Liberation songs sung by black South Africans during the 20th Century

Abstract

This paper focuses on the orally transmitted liberation songs of the black liberation movements in South Africa, and is primarily concerned with two major questions: (a) the lyrics of the songs, which mirrored sociopolitical conditions and the contours of black thought during the Apartheid era, and (b) the transcription of a selection of these songs which reflect the modifications in style the songs underwent in order to mirror the changes in black thought with regard to the liberation struggle.

The rationale for this research was that in the South African context, the black liberation struggle was paramount and in this conflict one of the transformatory forces which manifested itself was the extensive use of liberation and protest music. The aesthetic and stylistic evaluation of these songs was, however, preceded by the recording of historical facts implicated in the songs. This paper highlights the power of liberation music AS A mass medium for purposes other than entertainment.

Through song and dance a people are able to share their burden, triumph, sadness and gladness of heart. They sing songs about the common oppressor or exploiter … songs can be used to draw people together and unite them in one common aim, goal and purpose

Willie Peacock (in Carawan & Carawan, 1990: 240)

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