All files reuploaded by request 1/24/2024.
Before I post up some music from Swaziland, I have something to say
here. After all, this is Nothin' Sez Somethin'.
Swaziland
is governed by an absolute monarchy. King Mswati III has ultimate authority over the cabinet, legislature, & judiciary. There is a
prime minister & a partially elected parliament, but political power remains largely with the
King & his traditional advisors, the most influential of whom is the Queen Mother.
International observers concluded that Parliamentary elections held in
2008 did not meet international standards. The 2008 Suppression of Terrorism
Act, used to silence dissent & ban certain political organizations, is still
in effect.
Human rights problems include: inability of citizens to
change their government; extra-judicial killings by security forces; police use of torture, beatings, & excessive force on detainees; police
impunity; arbitrary arrests & lengthy pretrial detention; arbitrary interference
with privacy & homes; restrictions on freedoms of speech & press along
with harassment of journalists; restrictions on freedoms of assembly,
association, & movement; prohibitions on political activity &
harassment of political activists; discrimination & violence against women;
child abuse; human trafficking; societal discrimination against members of
the lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgender (LGBT) community; discrimination
against mixed-race & white citizens; harassment of labor leaders; restrictions
on worker rights; & child labor.
Because of all the issues mentioned above, many Swaziland musicians & bands have moved to
other African nations (in particular, South Africa)
or Europe & America. Those who have stayed are under strict scrutiny by the
monarchy.
Footnote to absolute monarchy: One of the musical events
held annually in Swaziland
is the Reed Dance. Tens of thousands of young nubile Swazi virgins dance before
the King & he picks out another wife. He currently has twelve wives &
twenty-four children. Not a very good example for the citizen of a very impoverished nation.
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Mbongiseni 'Bholoja'
Ngubane was born in Swaziland
in 1979. He is a very gifted, humble, celebrated young musician. His striking
multi-tonal voice & his native lyrical songs has won him great respect at
home & abroad. Bholoja is Swaziland's
rising symbol of song, art, & culture. His greatest inspiration is Swazi
tradition & their way of life, seeking through his songs to ensure that an
essential part of Swaziland's
cultural heritage does not fall victim to historical neglect. His music
responds to the Africa's global changing
situation & increasing growth challenges. Bholoja is a spokesperson of the
poor, orphaned, AIDS victims, & underprivileged, with a message of hope.
Bholoja's style of music has been labeled Swazi Soul. It is
fast gaining popularity in Swaziland
& throughout Southern Africa. It is a
mixture of various musical types: Afro-pop, traditional African, & soul.
His music creates in insightful social narrative, speaking to the very
conscience of the listeners. One of his greatest strengths is his power as a
lyricist. Most of his songs focus on the social & economic issues that
govern people’s daily lives, yet they are always flavored with an infectious
sense of humor & optimism.
Bholoja was awarded the 2007 Entertainer of the Year Award
by Swaziland National Youth Awards.
He recorded this 8-song demo album in Paris in 2007 with the support of the
Alliance Francais du Swaziland.
He was appointed a member to the Entertainment Committee of
the 40/40 National Double Celebration by His Majesty, King Mswati III, August
2008.
Bholoja – Demos 2008, Alliance Francais du Swaziland, 2008.
Tracklist –
Fela Khona
Western in Africa
Anikamboni?
Myekeleni
Qhubeka
iTelephone
Bantfwa Bam
Indzawo Yami
He recorded his first official release, Swazi Soul, in 2010.
Bholoja – Swazi Soul, SLCD 191, 2010.
Tracklist –
Indzawo yami
Mbombela
Ikhonkhotsa ilele
Zero to Hero
Ngikhumbula ngisemncane
African unite
Iyakhalindvodza
Umkhuleko
You and I
Umhlaba Uyahlaba
Ilawondi
King Somhlolo's Dream
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The following post is a compilation I threw together of
various genres of music: reggae; soul; pop; house; techno; & more that
tries to present a general cross-section of sounds currently coming out of
Swaziland today. If you hear anything you might really enjoy, try searching out
that artist elsewhere.
Tracklist –
Cootchie – Stronger
Nomzamo – Lobola
+268 – I Wanna Love
Tiyas – Me & You
Ras Mellow – Wanna Be Free
Nomalungelo – Imiyalo
inGnius Worx-Q – It's Okay
Daddy Rich – Fire Pon Dem
Spirits Indigenous – Betive
Enjoy,
NØ
this looks great. i love the variety of stuff i find here. wasn't there a map of the world one could use to naviagate. or did my mind make that up? if it existed i am sure i used to have it bookmarked now i can't find my book mark so i am using the search engine. how is that for a phil k dick sort of post?
ReplyDeleterobert
If I had my shit more together there would have been a map to navigate, but I barely made it around the globe as it was.
Delete& I think you meant that Princess Sikhanyiso looks great.
You can try using the Blog Archive to the right to find things (at least the country trip is listed by country names...many of the other post names are 'bad jokes').
thanks, bra
je découvre ce blog.... magique... est il possible de réactiver les liens (réup please)
ReplyDeleteRetéléchargé. Aucun code de décryptage nécessaire. Apprécier.
Delete