From Jamaica to the Cape Flets : reflecting on the manifestations of a Cape Hip Hop culture, 1983-2015

Date
2018-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosh : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation seeks to reflect on the making of a Cape Town based Hip Hop culture with particular focus on the various manifestations which developed around the Cape Flats. This study investigates the importance of the numerous mediums in the development of a Hip Hop culture at the Cape from 1983 to 2015. Particular attention is given to audio-visual content such as film, music and music videos within the early formations of Hip Hop in the Cape. The audiences and performers who engaged with Hip Hop culture will be investigated. Furthermore, this study will follow the shift in the various forms of dissemination - from radio, television, to self-produced videos uploaded on digital media platforms on the internet. Finally, Cape Town based artists who addressed particular local social conditions through their self-produced videos will be examined. These videos bypassed the normal television curated playlists and thus created their own digital followings. This marked a new platform of engagement beyond the conventional radio and television networks, thus staying true to the original purpose of Hip Hop – an avenue of self-expression for marginalised communities located on the periphery.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie verhandeling is die ontwikkeling van ‘n Kaapstad-gefundeerde Hip Hop kultuur met spesifieke fokus op die verskeidenheid manifestasies wat rondom die Kaapse Vlakte ontwikkel het. Hierdie studie ondersoek die belangrikheid van die vele mediums in die ontstaan van die Hip Hop kultuur vanaf 1983 to 2015. Veral die bydrae van die oudio-visuele inhoud, byvoorbeeld film, musiek en musiekvideos binne die vroeë vorming van Hip Hop in die Kaap, sal spesifieke aandag geniet. Die gehore en deelnemers wat by die Hip Hop kultuur betrokke was, sal ondersoek word. Verder volg hierdie studie ook die verandering van die verskillende media van verspreiding, byvoorbeeld van radio tot televisie tot self-vervaardigde videos wat op digitale-media-platforms op die internet opgelaai kan word. Ten slotte, die kunstenaars in die Kaap, wat veral die plaaslike sosiale toestande deur hulle self-vervaardigde videos aangespreek het, sal verken en ondersoek word. Hierdie videos het die gewone saamgestelde televisie spellyste omseil en sodoende hul eie digitale volgelinge gevestig. Dit het 'n nuwe platform van betrokkenheid buite die konvensionele radio en televisie netwerk, gevestig, en sodoende het dit getrou tot die oorspronklike doelstelling van Hip Hop gebly - werklik ‘n weg tot self-uitdrukking vir gemarginaliseerde gemeenskappe geleë op die buitewyke.
Description
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2018.
Keywords
Knowledge of self and expression, Hip-hop -- Cape Town -- Cape Flats -- 1983-2015, Hip-hop -- Social aspects, Hip-hop -- Economic aspects, UCTD
Citation