Hi, I'm Dennis
The vast continent
of Africa with more than 50 nations each with its own history
and cultural mix has developed a rich musical tradition, and
it is well documented that African music was a fundamental ingredient
in the recipe which created 20th century popular music.
South Africa has
always been the most industrialized and developed nation south
of the Sahara. Their music reflects world influences and is sophisticated.
It is important to understand that all forms of black South African
music are inextricably intertwined with the long and bitter political
struggle for freedom. Their music was employed as a powerful
medium for protest, it served as a distraction from the difficult
and harsh conditions od day to day living, and articulated their
aspirations for a brighter future, which thankfully is now at
hand. The jazz, popular, and vocal music which evolved over the
years and which has burst forth since 1994, reflects a uniquely
attractive hybrid of traditional African rhythm and melodic structure
interwoven with Afro-American and British music influences.
In this program,
I will be playing selected examples of their music with wonderful
names such as Marabi, Mbube, Mbaquanga,
and Kwela; examples of South African Big
Band, Jive, Jazz, Rock,
Fusion, Reggae and others, from the
earliest of recordings right up until today. In short, a music-fest
as joyful and sensuous as the country itself. My theme song is
"Mbombela"... a song composed in the
1950's performed by The African Jazz Pioneers.
The program is dedicated to the early musicians who paved the
way of today's multi-million dollar entertainment industry but
who never received recognition for their contributions...