In 2023, while searching for new podcasts, I stumbled upon a collaboration between Gallo Music and Sowetan and it's called Gallo Vault Sessions. This podcast was an eye-opener—it gave me a deeper understanding of where South Africa comes from in terms of music history. Being the music enthusiast that I am, I couldn’t just sit back and let those gems pass me by. I made sure to add every song that resonated with me to my Spotify liked music playlist.
If you haven’t listened to the podcast yet, I highly recommend checking it out. It’s a goldmine of knowledge, especially if you’re passionate about South African music history.
The Story of The Boyoyo Boys: A Forgotten Grammy-Winning Influence
One of the most striking stories I came across in this podcast was about The Boyoyo Boys. If you’ve ever watched Trevor Noah’s stand-up, you might recall him saying that South Africans have always been dancers, and our music has always had that infectious groove. That’s exactly what makes the story of The Boyoyo Boys so intriguing.
Back in the day, a British musician visited South Africa and collaborated with them. The group vibed with him, made music together, and all seemed well—until he went back home. Instead of giving them credit, he re-recorded everything himself, released an album, and won a Grammy for it.
Now, you’d think this would lead to a massive legal battle, right? Well, they did take him to court, but the case was settled out of court. Looking back, I can’t help but feel that they should’ve fought for more, but hindsight is always 20/20.
Timeless South African Music You Should Listen To
If you’re looking to dive into some of the music that shaped South Africa’s sound—music that your parents (or even grandparents) might have grooved to—here are some must-listen artists:
The Boyoyo Boys – A key player in the South African mbaqanga sound.
Makgona Tsohle Band – If you love the Boyoyo Boys, you’ll love these guys too; they were strong competitors back in the day.
The Movers – If you grew up in South Africa, chances are you’ve heard their music at jazz sessions or from your parents.
As much as I love Amapiano, I truly believe that piano-driven music runs in our blood as South Africans. From jazz to mbaqanga to kwaito and now Amapiano, we’ve always had a knack for making people dance.
Let’s Keep the Legacy Alive!
Music is a time capsule—it connects us to our past while shaping our future. If you’re passionate about music history or just love discovering classic sounds, take some time to explore these legendary artists. You might find a new favorite track or even gain a deeper appreciation for the roots of South African music.
What are some of the classic South African songs you grew up listening to? Drop a comment and let’s take a trip down memory lane together!
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