A few years ago, cultural amplifications in South Africa were not as myriad as today. Pre-streaming, for music to cross borders and become mainstream, it relied heavily on broadcasting platforms like radio and television. For example, the XiTsonga disco of the 90s led by popular artists such as Penny Penny, Peta Teanet, and Joe Shirimani, was embraced nationally on the back of these platforms.
The streaming world elevated this amplification beyond our imagination, especially with the launch of Spotify in South Africa in 2018. Discovery is no longer limited to hardcore fans. On Spotify, this discovery happens through playlists, creating meaningful connections between artists and fans. Spotify’s editorial team in South Africa has developed a connected ecosystem of playlists across many unique and different genres amalgamating in the launch of the Made in South Africa hub, a hub celebrating South Africa’s heritage.
“In the streaming world, playlists have helped music and podcasts cross borders. South African audio space is as diverse as its people, so its evolving, innovative nature is not surprising. Made in South Africa hub promotes accessibility, music, and podcast discovery,” says Spotify’s Sub-Saharan Lead, Music Strategy and Operations, Warren Bokwe.
The Made in South Africa hub gives fans access to popular South African genres, well-known party anthems, lively conversations in local languages served by podcasters, and South Africa’s nostalgic sounds from Durban to Johannesburg. The hub serves as the ultimate destination for all things South African audio, including the newly launched playlist Limpopo Way. Limpopo Way went live on Spotify last week encompassing Lekompo, Manyalo, Bolo House, and Xigaza genres.
Music fans outside Limpopo are already familiar with Bolo House, Manyalo, and Xigaza genres. Bolo House had its notable moments with King Monada’s viral Malwedhe track and again with Master KG’s choreography-infused Jerusalema. Xitsonga traditional music genre Xigaza is currently dominating social media timelines led by the viral Ka Vhalungu by Tebza De DJ. Manyalo on the other hand has become synonymous with Sepedi weddings, and lately, parties and groove in general. One of its leading artists, Pleasure Tsa Manyalo whose latest single Romelang Invoice is part of the Limpopo Way playlist, features predominantly on these occasions.
Lekompo is a slightly less known genre, but not any less interesting, and is an emerging genre from Limpopo. The core roots of the sounds or where it originated from are debatable, however, listening to it, one can pick up a bit of every Limpopo-leaning genre. Popular Lekompo songs on the playlist include Sekoloto by Kharishma.
All these genres have energetic beats, making this playlist the ultimate dance-off playlist. Spotify EQUAL artist for September Makhadzi’s newly released singles Tshakuma, Mushonga, and Rea Lwa form part of the 50 songs on the playlist capturing Limpopo’s eclectic music scene. The playlist further features songs from the three official languages Sepedi, XiTsonga, and Tshivenda, and dialects spoken in Limpopo including Khelobedu.
In Limpopo Way’s company are; the reimagined Made in South Africa playlist – the playlists now houses Afro-soul and Afro-pop, Bhinca Nation playlist featuring Ntencane’s Umathandana wokwenzani, This Is playlists such as This Is Mango Groove, This Is Brenda Fassie, This Is Lucky Dube and This Is Ringo Madlingozi, Legendary Labels playlists, Nostalgia playlists, South African podcasts, and many more. They sit alongside frontline genre flagships including Amapiano Grooves, Mzansi Raps, Afrikaanse Hits, and Gqom Power House, just to name a few.
This Heritage Day and beyond, there’s something for everyone who loves Mzansi sounds.
