Eight Southern African Songs That Celebrate Groove Culture
In recognition of the current dominance of of “Tshwala Bam,” here are eight other Southern African songs that celebrate partying.
An image of beer glasses raised in the air.
One of the biggest amapiano songs of the year is about alcohol. Released in March, “Tshwala Bam” by TitoM and Yuppe typifies South African groove culture and its attendant wild side. The featured artists S.N.E and EeQue trade bars from the bottom side of the brown bottle, waxing creatively about the various scenarios that alcohol has landed them in. It’s a song about being unhinged and out of control, the soundtrack to escapism, and the longest middle finger to any sort of political correctness — an unintentional ode to nightlife, to partying ’til the break of dawn and doing it again the next day. In recognition of “Tshwala Bam,” here are eight more songs that celebrate partying (and, yes, alcohol).
The Brother Moves On - “Dagiwe”
The Brother Moves On is a Johannesburg-based performance art outfit that has been mesmerizing lovers of live music for over a decade. The collective brings an exciting approach to playing that has ensured their relevance on the scene. “Dagiwe” is taken off of their first release, The Golden Wake. It’s about youthful zest, excess, and obeying no rules. “Yesterday I was drunk / today I am drunk / tomorrow I'll be drunk / cause alcohol is my bliss,” vocalist Siya Mthembu reassuringly sings. Never has a song about getting sloshed sounded so good.
Kommanda Obbs - “Ke Tauwe” feat. Stogie T
Lesotho-born Kommanda Obbs changed the trajectory of rap in his home country when he introduced his special brand of hip-hop called tšepe. It took him a few more years to get signed to Sipho Sithole’s Native Rhythms, where he released his Keteu - The Sound Of The Bell Ep. “Ke Tauwe” is him detailing the level at which he’s inebriated. The Stogie T feature further enhances the song’s potency, while the song cements Kommanda Obbs as one of Southern Africa’s foremost artists.
Kwesta - “Ngud” feat. Cassper Nyovest
Kwesta had already been in the game for a decade by the time he landed his first major hit. "Ngud" arrived during the glory years of South African hip hop, topped all the charts, and attained legendary status. This generous ode to a quart of beer sent people into a frenzy every time it played. The Cassper Nyovest feature added extra flavor and ultimately ensured that it has endless replay value.
Bhudaza - “Tjontjobina”
Bhudaza is one of Lesotho's foremost jazz musicians. He is also a former member of the critically acclaimed and widely admired band, Sankomota. His debut album broke Afro-jazz records and earned him many accolades upon its release. "Tjontjobina" refers to a special type of alcohol brewed in shebeens that knocks you off your feet from the first sip. In the song, Bhudaza wonders what type of alcohol someone consumed to have ended up so wasted.
Monwa & Sun - "Via Orlando"
"Via Orlando" is the perfect instance of songwriting that captures the mood. Released at the peak of disco in the ‘80s, and taken off the Majekeje album by Monwa & Sun, the song retains a refreshing appeal to this day. It's about the regrets that follow a night of heavy drinking. The video consists of elements from that era, from the fashion sense to the style of filming.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka - “Umnqombothi”
The video to this Yvonne Chaka Chaka classic starts off with a couple of people knocking off work on a Friday, happy to have come to the end of the week. It’s a song for the weekend, perfect for weddings and laid-back hangouts with friends. The song was written by Chicco Twala and Attie van Wyk, and remains a staple among music lovers.
Mafikizolo - “Ngivelakude”
Mafikizolo’s reign as one South Africa’s most valued groups is uncontested. They’ve been in the game since the early days of kwaito, and transitioned seamlessly into Afro-pop territory, where they conquered the whole continent over the years. “Ngivelakude” is a throwback to their kwaito roots, and reminds us just how special and evergreen the group remains today.
Thebe - “Tempy Life”
Thebe’s position as lord of the December time vibes was established from early on. For a long time throughout the ‘90s and ‘00s, he maintained a consistent supply of hits that were perfect for party settings. “Tempy Life,” from his earlier years, introduced us to a young and ambitious artist with the unique vocal tone who came blazing straight out of Tshwane. Thebe’s sound is still unmistakable.
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