Black Agenda Report
Black Agenda Report
News, commentary and analysis from the black left.

  • Home
  • Africa
  • African America
  • Education
  • Environment
  • International
  • Media and Culture
  • Political Economy
  • Radio
  • US Politics
  • War and Empire

“Kwaito” Music Moves South African Youth
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley and Glen Ford
06 Jul 2020
🖨️ Print Article

Margaret Kimberley · “Kwaito” Music Moves South African Youth

Xavier Livermon, professor of African Diaspora Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, sees “many parallels” between the US-based Hip Hop phenomenon and the Kwaito music beloved by young South Africans. LIvermon is author of the book, “Kwaito Bodies: Remastering Space and Subjectivity in Post-Apartheid South Africa.” Livermon doesn’t see Kwaito as purely commercial and self-commodification. “South African youth play with and engage the system,” he said, “but also push back against it.”

South Africa

Related Podcasts

BAR Radio Logo
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Black Agenda Radio July 17, 2026
17 July 2026
In this week’s segment, we discuss the Supreme Court ruling that ends Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants.
South Africa
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
The Anti-Immigration Movement in South Africa
17 July 2026
What is behind this South African movement that drives immigrants out of the country?
Global March to Gaza
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Nkosi Mandela on the Global March to Gaza
13 June 2025
Our guest is Nkosi Mandela. He is the tribal chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council and the grandson of Nelson Mandela.

More Stories


  • INTERVIEW: A Talk with Sylvia Woods, 1974
    Editors, The Black Agenda Review
    INTERVIEW: A Talk with Sylvia Woods, 1974
    15 Mar 2023
    An inspiring interview with Sylvia Woods highlights the role of Black women in labor organizing and demonstrates that Black women should always be at the forefront.
  • On the Twentieth Anniversary of Invasion of Iraq It Must Be Clear: The U.S. is the Greatest Threat To World Peace and Collective Humanity
    ​​​​​​​ Ajamu Baraka, BAR editor and columnist
    On the Twentieth Anniversary of Invasion of Iraq It Must Be Clear: The U.S. is the Greatest Threat To World Peace and Collective Humanity
    15 Mar 2023
    History teaches that the greatest threat to peace today is the United States. No other nation creates dangers as great as those emanating from the U.S. commitment to the doctrine of Full…
  • Forever Wars vs. Armageddon
    Ann Garrison, BAR Contributing Editor
    Forever Wars vs. Armageddon
    15 Mar 2023
    The call for the U.S. to end military involvements is often made in order to advocate for new wars against more powerful countries. It appears that the only choices are forever wars or the end of the…
  • Will Boss Tweet run for exercise at Lompoc or Leavenworth?
    Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
    Will Boss Tweet run for exercise at Lompoc or Leavenworth?
    15 Mar 2023
                                                         
  • China's Example of Leadership Injects Hope Into a World of Uncertainty
    Danny Haiphong, BAR Contributing Editor
    China's Example of Leadership Injects Hope Into a World of Uncertainty
    15 Mar 2023
    As the U.S. makes threats and wages proxy wars, China is the new leader in international diplomacy. 
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us