Popular
Esther Konkara in "Rimwe Ria Kuigana."

Country Music Has a Home In Africa

African artists are taking a hold of country music narratives and making them their own.

Country music has a surprising amount of blackness woven into the fabric of its history.

While American-style country music might not seem like the thing to catch on in Africa, it became extremely relatable through the parallels between the lifestyles of many African countries and working class America.

The term country music has come to encompass many styles and genres, including folk, with origins that can be traced back to working class Americans who blended popular songs with Irish and Celtic fiddle tunes, ballads, cowboy songs and the musical traditions of various groups of immigrants.

Despite its clear popularity on the African continent and the influence of artists like DeFord Bailey—who was one of the genre's first black stars and an influential harmonica player—country music continues to be considered a mainly white genre and is still mostly imported from America.

Keep reading...Show less
Literature

6 Books That Shaped Post-Apartheid South Africa

We look back at the books that shaped the story of post-apartheid South Africa.

History has always depended on writers to tell the stories of the moment in which they live. South Africa is no exception.

Keep reading...Show less

get okayafrica in your inbox

news.

Fees Must Fall Reloaded: What Does It All Mean?

Here’s everything you need to know about the return of South Africa’s #FeesMustFall student protests.

Everything You Need to Know About South Africa's Election Results

South Africa wrapped up it's fifth, and arguably the most hotly-contested, democratic local government elections. Here's what you need to know.

7 South African Podcasts You Should Be Listening To

Young South Africans taking podcasting by storm

6 Moments That Prove the Spirit of '76 is Still Alive in South Africa

For Youth Day we look back at six moments that show the spirit of 1976 is still alive in South Africa.

popular.

5 South African Web Series You Should Be Watching

The best web shows created by young South Africans, for young South Africans.