Six iconic Mzansi musicians are being honoured this Heritage Month as part of Apple Music’s “Amaqhawe” (hero/legend) initiative.
The streaming platform is celebrating Afro-Pop singer-songwriter Ringo Madlingozi, legendary jazz singer Letta Mbulu, Mi Casa frontman J’Something, rapper and founding member of Skwatta Kamp, Slikour, alternative rock star Francois van Coke and Afrikaans rock singer, Karen Zoid, whose music has inspired and continue to influence the next generation of artistic voices.
The “Amaqhawe” playlists will consist of curated songs by each of these six legends, as well as some of Mzansi’s biggest songs, across decades and multiple genres.
It will include the likes of Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba, Lebo Mathosa and Malaika through to Mandoza, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, TKZee and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse.
J’Something said: “Heritage for me is weighted in the past. It’s a culmination of stories, thoughts, beliefs and characteristics that are then passed down to us.
“Thereafter comes the important part, how do we as individuals relate to our heritage, study it and break it apart so that we can then create our own stories, thoughts, beliefs and characteristics for us to pass down.
“This is why music plays such a pivotal role in shaping culture.”
Zoid’s collection of songs are across genres and decades and are tunes that she listen to often.
About South Africa’s heritage, she said: “I think South Africa has the best Constitution in the world, written by Nelson Mandela and Thuli Madonsela themselves.
“Even though our country has had many struggles, officially and unofficially, our last war was the Anglo Boer War that ended in 1902. South Africans for the most part have always tried to live together. I celebrate the spirit of ubuntu in this land.”
Meanwhile, Van Coke’s playlist has shaped who he has become.
“It is a privilege jamming, listening and loving these anthems that make me feel part of South Africa.”