Call for a radical change or upheaval
In the heart of apartheid South Africa, music became more than just entertainment for teenager Valmont Layne. It was a source of cultural affirmation, political consciousness, and subtle resistance.
Growing up, Layne's playlist was a mix of South African and American music. The vibrant jazz currents from home, with artists like Hugh Masekela and Louis Moholo-Moholo, spread ideas about freedom across oceans. From abroad, the powerful expressions of anti-apartheid by Black musicians like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Abdullah Ibrahim (formerly Dollar Brand), and Masekela, resonated deeply with the youth under the oppressive regime.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, known for their isicathamiya and mbube music styles, gained immense popularity and became international symbols of South African traditional music and anti-apartheid cultural pride. Their collaboration with Paul Simon on the Graceland album helped introduce their sound worldwide.
Hugh Masekela, a prominent jazz trumpeter and anti-apartheid activist, inspired South African youth and the global audience alike. His music was a powerful statement against the injustices of apartheid.
Abdullah Ibrahim created iconic songs like "Mannenberg," which became anthems of resistance and identity for displaced black South Africans. His music mixed jazz with local influences and symbolized defiance against the regime.
Jazz musicians like Louis Moholo-Moholo played pivotal roles in the jazz scene, often facing imprisonment and surveillance, but inspiring youth through their artistry and resilience.
While R&B music may not seem especially political, it was the soundtrack for Layne's generation's revolution. However, accessing R&B music was not easy. The state controlled what was on the radio, and most of the music was not identified with as Black youth. But through informal networks, Layne managed to find records from artists like Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, and The Whispers.
Linton Kwesi Johnson, a British artist, provided more politically-charged music for Layne. In 1985, Johnson had a significant impact on Layne, offering a voice for the voiceless and a soundtrack for the resistance.
Through music, Valmont Layne found a way to navigate the challenges of growing up under apartheid, shaping his political consciousness and spirit. The music he listened to during his teenage years was not just entertainment, but a testament to the resilience and determination of the youth during a difficult time in South African history.
[1] "South African Music During Apartheid." Britannica, www.britannica.com/topic/South-African-music-during-apartheid.
[2] "Louis Moholo-Moholo." Britannica, www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-Moholo-Moholo.
[3] "Hugh Masekela." Britannica, www.britannica.com/biography/Hugh-Masekela.
[4] "Abdullah Ibrahim." Britannica, www.britannica.com/biography/Abdullah-Ibrahim.
- Valmont Layne's admiration for music extended beyond mere entertainment, encompassing genres like South African music, which presented cultural affirmation, political consciousness, and subtle resistance during the apartheid era.
- Despite the restrictions imposed by the regime, General-news outlets like Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, and The Whispers were crucial sources of music for Layne, providing a soundtrack for his generation's revolution against apartheid.
