Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, stands as a testament to a complex history marked by apartheid’s racial segregation.
Despite this turbulent past, the city’s townships became sanctuaries of resistance, culture and an unbeatable artistic spirit that defied oppression.
During apartheid, iconic musicians emerged from these areas, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural and political landscape of South Africa. Below are a few of the many musicians who emerged to fight an oppressive society with music.
Atteridgeville
Established in 1939, Atteridgeville was one of the first townships allocated for black South Africans in Pretoria, quickly evolving into a vibrant hub of political activism and cultural expression.
Carlos Djedje, celebrated as the Father of African reggae, is one of the most famous artists said to have lived here.
Djedje started performing and recording his brand of reggae music in the early 1970s at the height of apartheid repression. His songs were banned and he endured constant harassment from the security police.
He rose to prominence in the 1970s as a pioneer of reggae music within Africa. However, his music was more than entertainment; it was a powerful vehicle for activism.
His early albums, including “Remember Them”, “No Apartheid”, and “Ahoy Afrika”, were steeped in lyrics addressing the brutal injustices of apartheid, prompting bans and bringing the oppression of the regime to the forefront.
He survived arrests and death attempts during apartheid for his conscious political lyrics, which led to the banning and censoring of some of his songs.
Djedje, being both a legendary musician and a brave freedom fighter, showcased how music could illuminate the path to liberation.
Mamelodi
Moving to Mamelodi, one of Pretoria’s largest townships, we discover a rich cultural tapestry, serving as a mainstay of anti-apartheid activism.
Here, Dr Philip Tabane, a musical trailblazer raised in the township, founded the iconic band Malombo.
He is said to have learnt his musical craft from his mother Matjale Tabane, a diviner who often hummed and sang tunes to summon the spirits while attending to her patients.
By the 1970s, he had established malombo as a sound, the alchemy of which was in tune with the rising swirl of the Black Consciousness Movement.
His unique fusion of traditional African sounds and jazz rhythms resonated well beyond the township, embodying a strong call during the anti-apartheid struggle and encapsulating the heartbeat of the resistance.
He is celebrated worldwide by jazz enthusiasts as the founding member of the Malombo Jazzmen, a trio whose music has been described as spiritual, mesmerising, unique and spell-binding.
He received two honorary doctorates in his lifetime and, when he passed in 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa conferred an honorary PhD in Music and Cultural Anthropology on Tabane in 1998 as the then chancellor of the University of Venda.
Amidst this scene of creativity, Vusi Mahlasela, known affectionately as “The Voice”, emerged as a prominent singer-songwriter and poet. Emerging from the socio-political backdrop of Mamelodi, his stirring melodies became anthems for freedom.
His notable performance at Nelson Mandela's inauguration in 1994 bore witness to a significant turning point in SA’s history, illustrating how integrated music is woven into the national fabric of identity and hope.
His songs of hope connected apartheid South Africa with its promise of a better future.
Raised in the Mamelodi, Mahlasela became a singer-songwriter and poet-activist at an early age teaching himself how to play guitar and later joining the Congress of South African Writers.
It was after his popular debut on BMG Africa, “When You Come Back,” that he was asked to perform at Mandela’s inauguration. Vusi has toured globally and shared the stage with international greats.
He holds numerous honorary doctorate degrees and former President Jacob Zuma awarded Vusi with the National Order of Ikhamanga, recognising him for “drawing attention to the injustices that isolated South Africa from the global community during the Apartheid years.”
Soshanguve
To the north, Soshanguve, a township established in the 1970s, blossomed into a vibrant epicentre of musical talent and cultural richness.
Solly Moholo, a celebrated gospel singer from Soshanguve, made waves not only through his music but also as a proud member of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Zion Christian Church (ZCC).
Moholo’s unique blend of traditional gospel with contemporary township influences echoing through his powerful lyrics resisted the apartheid narrative, making him a voice of defiance.
His energetic performances complemented his relentless advocacy against injustice, solidifying his place in the canon of South African struggle music.
Moholo, born Solomon Molokoane, was known for his unique blend of traditional gospel sounds and modern township influences.
His powerful voice and uplifting lyrics resonated deeply with millions, and his hits such as “Ba Mmitsa Moholo Wa Dipelo” and “Ke Mo Afrika”, became anthems in churches and community events, offering comfort, hope, and joy to listeners. He passed away last year,
A lasting legacy
The musicians who rose from the townships surrounding Pretoria were more than mere entertainers; they were torchbearers of a movement, champions of social justice and enduring symbols of hope.
Their music transcended borders and generations, serving not only as a soundtrack for the struggle against apartheid but also as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice in post-apartheid SA.
As we celebrate these artists, their melodies continue to inspire and resonate within the hearts of many, urging us all to carry forward the legacy of resistance and resilience.