The South African music scene, just like the nation, is a diverse1 one. Pop and folk often mix together. South African pop is based on two sources: Isicathamiya and Mbaqanga.

Isicathamiya

Isicathamiya is the choral singing and dancing which originated with the Zulu migrant workers. These men, working in the gold mines far away from home, would entertain themselves by singing and dancing…

The whole article: The Zulu Rhythms and Pop Melodies (pdf)

Bridge May-June 2010