South African rapper, producer and song writer, Spoek Mathambo shares his travels across Mzanzi in his new documentary titled, 'Future Sounds of Mzansi' exploring the electronic music scene in the country.
Future Sounds of Mzansi is a documentary which aims to explore, express, and interrogate South Africa's cultural landscape, 20 years into it's democracy,. A chief vehicle of this exploration is electronic music, a staple of South African popular culture. The film explores the past, present and future of the scene and its multiple sub-genres, presented through the eyes of internationally acclaimed artist Spoek Mathambo.
Future Sounds of Mzansi is directed by Nthato Mokgata and Lebo Rasethaba of Egg Films, and produced by Black Major.
The film features an exciting range of emerging electronic music artists from various South African cities including Aero Manyelo; Black Coffee; Christian Tiger School; Felix Laband; John Wizards; Krushed & Sorted; Machepies; Markus Wormstorm; Mix & Blend; DJ Mujava; Naked Boys; Nozinja; Okmalumkoolkat; Panyaza; Rude Boyz; Sibot; DJ Spoko; Zaki Ibrahim and many more.
The film does not aim to be an exhaustive account of the history of electronic music in South Africa nor does it try provide a comprehensive and all- inclusive overview of the genre.
This is what film makers Nthato and Lebo have to say about the process and their approach during this journey that has spanned over almost two years.
"We travelled around South Africa to explore our rich electronic music scene. For years there's been a strong movement of producers, instrumentalists, vocalists and most importantly, party goers, giving themselves to new ideas of African electronic music.
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| Spoek Mathambo |
Still a country steeped in poverty, crime, and injustice, South Africans party like their lives depend on it. From the sounds of deep house to glitch hop, kwaito-house, township tech, sghubu sapitori; durban qhum, daintly melodic electronica to dubstep; super fast khawuleza and shangaan electro. The groove is thick and infectious. And they give themselves to it.
Our mission was simple, to meet up with some of our heroes, colleagues, competition, and co-conspirators...an ever-potent gang of electronic music pioneers sculpting The Future Sound of Mzansi. "
Watch the trailer:
Future Sounds of Mzansi premiered at The Durban International Film Festival which is currently underway. Cape Town and Johannesburg will follow end July and beginning of August, details to be confirmed.
Photo Credit: Spoek Mathambo/Facebook