Exploring the Different Subgenres of Fakaza Music

Fakaza music is a genre of music that originated in South Africa. It is a genre of music that is typically played at clubs and parties. Fakaza music has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are now many subgenres of Fakaza music that have emerged.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the different subgenres of Fakaza music, including Hiphopza and amapiano.

Hiphopza:

Hiphopza is a subgenre of Fakaza music that is heavily influenced by hip-hop music. It is characterized by its use of heavy basslines, fast-paced beats, and rap vocals. Hiphopza is often played at clubs and parties, and it is popular among young people in South Africa.

One of the key features of Hiphopza is its use of rap vocals. Many Hiphopza artists incorporate rap lyrics into their songs, often rapping in a mixture of English and local languages such as Zulu or Xhosa. This gives the music a distinctly South African flavor and makes it appealing to a wide range of listeners.

Another key feature of Hiphopza is its use of heavy basslines and fast-paced beats. Hiphopza beats are often designed to get people moving on the dance floor, and they can be quite infectious. Many Hiphopza DJs also incorporate scratching and other turntablism techniques into their sets, which adds to the energy of the music.

Some popular Hiphopza artists include Nasty C, AKA, and Cassper Nyovest. These artists have helped to popularize the genre both in South Africa and internationally.

Amapiano:

Amapiano is another subgenre of Fakaza music that has emerged in recent years. It is characterized by its use of piano melodies, African percussion, and deep basslines. Amapiano is a relatively new genre, having only emerged in the mid-2010s, but it has quickly become one of the most popular forms of Fakaza music.

One of the key features of Amapiano is its use of piano melodies. Amapiano songs often feature intricate piano melodies that are played over African percussion and deep basslines. These melodies give the music a unique and distinctive sound that is instantly recognizable.

Another key feature of Amapiano is its use of African percussion. Amapiano beats often incorporate African drums and other percussion instruments, which gives the music a distinctly African flavor. This has helped to make Amapiano popular not only in South Africa but also in other African countries.

Some popular Amapiano artists include Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Focalistic. These artists have helped to popularize the genre both in South Africa and internationally.

Gqom:

Gqom is a subgenre of Fakaza music that originated in Durban, South Africa. It is characterized by its use of heavy basslines, fast-paced beats, and a distinctive vocal style. Gqom has been described as a blend of house music and traditional African rhythms.

One of the key features of Gqom is its use of heavy basslines. Gqom beats are often designed to be played at high volume, with the basslines providing the foundation for the music. This gives Gqom its distinctive sound and makes it popular among club-goers.

Another key feature of Gqom is its use of a distinctive vocal style. Gqom vocals are often processed using autotune and other effects, which gives them a robotic quality. This has helped to make Gqom popular not only in South Africa but also in other parts of the world.

Shangaan Electro:

Shangaan Electro is a subgenre of Fakaza music that originated in the Limpopo province of South Africa. It is characterized by its use of fast-paced, electronic beats and traditional Shangaan music. Shangaan Electro has been described as a fusion of traditional and modern styles of music.

One of the key features of Shangaan Electro is its use of fast-paced electronic beats. Shangaan Electro beats are often played at a very high tempo, with drum machines and synthesizers used to create a frenetic, high-energy sound. This makes Shangaan Electro popular among dancers, who are drawn to the music’s fast-paced rhythms.

Another key feature of Shangaan Electro is its use of traditional Shangaan music. Shangaan music is a traditional style of music that is played by the Shangaan people in South Africa and Mozambique. Shangaan Electro incorporates elements of this music into its sound, using traditional instruments such as the marimba and mbira alongside electronic sounds.

Some popular Shangaan Electro artists include Nozinja, Tshetsha Boys, and DJ Mujava. These artists have helped to popularize the genre both in South Africa and internationally.

Kwaito:

Kwaito is a subgenre of Fakaza music that originated in South Africa in the 1990s. It is characterized by its use of South African house music, hip-hop, and traditional African rhythms. Kwaito has been described as a blend of different styles of music that reflects the diversity of South African culture.

One of the key features of Kwaito is its use of South African house music. Kwaito beats often incorporate elements of house music, including electronic instrumentation and a four-on-the-floor rhythm. This gives the music a modern, dance-oriented sound that is popular among young people.

Another key feature of Kwaito is its use of hip-hop. Kwaito artists often incorporate rap lyrics into their songs, often rapping in a mixture of English and local languages such as Zulu or Xhosa. This gives Kwaito a distinctly South African flavor and makes it appealing to a wide range of listeners.

Some popular Kwaito artists include Mdu, Arthur Mafokate, and Zola. These artists helped to popularize the genre in the 1990s and early 2000s, and Kwaito remains a popular form of Fakaza music in South Africa today.

Conclusion:

Fakaza music is a diverse genre that encompasses a range of different subgenres. Each of these subgenres has its own unique characteristics, from the heavy basslines and rap vocals of Hiphopza to the piano melodies and African percussion of Amapiano. Other subgenres, such as Gqom, Shangaan Electro, and Kwaito, also contribute to the rich tapestry of Fakaza music. Regardless of which subgenre one prefers, Fakaza music is a vibrant and exciting genre that continues to evolve and grow in popularity.