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A quick summary on the (mostly men) hip hop wave that paved its way since '86.

https://www.redbull.com/za-en/brief-history-of-sa-hip-hop

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Ten moments that made this genre dominate the musical landscape

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The Hip Hop Culture in South Africa in unique with lyricist and with graffiti.

https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/global-cypher-south-africa-hip-hop/

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By now, the story of hip-hop's birth in the Bronx is common knowledge. In the early 1970s, DJ, dance, rhyming, and graffiti art cultures mixed and help birth the cultural movement that we now know as hip-hop. It only took a short time, however, before hip-hop began to spread to other cities in the United States. It went much further soon after that. Famously, in the fall of 1982, The New York City Rap Tour took The Rock Steady Crew, Fab 5 Freddy, Rammellezee, and more to Europe, setting an important precedent as the first international hip-hop tour.

In the decades since that initial wave of creative energy, hip-hop has become a truly global culture. With robust scenes throughout South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and beyond, it would be an understatement to say that hip-hop has touched every corner of the planet. Africa is no exception. Today, hip-hop is thriving in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and beyond. South Africa, in particular, has enjoyed a flourishing scene, one that has only grown in prominence in recent years.

Looking for new hip-hop and R&B sounds from around the world? Check out our playlist, The Global Cypher.

For my entire adult life, I have written about hip-hop culture. I actually fell into this profession in part due to my curiosity about hip-hop's international scene: One day in my junior year of high school, I was cutting class and hanging out in downtown Philly when I came across a flyer advertising a screening of a documentary about hip-hop in Japan. Later that night, when I called the number for more information about the screening, a man I would come to know as writer/activist Ogbonna Hagins answered and I excitedly chatted him up about my love of hip-hop. Hagins was the publisher of a small local zine called The Philly Word. He asked me to join his team as a writer, I agreed and I've spent the last 20 years writing about hip-hop culture from around the world.

Nonetheless, I have plenty to learn, so I will be using this column as a way to share a few quick facts that I learn about hip-hop from around the world. In this edition, I dove into the South African hip-hop scene. Here's a few things that I found in my research.

South Africa is full of incredible hip-hop lyricists

Whether it's in Soweto, Johannesburg, or Cape Town, the art of MCing continues to be honored and upheld in South Africa, especially when it comes to artists like Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest, Priddy Ugly, A Reece, Shane Eagle, Kanyi, and more. In the same way that we've seen from non-Western artists around the world, this new crop of South African rappers are second to none in terms of their skill and dedication. When Nasty C appeared on Sway In The Morning last year, he was asked whether he was amazed at the fact that he can command the artform of MCing so well, despite being thousands of miles removed from its birthplace. Nasty C replied that it wasn't. "That's all the music that I grew up listening to and the culture I grew up consuming and being such a huge fan of." While they all put their unique spin on things, you can tell the core spirit of hip-hop is alive and well in their work.

South Africa has a vibrant graffiti scene

Just like its sister elements, breakdancing, rap, and DJing have effortlessly taken root in communities around the world, graffiti is also global. South Africa is no different as the home of gifted artists like Falko One, MARS, Skumbuzo Vabaza, and others. With their wide variety of styles and daring approaches to coloring, South African graffiti is among the finest in beautifying walls.

South Africa brings its own unique flavor to hip-hop

South Africa has a long tradition of innovative music genres: From the cool bounce of amapiano to the fluid call-and-response of kwaito, South African music has always had its own flavor. Many of the artists making hip-hop can't help but be influenced what they're hearing around them, and a song like "Buylie" is no exception. The track - done by Khuli Chana and featuring Tyler ICU, Stino Le Thwennt, and Lady Du - mixes the slow burn of amapiano with hip-hop vocals. It's just one example of how South Africans are taking elements of hip-hop and making it their own.

Hip-hop in South Africa is in tune with what's going on around the world

While many artists take homegrown sounds into a hip-hop framework in South Africa, there are plenty that have their ears tuned outward. The beat to Cassper Nyovest's "Nokthula," for instance, sounds like the latest Brooklyn drill anthem. But the rapping is undeniably from South Africa, featuring a searing verse from Busiswa. Cassper's 2020 album, A.M.N. (Any Minute Now) sounds like it's directly in line with many of the best hip-hop albums these days, ranging in sound from chill boom bap to smooth R&B and beyond.

Teargas is one of South Africa's greatest rap groups

Teargas is one of the most celebrated hip-hop groups in South Africa. Ntokozo "K.O." Mdlui and brothers Ezee "Ma-E" Hanabe and Bantu "Ntukza" Hanabe have made their reputation on releasing politically conscious music covering a variety of topics, so it's no surprise that the group's name has its roots in South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle. (The name Teargas is a reference to the teargas canisters shot at protesters during the struggle against apartheid.) It is a simple yet poignant reminder of how those fighting for liberation were met with violent repression. Teargas' 2009 full-length Dark Or Blue became the first hip-hop album to be nominated for album of the year by the the South African Music Awards.

DJ Codax is one of the country's best DJs

DJ Codax is a hip-hop turntablist from South Africa with global reach, complete with multiple appearances in DMC World DJ Championships. A seasoned and versatile DJ on both the club and international battle scenes, Codax carries on in hip-hop's great tradition of DJs who play the turntable like a musical instrument. Codax's 2019 DMC Online Final routine is a brilliant display of skills with precise cuts and mixing as well as some really inventive beat juggling. Codax also contributed scratches to Capetown MC/Producer duo Cream and Hipe's fantastic album Bruin Brood.

South African rap legend Ben Sharpa grew up in Chicago

In the summer of 2018, the international music community was shocked by the death of South African hip-hop legend Ben Sharpa. I had been aware of Sharpa's music for some time (we even appeared on a compilation together a few years back) but I had no idea until recently that he spent some of his formative years in the U.S. Despite being born in Soweto, Sharpa spent time in Chicago before returning to South Africa in 1993 for the country's first free elections. Musically, Sherpa's discography stands out, as he incorporated a variety of sounds including dub and electronica. Sharpa and his powerful voice are greatly missed by hip-hop fans everywhere.

Looking for new hip-hop and R&B sounds from around the world? Check out our playlist, The Global Cypher.

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Hip-Hop in South Africa: A Few Things We Learned From Afar

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By now, the story of hip-hop's birth in the Bronx is common knowledge. In the early 1970s, DJ, dance, rhyming, and graffiti art cultures mixed and help birth the cultural movement that we now know as hip-hop. It only took a short time, however, before hip-hop began to spread to other cities in the United States.

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Why is she called a brownie?
She speaks on individualism, and how each artists does her own thing and builds their own image.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuUirADRkZo

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Red Couch: Ms Nthabi On Women In Hip Hop x Challenging Industry Rules

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"Dungeon Rap", is what her rap game is called. International tours is her plan, and she's aiming for more.

https://www.instagram.com/yugenblakrok/

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The Cape Town Festival, hosted by South Africa, hosts Jazz artist from around the world. Although Jazz oriented, it includes many diverse artists from everywhere.

https://www.capetownjazzfest.com/

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The Rocking the Daisies music fest is a beautiful fair with local South African artists, from all genres.

http://rockingthedaisies.com/

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Rocking the Daisies - Music & Lifestyle Festival

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Rocking the Daisies 2022 will be taking place from in October in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa.

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The Afropunk fest is another level. Their statement; F%ck! Your! Quiet! Big name artists in late December get together to rock shit out.

https://afropunk.com/

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A multi-awarded celebrity, she has brought diversity into the mix, both culturally and artistically. Of Congolese origin, she speaks French, and she's a rapper, tv host and author.

https://twitter.com/rouge_rapper

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https://livemag.co.za/10-notable-south-african-female-rappers/

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These rappers are ensuring women's presence in hip-hop is felt and influencing more to pick up the mic.

Our list of the most influential women in local rap history includes many impressive names: Like Yo! Girls, the first ever all-female South African rap crew who performed in the '80s, to the new crop of rappers, like Fifi Cooper, Kanyi, Gigi Lamayne and more. These rappers are ensuring women's presence in hip-hop is felt and influencing more to pick up the mic.

Kanyi Mavi

Although she's been off the radar for a while, Khanyi returned this year with "Umsindo" a track that poetically and painfully expresses gender-based violence in relationships.

Kanyi Mavi is one of the most prominent South African lyricists. Her guest verses alone put her in a league of her own. Her solo stuff is not just about dope bars - though she has plenty of those - but conceptual tracks with subject matter that straddles social commentary and abstract spirituality. She has a critically acclaimed album, Iintombi Zifikile. Kanyi is one of the key names in spaza - a hip-hop subgenre that originated in the black townships of Cape Town. Kanyi has performed in festivals in Sweden, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Although she's been off the radar for a while, Khanyi returned this year with " Umsindo " a track that poetically and painfully expresses gender-based violence in relationships.

Gigi Lamayne

Gigi is relentless on the mic and not one to censor herself

Apart from being able to rap spheres around your favourite, she has made major moves within a short space of time by collaborating with heavyweights like Khuli Chana, Tumi Molekane and AKA. Gigi won Best Female in 2012 and 2013 at the South African Hip Hop Awards. Gigi is relentless on the mic and not one to censor herself. She is one of the few artists who spoke up during Fees Must Fall, having been a Wits student at the time. She released a burning song "Fees Will Fall". American website Afropop Worldwide, called her "a voice of change".

Fifi Cooper

Fifi is known as The First Lady of Motswako, joining an already star-studded roster featuring HHP, Khuli Chana and Cassper Nyovest. The rhyme spitter can also sing well, and appears on Emtee's album, Avery. She has three SAMAs under her belt (Best Newcomer, Best Produced Album and Best Female Album). In 2015, she was handpicked by AKA to appear on the remix to his "The Baddest " hit, alongside Moozlie, Rouge, Nadia Nakai and Gigi Lamayne.

Godessa

The trio managed to make socially conscious music that was neither preachy nor bland, by rapping over beats that were influenced by soul and funk.

Burni Aman, EJ Von Lyrik and Shameema Williams released their first single, "Social Ills" - still hailed a classic - in 2002. For a long time they were the only all-female hip-hop crew in South Africa. They released their debut album in 2006 titled Spillage - another near-flawless body of work. The trio managed to make socially conscious music that was neither preachy nor bland, by rapping over beats that were influenced by soul and funk. "Mindz Ablaze" is still a favorite among hip hop heads. Even though they haven't performed together in years, two members are still active artists. EJ Von Lyrik, who released her debut album Method In The Madness in 2007, has been touring Europe, and got a compliment from the revered American hip-hop group Public Enemy's Chuck D as "one of the top MCs on the planet". She also performed at Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Burni Aman, who's now based in Switzerland, released an album in 2015 called Sweet Science.

Rouge

Rouge is one of South Africa's most fierce rappers in the game. Best known for her song "Dololo", Rouge began rapping at the age of 19 and blew up in 2015 when she released the song "BUA". She has also graced the music scene with amazing collabs alongside rappers like AKA in " Baddest", and Moozlie in "No Strings" and " Mbongo Zaka". The rapper recently released a single in July titled " Popular " ft Emtee, which received celebrities and fans raved about online. The rapper has not yet announced the release date for her new album, but we'll most definitely be on the look out for it.

Yo! Girls

Yo! Girls was the first all-female rap group in South Africa. With eight members, the Cape Town crew was established in the mid-'80s, and ran through the early '90s. Yo! Girls never got to record any music, but they did pave the way for more women in the genre, through performing at The Base - a popular Cape Town club where rappers, like Prophets Of The City, used to perform in, the '80s. According to former group member Malikah Daniels the rest of the members are no longer involved in hip-hop. Malikah remains the only one as she is the booking agent for DJ Ready D, to whom she's also married.

Sho Madjozi

Known for incorporating elements of Tsonga culture in her music, lyrics and fashion, Sho Madjozi embodies a celebration of culture (especially Xitsonga) in the South Africa popular music scene. The musician is also known for her killer performances and vibrant dance moves. Madjozi recently bagged a couple of SAMA's this year including "Best Music Video" for "Huku" and a BET Award for Best New Internationl Act in 2019.

Ms Supa

Ms Supa was the first woman to be on South Africa's only print hip-hop publication, Hype.

In 2005, Ms Supa was the first woman to be on South Africa's only print hip-hop publication, Hype. She appeared on HHP's 2009 album Dumela and has worked with Skye Wanda, Qba, PDotO, Blaklez among others. In 2007, her single "10111" was a long-serving number one on T'bo Touch's Metro FM hip-hop show Rhyme and Reason. Ms Supa's deep voice, clear delivery and expressive lyrics make her a charismatic rapper, and the fact that she's also a dope singer, makes a well-rounded artist. Her music is versatile, it mixes both old and new school elements. Peep her brilliant HerStory In The Making EP as you wait for her long-promised album.

Moonchild Sanelly

Moonchild Sanelly is the singer/rapper bringing some of the edgiest sounds to popular music in Mzansi. Known for her blue colored hair and party dance moves, the Sanelly's songs are a fusion of afro-punk, kwito, hip hop and jazz. Also, known as the "the president of the female orgasm", Sanelly is also known for encouraging sex-positivity in her music and through other platforms. In 2019,Sanelly featured on a track called "My Power" in Beyonce's "The Lion King: The Gift" alongside Busiswa and Nija.

Miss Nthabi

In 2006, she released From The Streets To The Lab, an EP that's considered a South African hip-hop classic.

For a very long time, Miss Nthabi was one of the few names that popped up when one thought of women in South African rap music. In the mid-2000s, she was making multiple appearances on Hype Magazine's then-popular mixtape series, Hype Sessions. On " Breathe", a track she did with the rapper Reason, she displayed lyrical skill and technical adeptness many rappers could only dream of. In 2006, she released From The Streets To The Lab, an EP that's considered a South African hip-hop classic. Miss Nthabi has collaborated with Battlekat, Lebo Mashile, MXO and Maleh, among others. The rapper still remains as lyrical as she was in the mid-2000s. Her debut album, 2011's Welcome To Me, is a smooth listen boasting production from respected South African producers, DJ Kenzhero, Helio, Battlekat, Ootz to name a few. In 2018, Ms Nthabi released a mixtape titled "Broken Silence" which spoke of her struggles in the music industry, love and relationships and her love for music.

Moozlie

Moozlie, also known as Nomuzi Mabena, the Benoni-born rapper who's bee active in the entertainment industry since 2012. The rapper's notable singles include "Don't Panic", which she recorded while she was signed under Cashtime Life records, and "Recipe" which she released under her own record label, Nomuzi Mabena Music, in 2017. Moozlie returned to presenting for VUZU AMP, alongside Zomizi Mhlongo in 2018 and partnered with Volkswagen in a texting/drinking and driving awareness campaign that went viral online.

Protista

Protista has been on the grind. Her music is strictly boom bap, and she spits well-thought out sixteens with a heavy 90s influence. Protista may not be playlisted on Metro FM, but that doesn't take away from her contribution to South African hip-hop. Her music is tailored for a niche market which she serves well, with dope performances at hip-hop-specific events like Back To The City, End Of The Weak and The SoCo Show.

Patty Monroe

Rapper Patty Monroe is a Cape Town born rapper who has collaborated with the likes of Youngsta and Malik Gita. Her raps demand respect and her aura is super fun, vibrant, and sexy. The rapper's musical values include authenticity, feminism and she takes her inspiration from artists like Missy Elliot and MC Lyte. The rapper is signed under Afterlife Talent. She has performed at events like teh Durnam July and Daniel's Boomtown.

Yugen Blakrok

Yugen Blakrok has performed at Oppikoppi and other festivals in countries like Czech Republic, Germany, France and Sweden.

Yugen Blakrok has performed at Oppikoppi and other festivals in countries like Czech Republic, Germany, France and Sweden. The rapper is signed to Cylid Sarl DBA I.O.T Records. Her lyrics are dense and tailored for the attentive listener, and they sit well over the producer Kanif's ominous production. Yugen is one of those few hip-hop artists who have managed to be successful without compromising their music. Her debut album Return Of The Astro-Goth is a challenging listen that takes multiple listens to grasp. Yugen is one of the few women who do what many deem dungeon rap - abstract lyrical content, and songs that aren't dependent on melodic hooks and candy production.

Qba

Qba has a steady flow, a swaggering drawl, and raps with ease. She has a versatile lyrical content. She can tell you how unfuckwithable she is, and tell you what it's like growing up in the gutter. For instance on the song, "Iron Village". Qba, who is also a model, is fashionable but lets her bars do the talking. She paid her dues with mixtapes like The Gutter Butter Vol. 1 and 2, both hosted by DJ Zakes. The rapper used to perform in sessions like the Splash Jam in Jozi, and has performed at Back To The City, among other events. She might not be on your radio or TV, but in the mid-2000s, alongside the likes of Nthabi and Godessa, she was one of the few rappers who were ensuring women's involvement in South African hip-hop wasn't just on music videos and behind the scenes.

Who else do you think should have made the list? Let us know in the comments section below or on Facebook and Twitter.

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These rappers are ensuring women's presence in hip-hop is felt and influencing more to pick up the mic. Our list of the most influential women in local rap history includes many impressive names: Like Yo! Girls, the first ever all-female South African rap crew who performed in the '80s, to the new crop of rappers, like Fifi Cooper, Kanyi, Gigi Lamayne and more.

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Spoken in Zulu!

youtube.com/watch?v=mzGhYfL5LII

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Afrikaans
English
Northern Sotho
Zulu
Xhosa
Venda
Southern Sotho
Tswana
Tsonga
Swati
Ndebele
Other

https://southafrica-info.com/arts-culture/11-languages-south-africa/

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South Africa has 11 official languages and a multilingual population fluent in at least two. IsiZulu and isiXhosa are the largest languages, while English is spoken at home by only one in 10 people - most of them not white.

South Africa's constitution recognises 11 official languages: Sepedi (also known as Sesotho sa Leboa), Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.

For centuries South Africa's official languages were European - Dutch, English, Afrikaans. African languages, spoken by at least 80% of the people, were ignored. In 1996 South Africa's new constitution gave official protection to all of the country's major languages.

South Africa has about 34 historically established languages. Thirty are living languages, and four extinct Khoesan languages.

Jump to:

Overview of South Africa's languages

IsiZulu is South Africa's biggest language, spoken by almost a quarter (23%) of the population. Our other official languages are isiXhosa (spoken by 16%), Afrikaans (13.5%), English (10%), Sesotho sa Leboa (9%), Setswana and Sesotho (both 8%), Xitsonga (4.5%), siSwati and Tshivenda (both 2.5%), and isiNdebele (2%).

English is an urban language of public life, widely used in the media, business and government. Out of the 4.9-million South Africans who speak English as a first language, a third (33%) are white, a quarter (24%) are black, 22% are Indian and 19% are coloured South Africans. English is widely used as a second language and common language of communication, mainly in the cities.

Afrikaans is a version of Dutch that evolved out of a South Holland dialect brought here in the 1600s. Over the centuries it has picked up many influences from African languages, as well as from European colonial languages such as English, French and German. More than half (50.2%) of Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 40% are white, 9% black and just 1% Indian.

South Africa's nine African official languages all fall into the Southern Bantu-Makua subfamily, part of the broad and branching Niger-Congo family of languages. The languages arrived here during the great expansion of Bantu-speaking people from West Africa eastwards and southwards into the rest of the continent. The expansion began in around 3000 BCE and was largely complete by 1000 CE.

Like all languages in the Niger-Congo family they are tonal languages, in which either a high or low tone gives a word a different meaning.

The nine African languages can be broadly divided in two:

Nguni-Tsonga languages: isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Xitsonga

Sotho-Makua-Venda languages: Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, Tshivenda

Within the first group Xitsonga alone falls into the Tswa-Ronga subfamily, while isiZulu, isiXhosa, isNdebele and siSwati are Nguni languages.

Similarly, Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana are closely related Sotho languages, and Tshivenda something of a standalone in the Sotho-Makua-Venda subfamily.

Multilingual South Africa

South Africans are more than bilingual. A rough estimate based on Census 2001 first-language data and a 2002 study of second-languages speakers is that the average South African - man, woman and child - uses 2.84 languages. Obviously, many people are limited to one, and many others able to speak three, four or more languages.

English- and Afrikaans-speaking people (mostly coloured, Indian and white South Africans) tend not to have much ability in African languages, but are fairly fluent in each other's language. Multilingualism is common among black South Africans.

For this reason, South African censuses ask people which two languages they speak. The question in the 2011 Census was:
Which two languages does (member of household) speak most often in this household?
Thirteen options were given: South Africa's 11 official languages, plus Sign Language, and "Other". If a person did not speak a second language, that too was recorded.

The contrast between first language and second language is shown in the maps at right. While the geographical pattern of dominant first languages neatly conforms to the facts of history and urbanisation, the picture of second languages is more complicated, more of a mess.

The second map reveals a couple of things. The first is how few South Africans speak just one language. The second is that while English is the dominant first language only in the cities - Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban - it is widely used as a second language across the country. English is spread by the media and used as a common language of communication.

But many South Africans are compelled to learn English, and often Afrikaans as well, simply to get a job and to work. These are often poorer people denied an adequate education. Elsewhere in the world the ability to speak many languages is a sign of sophistication. In South Africa, multilingualism - a complex undertaking, especially in languages from very different families - is a common achievement of the poor.

Code-switching South Africa

Language is fluid, especially in South Africa. Our languages are and have been for centuries in a constant swirl, mixed by work, migration, education, urbanisation, the places we live, friendship and marriage.

Because of this, South Africans are a code-switching people. "Code switching" simply means using more than one language in a single conversation. Every adult South African does this at some time, even if they aren't aware of it.

Here's an example overheard at a football match. IsiZulu is in regular type, Afrikaans in bold and English in italics:

"I-Chiefs isidle nge- referee's ngabe ihambe sleg.
Maar why benga stopi this system ye- injury time?"

A rough translation:

"Chiefs [the football club] have won because the referee favoured them. Otherwise, they would have lost.
But why is this system of injury time not stopped?"

Influenced by the other languages spoken around them, all of South Africa's languages change and grow all the time.

Who speaks what?
Watch:
South Africa's most recent census was in 2011. The following table gives a breakdown of first-language speakers, as recorded by the census.

South Africa's 11 official languages

The languages of the provinces

The languages you hear in South Africa depend on where you are in the country.

In the Eastern Cape isiXhosa is spoken by 80% of the population. IsiZulu is the largest language in both KwaZulu-Natal, where 78% speak it, and Gauteng, where it makes up 20% of languages. Sesotho is the language of the Free State, spoken by 64% people there. And so on ...
Watch:
The main languages of each province are:

Eastern Cape - isiXhosa (78.8%), Afrikaans (10.6%)

Free State - Sesotho (64.2%), Afrikaans (12.7%)

Gauteng - isiZulu (19.8%), English (13.3%), Afrikaans (12.4%), Sesotho (11.6%)

KwaZulu-Natal - isiZulu (77.8%), English (13.2%)

Limpopo - Sesotho sa Leboa (52.9%), Xitsonga (17%), Tshivenda (16.7%)

Mpumalanga - siSwati (27.7%), isiZulu (24.1%), Xitsonga (10.4%), isiNdebele (10.1%)

Northern Cape - Afrikaans (53.8%), Setswana (33.1%)

North West - Setswana (63.4%), Afrikaans (9%)

Western Cape - Afrikaans (49.7%), isiXhosa (24.7%), English (20.3%)

The languages

Unless otherwise indicated, all figures below are from Census 2011 and refer only to first language - the language spoken at home.

Afrikaans

Afrikaans evolved out of a 17th-century Dutch dialect introduced to South Africa in 1652 when the Dutch first colonised the Cape of Good Hope. Today it is the majority language of the Northern Cape.

Afrikaans became an official language in South Africa with the Official Languages of the Union Act of 1925, which retroactively dated the language's official status to 1910.

The 6,855,082 South Africans who speak Afrikaans as a first language make up 13.5% of the country's total population. More than half (50.2%) of these Afrikaans speakers are coloured, 39.5% white, 8.8% black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, and 0.6% other.

More than three-quarters (75.8%) of coloured South Africans speak Afrikaans, as do almost two-thirds (60.8%) of whites. It is the home language of 4.6% of Indian or Asian people, and of 1.5% of black South Africans.

Afrikaans and South Africa's population groups

Most Afrikaans speakers (41%) live in the Western Cape, and 21% in Gauteng. Ten percent of all Afrikaans speakers live in the Eastern Cape, 8.8% in the Northern Cape, and 5% in the Free State.

Within the provinces, Afrikaans is the majority language in the Northern Cape (53.8%) and the Western Cape (49.7%). It makes up 12.7% of languages spoken in the Free State, 12.4% of Gauteng's languages, 10.6% of languages in the Eastern Cape, 9% in North West, 7.2% in Mpumalanga, 2.6% in Limpopo and 1.6% in KwaZulu-Natal.

English

English is a prominent language in South African public life, widely used in government, business and the media. As a first language it is mainly confined to the cities.

In 1910 English and Dutch were declared the official languages of the new Union of South Africa. English has retained this official status ever since.

The 4,892,623 South Africans who speak English as a first language make up 9.6% of the country's total population. Among first-language English speakers, 32.8% are white, 23.9% black, 22.4% Indian and 19.3% coloured.

The majority (86.1%) of Indian South Africans speak English as their home language, as do over a third (35.9%) of whites. It is the first language of 20.8% of coloured people, and of 2.9% of black South Africans.

English and South Africa's population groups

The largest number of English speakers are in Gauteng - 1.6-million people, or a third (32.8%) of all English-speaking South Africans. Over a quarter (27.3%) live in KwaZulu-Natal, 23.5% in the Western Cape, and 7.4% in the Eastern Cape.

English is a minority language within all nine provinces.

It is the second-largest language in both the Western Cape (after Afrikaans) and Gauteng (after isiZulu). In the Western Cape it is spoken by 20.2% of the population, and in Gauteng by 13.3%. English is minimally spoken in the other provinces.

isiNdebele

IsiNdebele is the least spoken of South Africa's 11 official languages, and confined mainly to Mpumalanga and Gauteng. It is an Nguni language, like isiZulu, isiXhosa and siSwati. Also called Southern Ndebele, it is not to be confused with Northern Ndebele, more commonly known as Matabele, which is closer to isiZulu and an official language of Zimbabwe.

The 1,090,223 South Africans who speak isiNdebele as a first language make up just 2.1% of the country's total population. Among first-language isiNdebele speakers, 97% are black, 0.9% Indian or Asian, 0.8% coloured, 0.8% white and 0.5% other.

IsiNdebele is spoken by 2.6% of black South Africans - fewer than the 2.9% who speak English at home. It is barely spoken by other population groups, being the home language of 0.2% of both the coloured and white population, and 0.8% of Indian or Asian people. It is also spoken by 2.1% of people who describe themselves as "other".

IsiNdebele and South Africa's population groups

Most isiNdebele speakers (37%) live in Mpumalanga, followed by Gauteng (34.9%), KwaZulu-Natal (10.2%), Limpopo (9.6%) and North West (4%).

IsiNdebele is a minority language in all the provinces. It is spoken by 10.1% of the population of Mpumalanga and 3.2% of Gautengers.

isiXhosa

The dominant language of the Eastern Cape, isiXhosa is also the second-largest language in South Africa after isiZulu. It is an Nguni language, like isiNdebele, isiZulu and siSwati, but also shows some influence from the Khoekhoe languages.

The 8,154,258 South Africans who speak isiXhosa as a first language make up 16% of the country's total population. Among first-language isiXhosa speakers, 99.4% are black, 0.3% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Among the population groups, isiXhosa is spoken by 20.1% of black South Africans, the second-largest share after isiZulu. It is the home language of 0.6% of coloured people, 0.4% of Indians, 0.3% of whites and 1.9% of people who describe themselves as "other".

IsiXhosa and South Africa's population groups

Close to two-thirds (62.4%) of first-language isiXhosa speakers live in the Eastern Cape, and 17.2% in the Western Cape. About a tenth (9.8%) of all isiXhosa speakers live in Gauteng.

Within the provinces, isiXhosa is the majority language in the Eastern Cape, where its 5,092,152 first-language users make up 78.8% of the population. In the Western Cape a quarter (24.7%) of the population speaks isiXhosa. IsiXhosa is spoken by 7.5% of people in the Free State, 6.6% in Gauteng, 5.5% in North West, and 5.3% in the Northern Cape.

isiZulu

IsiZulu is the most widely spoken language in South Africa, the first language of close to a quarter of the population. It is the dominant language of KwaZulu-Natal. Like isiNdebele, isiXhosa and siSwati, isiZulu is an Nguni language.

The 11,587,374 South Africans who speak isiZulu as their home language make up 22.7% of the country's total population. A full 99.4% of first-language isiZulu speakers are black, 0.2% coloured, 0.1% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

IsiZulu is spoken by 28.5% of black South Africans, more than any other language. It is the home language of 1.3% of Indian or Asian people, 0.5% of coloureds, 0.4% of whites and 4.1% of people who describe themselves as "other".

IsiZulu and South Africa's population groups

Over two-thirds (68.2%) of isiZulu-speaking South Africans live in KwaZulu-Natal, and more than a fifth (20.6% in Gauteng). Some 8.3% of all isiZulu speakers live in Mpumalanga, which borders KwaZulu-Natal to the northwest. The rest are thinly spread across the other provinces.

Within the provinces, isiZulu is spoken by over three-quarters (77.8%) of the population of KwaZulu-Natal, and nearly a quarter (24.1%) of the people of Mpumalanga. Almost a fifth (19.8%) of Gautengers speak isiZulu. It is a small minority language in the rest of the provinces.

Sesotho

Sesotho is the language of the Free State, and the first language of 3,798,915 South Africans, or 7.6% of the total population. It is one of the three Sotho languages, with Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana.

A full 98.7% of first-language Sesotho speakers are black, 0.6% coloured, 0.5% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Sesotho is spoken by just under a tenth (9.4%) of black South Africans. It is the home language of 0.5% of coloured people, of 0.4% of both white and Indian/Asian people, and of 1.7% of the people who describe themselves as "other".

Sesotho and South Africa's population groups

Most (44.6%) Sesotho speakers live in the Free State. The inner curve of this bean-shaped province fits around the northwest border of Lesotho, a country where Sesotho and English are the official languages. Over a third (36.2%) of all Sesotho-speaking South Africans live in Gauteng. Some 5.2% live in North West.

Within the provinces, Sesotho is spoken by close to two-thirds (64.2%) of the population of the Free State, over a tenth (11.6%) of Gauteng, and by 5.8% of people living in North West.

Sesotho sa Leboa (Sepedi)

Also known as: Northern Sotho
First-language users: 4,618,576 (9.1% of the population)
Second-language users: 9,100,000 (2002 estimate)
All users: 13,518,576 (estimate)
Sesotho sa Leboa or Sepedi?
The 1993 interim Constitution named the language Sesotho sa Leboa. It was then changed to Sepedi in the final Constitution of 1996. Debate on the right name continues. Most language experts, as well as speakers of the language, consider Sesotho sa Leboa to be the correct name, and Sepedi to be a dialect. In a study of the language policy of six South African universities, five used Sesotho sa Leboa and one Sepedi. But both the Department of Basic Education and Statistics South Africa use Sepedi as the language's name.
Sesotho sa Leboa is South Africa's third-largest African language (after isiZulu and isiXhosa), and mainly spoken in Limpopo. Like Sesotho and Setswana, it is a Sotho language.

Sesotho sa Leboa is the first language of 4,618,576 people, or 9.1% of the total population. A full 99.7% of first-language Sesotho sa Leboa speakers are black, 0.1% coloured, 0.1% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Sesotho sa Leboa is spoken by 11.4% of black South Africans. It is the home language of just 0.2% of Indians, 0.1% of coloureds, 0.1% of whites and 0.6% of people who describe themselves as "other".

Sesotho sa Leboa and South Africa's population groups

Nearly two-thirds of (61.2%) of all Sesotho sa Leboa speakers live in Limpopo, over a quarter (27.8%) in Gauteng and 8.1% in Mpumalanga. The rest of the language's speakers are scattered around the country.

Within the provinces, Sesotho sa Leboa is spoken by more than half (52.9%) the people of Limpopo, 10.6% of those in Gauteng, and 9.3% of Mpumalanga's population.

Setswana

The language of North West and its neighbouring country of Botswana, Setswana is the Tswanaic language in the Sotho-Tswana subfamily, which it shares with Sesotho and Sesotho sa Leboa. Its 3,996,951 speakers make up 8% of South Africa's population.

Some 98.3% of Setswana speakers are black, 1% coloured, 0.1% Indian or Asian and 0.1% white.

Setswana is spoken by 9.9% of black South Africans, making it the third-largest language in the population group. It is the first language of 0.9% of coloured people, 0.4% of both Indians and whites, and 2.4% of people who describe themselves as "other".

Setswana and South Africa's population groups

Over a half (52.9%) of Setswana speakers live in North West, a quarter (26.9%) in Gauteng, and close on a tenth (9.2%) in the Northern Cape. Both North West and the Northern Cape lie on the border of Botswana, where 79% of the population speak Setswana.

Within the provinces, Setswana is spoken by nearly two-thirds (63.4%) of the population of North West, a third (33.1%) of the Northern Cape's people, by 9.1% of Gauteng's population and 5.2% of the Free State's.

siSwati

SiSwati is mostly spoken in Mpumalanga, which along its curved eastern border almost encircles the country of Swaziland. SiSwati is an Nguni language, like isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.

The 1,297,046 people who speak siSwati are just 2.5% of South Africa's population, making it the country's third-smallest language. Among first-language siSwati speakers, 99.3% are black, 0.3% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

In the population as a whole, siSwati is spoken by 3.2% of black South Africans, by around 0.1% of the other population groups, and by 0.5% of people who describe themselves as "other".

SiSwati and South Africa's population groups

Most siSwati speakers live in Mpumalanga - 85.3% of its total users and the highest provincial concentration of any language. Another tenth (10.5%) live in Gauteng, and the rest are scattered mainly over the northern parts of the country.

Within the provinces, sisSwati is spoken by 27.7% of the total population of Mpumalanga, and just 1.1% of Gautengers.

Tshivenda

Tshivenda is something of a standalone among South Africa's major African languages, falling into the broader Sotho-Makua-Venda subfamily but not part of the Sotho group. It is mostly spoken in the far northeast of Limpopo.

The 1,209,388 South Africans who speak Tshivenda are just 2.4% of the country's population, making it the second-smallest language after isiNdebele. A full 99.4% of first-language Tshivenda speakers are black, 0.2% coloured, 0.2% white and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Tshivenda is spoken by 3% of black South Africans, by just 0.1% of the other population groups, and by 0.5% of people who describe themselves as "other".

Tshivenda and South Africa's population groups

Three quarters (73.8%) of Tshivenda speakers live in Limpopo, giving the language the second-highest provincial concentration after siSwati. A further 22.5% of Tshivenda speakers live in Gauteng.

Within the provinces, Tshivenda is spoken by 16.7% of the population of Limpopo, and 2.3% of the population of Gauteng.

Xitsonga

Xitsonga is a minority language concentrated along South Africa's northeast border with the country of Mozambique, where it is also spoken. Within the broader Nguni-Tsonga language subfamily which it shares with isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu and siSwati, it alone falls into the Tswa-Ronga group, while the other languages are Nguni.

The 2,277,148 South Africans who speak Xitsonga as their home language make up 4.5% of the country's total population. A full 99.1% of first-language Xitsonga speakers are black, 0.2% white, 0.1% coloured and 0.1% Indian or Asian.

Xitsonga is spoken by 5.6% of black South Africans, 0.2% of Indians, 0.1% of whites, 0.05% of coloureds and 3.9% of people who describe themselves as "other".

Xitsonga and South Africa's population groups

Nearly two-fifths (39.8%) of Xitsonga-speaking South Africans live in Limpopo, over a third (35%) in Gauteng, 18.3% in Mpumalanga and 5.6% in North West.

Within the provinces, Xitsonga is spoken by 17% of the population of Limpopo, 10.4% of Mpumalanga and 6.6% of the people in Gauteng.

Sources and notes

Researched, written and designed by Mary Alexander.
Updated 22 October 2023.
Comments? Email mary1alexander@gmail.com

The graphics on this page are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.

Categories: Arts & Culture

Tagged as: Afrikaans, education, English, History, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, language, population groups, provinces, Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga

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The 11 languages of South Africa - South Africa Gateway

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South Africa has 11 official languages, and a multilingual population. IsiZulu and isiXhosa are the largest languages. English is spoken at home by 10% of the population.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEN497OmoSQ

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCtUoRh7psE

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Old School

"Deviation from the norm
Is similar navigation in the storm
This mainstream slave ship is sailing and before long
You will mourn when your individuality is gone
So caught up in material bulls***
That the thought of being real seems putred"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4dr0Y8emMU

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Bringing Xitsonga and Tsonga culture together with her performances, she gives a hell ava good show!

https://www.instagram.com/shomadjozi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9f3a15eb-41e7-4c28-a1dc-86a51331ed10

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Creator of the genre "Future Ghetto Punk", her iconic look makes her stand out in an already diverse collection of artists.

https://www.instagram.com/moonchildsanelly/

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Focused with her career in entertainment, she's made a strong statement of herself. She's got a record label and hosted a tv show.

https://www.instagram.com/moozlie/

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Described as a force to be reckoned with, she talks against the South African cultural state, and works towards decolonizing South Africa’s education system.

https://www.instagram.com/misspattymonroe/?hl=en

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A 2012 film about different artist going through struggles, and coming up on top, regardless. AS motivational as it is true, it gives a glimpse of the situation that South Africa is facing and staying silent about.

https://africanfilmny.org/films/the-creators/

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The famous Gigi Lamayne who hosts Africa's TikTok
https://www.instagram.com/gigi_lamayne/?hl=en

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Kanyi Mavi got style and many talents to share.

https://twitter.com/kanyi_mavi

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Tweets by Kanyi_Mavi

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A versatile musician, her transition from RnB to Rap saw her win 3 awards with her debut studio album.
https://www.instagram.com/ke_fificoopersan/?hl=en

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For a long while since 2002, the trio was the only female rap crew.  Featuring Burni Aman, EJ Von Lyrik and Shameema Williams, Godessa lyrics speak on recognizing your own power and potential.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/44U7CX6sEeWA1YkVsUfAqz

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Ms Supa at a Photo Shoot by @skinnies_gallery

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“I would describe myself as someone who is outspoken, and wants to get females recognised in the space of Hip Hop. I have had a passion for this art as far back as I can remember. I grew up with hip hop and writing.” - Ms Supa

https://www.instagram.com/mssupa/

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Don't fuck around wit her. Qba made sure that women in hip-hop wasn't just background dancers in music videos.

https://twitter.com/qba100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

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With technology on the rise, and the social media take over, there are many ways to interact with media and to create art; the tools are available.
https://soundcloud.com/msnthabi

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South Africa has 42.7% females in their parliament that are representatives. The number of women is increasing, slowly but steady, in Africa.

https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/april-2019-july-2019/african-women-politics-miles-go-parity-achieved

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African Women in politics: Miles to go before parity is achieved

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Countries achieving the 30% benchmark appear to have adopted a form of affirmative action. For example, Rwanda has constitutional provisions reserving 30% of seats for women in its bicameral legislature while South Africa's Municipal Structures Act of 1998 requires political parties to "ensure that 50% of the candidates on the party list are women" and that "women must be equitably represented in a ward committee."

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Gander Roles are still heavily present in South African culture, and is male fixated, where women have little power. Such roles can promote problems and make them linger, and may even affect the youth.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1728-4465.2003.00160.x

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How Gender Roles Influence Sexual and Reproductive Health Among South African Adolescents

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Although the literature on Africa increasingly adopts a gendered approach to sexual and reproductive health issues, few studies have addressed adolescent pregnancy and parenthood in such a framework....

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Part of the rap rave group Die Antwoord, she an important half od the duo that leads the discussion. She was also in the movie Chappie!

We got both ends, and all voices should be heard. We got some drama on this one^

https://www.instagram.com/dieantwoord/

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https://www.dw.com/en/miss-patty-monroe-dreams-about-a-more-equal-africa/av-56793638

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The 77 Percent

Miss Patty Monroe from South Africa is a force to be reckoned with. The rap artist is multi-talented, fierce, and passionate about decolonizing South Africa's education system. For The 77 Percent she reflects about her dreams for the future of Africa.

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Miss Patty Monroe dreams about a more equal Africa | DW | 14.07.2021

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Miss Patty Monroe from South Africa is a force to be reckoned with. The rap artist is multi-talented, fierce, and passionate about decolonizing South Africa's education system. For The 77 Percent she reflects about her dreams for the future of Africa.

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Her genuine thoughts on love. Sometimes it works, sometimes it lasts, other times, you just gotta put in da work!

https://www.thefader.com/2021/09/03/moonchild-sanelly-new-video-undumpable

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South Africa's Moonchild Sanelly shared her latest video, "Undumpable," a thumping ode to refusing to let things go. Produced by her Transgressive Records label mate Débruit of Congolese collective KOKOKO!, the track finds Sanelly defiantly demanding her would-be ex stick around to mend a strained relationship. "I won't let you dump me / Oh bitch / You're gonna fix this," she chants over pulsing production.

"'Undumpable' is a jam about a relationship where the couples' tempers are frayed in lockdown, in a super intense atmosphere," Sanelly explained via email. "They're fighting but they each feel like they've invested too much to be easily dumped."

In the Hanru van Zyl-directed clip, cars spin artfully across the road, a Soweto tradition that began as a way to pay respect at funerals that has evolved into its own complex subculture. "The car spinning scene means a lot to me. It means liberation, freedom, and fire. It represents the wild fun streets of Soweto," she explained. "Knowing there are more women spinning cars now, having a woman spinner was crucial for the video. I love her energy and her sport."

Watch the video above.

Thumbnail image via Phatstoki.

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Moonchild Sanelly is up for a challenge on "Undumpable"

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South Africa's Moonchild Sanelly shared her latest video, "Undumpable," a thumping ode to refusing to let things go. Produced by her Transgressive Records label mate Débruit of Congolese collective KOKOKO!, the track finds Sanelly defiantly demanding her would-be ex stick around to mend a strained relationship.

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Moozlie talks about how she manages her hair and what she believes about it. She quotes,"
Do whatever YOU want! Your hair priorities should be
that its healthy and feeling good."

https://www.news24.com/truelove/hair/nomuzi-moozlie-mabena-on-her-hair-journey-i-definitely-built-a-solid-career-on-my-bald-hairstyle-20210902

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For years, a bald hairstyle had been rapper and media personality, Nomuzi 'Moozlie' Mabena's signature look. But as her career advanced, so did her look.

Nowadays, Moozlie experiments with all types of hairstyles including weaves, sleek pixies and even braids. One thing's for sure, she looks good in absolutely anything.
READ MORE | Wig Care 101 | The dos and don'ts
She tells TRUELOVE all about her hair journey.
What is your hair philosophy?
Do whatever YOU want! Your hair priorities should be that its healthy and feeling good.
Looking back on your hair journey, which hairstyle would you say is your favourite and why?
Probably my super low brush cut which I branded as bald for years. I definitely built a solid career on that hairstyle, which is ironic because I didn't even have much hair. My fans and followers are obsessed with the short hair too.
What was your worst hair experience?
Just after high school, I had this teased-beehive situation that I was obsessed with. It was terrible! But I'm so glad that I can laugh about it now. I was shaved around the sides and the back. The middle had tracks that I would tease like crazy. I'd then comb it all out into this hump-like shape then finally do a little plate at the end almost like Cassper Nyovest. It was hilarious but I'm proud of how individualistic I've always been.
READ MORE | Nomcebo Zikode on how she takes care of her natural hair What is your current hair regimen?
My own hair is back at the low brush cut, and I get it cut weekly. I wear a lot of lace front wigs which I get installed as I need.

What do you think your current hairstyle says about you?

I'm currently wearing this big Afro wig which is coming soon to Hair Majesty By DJ Zinhle. It screams "BEAUTY" and even though it is a wig, it has this natural serene vibe to it. It's fire, I'm obsessed!
What do you enjoy most about getting your hair done?
To read more on your favourite celebs' hair journeys and for more hair tips and tricks, get your hands on the 2021 TRUELOVE Hair Magazine which will be on shelves and online from Friday, 3 September.
Looking good at the end. As a person that has naturally short hair, I'm not really into getting my hair done for long periods of time. When getting my hair cut, I do enjoy the wash and scalp massage; that feels amazing, but it's definitely all about looking good for me.

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Nomuzi 'Moozlie' Mabena on her hair journey: "I definitely built a solid career on my bald hairstyle" | Truelove

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For years, a bald hairstyle had been rapper and media personality, Nomuzi 'Moozlie' Mabena's signature look. But as her career advanced, so did her look. Nowadays, Moozlie experiments with all types of hairstyles including weaves, sleek pixies and even braids. One thing's for sure, she looks good in absolutely anything.

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Lamayn (hit single Fufa) explains that she won't be cutting all ties, but instead decides to do a little genre exploring.

https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/gigi-lamayne-clarifies-why-she-is-leaving-hip-hop-calls-it-toxic-77f3afce-7c43-48b2-8263-8579f063f06b

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This artist has a lot to say though her art; as a voice for the youth, she speaks highly on spiritual endurance.

https://faith47.com/

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Faith47 is an internationally-acclaimed African street and studio-based artist operating globally.