Gary J Sibio
A collection of pennywhistles.
Kwela is an form of music which originated in southern Africa. It is believed to have evolved from marabi, a style of music from the townships of South Africa. The word itself is believed to have come from the Zulu word meaning “get up,” an invitation to dance. The style was further influenced by Malawian immigrants to South Africa. In their Chichewa language the word for “to climb” is very similar to Kwela.
Kwela is characterized as jazzy and with a skiffle-like beat. It uses a I-IV-I-V chord progression. (Some authorities add additional chord progressions and others say there is no typical chord progression at all, but this is the most common view.) Kwela is usually played on a pennywhistle. This is likely the instrument of choice because they are inexpensive and portable and can be played solo or in an ensemble.
The style came to international prominence in the 1950s. It is featured prominently in listen to the albums “A Swingin’ Safari” by the Bert Kaempfert Orchestra (1962) and “Graceland” by Paul Simon (1986).
Prominent Kwela artists include:
- Lemmy Mabaso (https://youtu.be/6Lgf9CBHpSQ)
- Spokes Mashiyane (https://youtu.be/BghcwUaVbvs)
- The Skylarks (https://youtu.be/y2FEt0rzI0Y)
- Jack Lerole (https://youtu.be/49XSsXJqudg)
- Aaron Lerole
- The Solven Whistlers (https://youtu.be/OinmTEb4KQY)
- Kippie Moeketsi (https://youtu.be/k3mMEr5UnRI)
- Donald Kachamba (https://youtu.be/ElXT_t-K2DU)
- Gwigwi Mrwebe (https://youtu.be/zZsGoO0DJCQ)
© 2018 Gary J. Sibio. All rights reserved.
African music always inspires us to get up it seems. Great beat and love the different sounds.
I really like it also. I used to have a lot of it back in the cassette tape days.
Thank you for sharing this post about African music!!!
You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it.
Thanks for teaching me more about different music styles. I don’t know much about African music.
I can’t claim to be an expert. I only knew about this because I’m learning how to play the pennywhistle.
My son used to have one. We were vacationing in Massachusetts at the time and we’d bought it on the trip. We thought of it as revolutionary music, and I could always find him when we were at Minute Man National Park because he played it as he explored the grounds. I know he was imagining himself as a soldier in the American Revolution.
Most interesting on African music thank you for sharing and the great links.
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for sharing this post about African music. I am on the lookout for new artists that play nice music.
I’m learning how to play the pennywhistle and I heard about this.
Good for you Gary. Nice to know that you have a new venture in the game of life.