Radio, Race & Genre in South Africa

Gallo Vault Sessions

In this episode of Gallo Vault Sessions we take a look at music’s role in the retribalisation project of the apartheid regime through the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s radio bantu, Gallo Music’s African music imprints, the impact this had on local conceptions of language, as well as what was deemed African music.

We’re joined by last month’s guests, Sipho Sithole, Antos Stella, Bra Mike Swaratle, Ivor Haarburger, and Rob Allingham, and also meet some new voices; renowned musician Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, and South African radio veteran, Shado Twala, who all help us understand how race and genre have functioned in South Africa’s music and radio history!

Gallo Vault Sessions in collaboration with KONJO

Talking points: radio bantu, SABC, Hugh Tracey, Phuzushukela, Maskandi, Mavuthela, African catalog, Harari, Oliver Mtukudzi, Pharanyana, Percy Sledge, skokiaan, Thomas Chauke, Radio Thohoyandou, Radio Zulu, Radio Metro, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, radio dramas, language, LM radio, Peter Gallo, radio banning

Listen to the all-vinyl mix exploring radio bantu and beyond, by Vusi Hlatywayo @el_metalo from Fly Machine Sessions @fly_machine_projects here

Guests: Shado Twala, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Rob Allingham, Mike Swaratlhe, Antos Stella, Ivor Haarburger & Sipho Sithole

Narrator: Kineta Kunutu

Writer: Zara Julius @ KONJO

Producer: Zara Julius @ KONJO

Researcher: Zara Julius @ KONJO

Artwork: PR$DNT HONEY

Production support: The Good People

Follow us on @k.o.n.j.o & @gallorecordcompany