politics
News Brief
Rufaro Samanga
May. 06, 2019 10:55AM EST
Via Flickr Creative Commons

South African Black Twitter is Freaking Out Over the Upcoming Elections

#IWantToVoteBut is highlighting the concerns South Africans have with regards to casting their votes in the upcoming elections.

In just two days, on the 8th May, South Africans will be heading to the polls to cast their vote in what has been described as one of the most fiercely contested elections the country has faced in years. However, with very little time left to decide on just who exactly they'll be voting for, South African Black Twitter is not only undecided but also distressed about the upcoming elections.

While South Africans living abroad cast their votes almost a week ago, those living within the country are left with a little under two days to do the same. However, uncertain, fearful and even defeatist sentiments are all evident online as Black South Africans are revealing their personal challenges to voting.

READ: South Africa is Tackling Fake News Head-on Ahead of May Elections

Some South Africans have highlighted how voting has not tangibly changed the lives of their families—many of whom have been voting for years. Despite their believing that their vote would change their plight, the opposite has been true.

Others have highlighted how none of the three major political parties have addressed the alarmingly high rates of unemployment particularly among the youth.


The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has been plagued by rampant corruption since former President Jacob Zuma's tenure and many have lost faith in the political party.

Although the popularity of the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has increased of late, there are a number of South Africans that doubt whether their unorthodox and hypocritical ways will translate into an effective government.

On the other hand, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is still being heavily critiqued for its lackluster attempts to address racial inequality.

READ: South African Youth on 2019 Elections: "The ANC can no longer self-correct"

Here are some more #IWantToVoteBut tweets below:





south africa twitter elections politics
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Via Flickr Creative Commons

Listen to 10 Great Songs From Johnny Clegg

Here are some of the best songs to remember South Africa's son of the soil.

Yesterday, it was confirmed that South African musician, Johnny Clegg, passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Understandably, heartfelt tributes have been pouring in ever since. Long before it was cool (or even legal) to be in close proximity to blackness and anything attached to it in South Africa, Clegg, a white man, was doing just that. That is exactly why he was given the endearing title of South Africa's "son of the soil."

Growing up during Apartheid, Clegg was taught how to speak the Zulu language by a domestic worker named Charlie Mzila. In his teenage years, his appreciation for the Zulu culture continued and he soon learnt the traditional dance styles known as isishameni and also learnt how to play the Maskandi guitar. Clegg's music was a beacon of light during a very dark time in South Africa's history and his songs about Nelson Mandela (at a time where songs were banned for merely mentioning the name of the late statesman and other key struggle activists) brought the country together.

It is irrefutable that a music giant has fallen. However, Clegg leaves behind a wealth of music featuring other great South African artists and groups such as Zakwe, Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Juluka/Suvuka, among several others. His music undeniably brought South Africans and people all around the world together.

We've picked ten of our favorite songs from the late musician's discography in honor of a life that was lived to the fullest.

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Stonebwoy in "Tuff Seed"

The 12 Songs You Need to Hear This Week

Featuring Stonebwoy, Mahmoud Ahmed, Tiwa Savage x Zlatan, Africa Express, Juls x Mr Eazi and more.

Every week, we highlight the cream of the crop in music through our Best Music of the Week column.

Here's our round up of the best tracks and music videos that came across our desks, which you can also check out in our Songs You Need to Hear This Week playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.

Follow our SONGS YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS WEEK playlist on Spotify here and Apple Music here.

Check out all of OkayAfrica's new playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.

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Beyoncé Wore These 2 African Designers in Her Music Video for 'Spirit'

Queen Bey continues to include and give a nod to African talent in her visuals.

As we draw even closer to Disney's The Lion King opening in theaters this week, Beyoncé continues to lead the way with her new music video for "Spirit"—the first single off of the film's album she produced and curated, The Lion King: The Gift.

Shot in the Havasu Falls in Arizona's Grand Canyon, Beyoncé and her legion of beautiful dancers are one with nature and its various elements as she beckons us to be brave and hear the calling of spirit. As we noted when she announced the album, the track opens with a call and response in Swahili that translates to "Long live the king": Uishi kwa mda mrefu mfalme—uishi kwa.

Keeping our eyes peeled for African influences in the music video, it's evident that is seen in the choreography. We even spotted our extended fam with the afrobeats moves—the AVO Boys: Stephen Ojo and Caleb Bonney—as two of her dancers in the video.

Beyoncé continues to also give a nod to African talent through the looks she donned in "Spirit" styled by her mainstay, Zerina Akers.

Take a look at the two African designers she wore in the video below.

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