For my final project proposal I would like to focus on Kwaito as a social and cultural tool for black South Africans. In looking at this, I would like to observe the ways in which the emergence and creation of Kwaito music has served as a way for people to voice discontent with issues occurring within society. I would further like to connect Kwaito with its significance in creating an identity for the people within the townships, with a particular focus on its important role for the youth.
Considering Kwaito's emergence from South Africa, and more specifically townships within South Africa, it is important to observe the historical effects of Apartheid, and the social and cultural implications of Apartheid in the emergence of Kwaito music.
Hi Chelsie,
ReplyDeleteThis project looks really wonderful and informative. I am also interested in the ways in which Apartheid affected the emergence and desire behind Kwaito music. Though I am not familiar with too much Kwaito music, I am sure essays on subcultures by Stuart Hall and others from the Birmingham School of Cultural Studies would help you to understand some of the larger cultural theories behind the emergence of oppositional or pleasure-filled acts of music and art among oppressed youth. I enjoy seeing what you do with your research!
Chelsie this sounds like a very interesting research topic. I like how you connect the music, something most often associated with a fun, light-hearted connotation, with something more serious, politics. One other thing that would be interesting to discuss as you begin your research would be how other African genres compare to Kwaito. Additionally, you might consider what the artist of these genres outside of Kwaito think of Kwaito artists. Nevertheless, this sounds like a very fun topic to research and I hope you enjoy learning about it.
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