Peter Makurube
SOUTH AFRICA is the only country on the continent where reggae music never took off – at least not among black people. After all, the powers that used to be did not allow it.
It is protest music, and like all songs containing lyrics deemed “undesirable”, reggae never got air time on the old SABC.
Strangely, young white South Africans were into this “in your face music” of the Caribbean. Unlike their black counterparts, no one would come knocking on their door for possessing banned music. In the townships, the youth were bopping to soul, a safe alternative to reggae.
Reggae, all things considered, was associated with layabouts and dope-smokers.
Now things are looking up for dem riddim lovers. New radio stations have closed the gap left by the SABC. They have taken advantage of the new attitude and new country to infuse their programming with hot reggae slots.
I think one of the best shows is by Voice of Soweto, a community radio station in Gauteng. The show is fast becoming a can’t- miss for fans of positive vibrashuns. It has a near fanatical following, brought about by clever programming, production and presentation.
It is also unique in that it boasts two knowledgeable, passionate and energetic presenters – S’bu Nxumalo and Andy Kasrils – son of Deputy Minister of Defence Ronnie Kasrils.
This duo is dynamic. Theirs is not a radio show, but a radio riot of reggae-speak and madness behind the mike. You feel as if you are part of the show and what’s more you wish you could be right there with them – it’s intimate radio.
Their selection ranges from ragga to classic reggae. All the great names and more pass through the show every weekend. Young and talented stars, who rule the airwaves in foreign countries, are a common feature of the playlist. You can only find them on this show. Most local stations haven’t even heard of the existence of musical stars ranging from Buju Banton, Pato Banton to Ziggy.
Legend has it that residents of Jo’burg’s suburbs have acquired a new habit. They take a drive to Soweto or at least the outskirts of this sprawling ghetto, to listen to the Voice of Soweto reggae show. So, join the queue – there’s a revolution on da radio maaan!
Catch this maverick pair every Saturday at 2pm. Peace!
— In Your Ear is a new weekly column which will provide a critique of commercial and community radio stations across the country