated. Museums, cultural villages, and historical landmarks around the country honor South Africa's diversity.
In the Eastern Cape, for example, the Xhosa women of Mgwali host visitors to traditional meals, dance performances and readings from the local Sangoma (traditional healer). Their community center also houses a small museum, job training center, and town marketplace.
The proud Zulu people are not to be outdone. Best known for the military brilliance of their greatest chief, Shaka, the Zulu once boasted South Africa's most powerful army. They honor that proud heritage with some of the most amazing dance routines in the world. Traditional Zulu dance requires tremendous physical strength and agility. Those who dance well--both boys and girls--earn bragging rights among their peers...and a nice income on the side!
Full extension at Simunye Zulu Lodge
Perfect unison at Simunye Zulu Lodge