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


  • Once Again, the Vultures Circle Haiti
    Jemima Pierre, BAR Editor and Contributor
    Once Again, the Vultures Circle Haiti
    18 Aug 2021
    Another earthquake in Haiti provides another opportunity for the NGO community, the Haitian oligarchy, and foreign imperialists to consolidate their profits and power.
  • MANIFESTO: The Attica Liberation Faction Manifesto of Demands and Anti-Depression Platform, 1971 
    Editors, The Black Agenda Review
    MANIFESTO: The Attica Liberation Faction Manifesto of Demands and Anti-Depression Platform, 1971 
    18 Aug 2021
    Black August: Remembering the Attica prisoner demands as the 50th anniversary approaches.
  • Tigrayans Speak Out in Support of Ethiopia and Prime Minister Abiy, not the TPLF 
    Ann Garrison, BAR Contributing Editor
    Tigrayans Speak Out in Support of Ethiopia and Prime Minister Abiy, not the TPLF 
    18 Aug 2021
    A Tigrayan speaks in support of the Ethiopian government.
  • Counter Western Bias Against China by Remembering Peter Norman’s Solidarity
    Danny Haiphong, BAR Contributing Editor
    Counter Western Bias Against China by Remembering Peter Norman’s Solidarity
    18 Aug 2021
    International media engaged in Sinophobic rhetoric during the recent Olympic games in Tokyo.
  • BAR Book Forum: Sarah Jane Cervenak’s Book, “Black Gathering” 
    Roberto Sirvent, BAR Book Forum Editor
    BAR Book Forum: Sarah Jane Cervenak’s Book, “Black Gathering” 
    18 Aug 2021
    Creating alternative spaces for Black people to gather free from interruption or regulation.
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us