The Deep Cut The Deep Cut

Hugh Masekela was an artist, activist, an ambassador for South Africa. In this episode, The Deep Cut is joined by trumpeter Lwanda Gogwana to discuss the magic behind Bra Hugh's music, from the very beginning of his career up until his passing. We also discuss his legacy with regards to honouring culture and the impact he had on the African diaspora.

The Deep Cut speaks with drummer Asher Gamedze, whose 2020 debut release, Dialectic Soul, created waves in South African jazz music and received international acclaim. In this episode, recorded remotely to comply with COVID-19 regulations, we discuss the significance of jazz music in the quest for black liberation and whether or not the genre’s influence has waned in South Africa.

From past music icons like Johnny Clegg, Mango Groove and PJ Powers to contemporary acts such as Beatenberg, Die Antwoord and Costa Titch, The Deep Cut duo discusses the complicated relationship between white South Africans and black music. We also examine how the Rainbow Nation narrative has aided cultural appropriation in South African music.

TKZee's first full length album Halloween is an offering that has stood the test of time since it's release in 1998. We discuss the aspects that make Halloween a stand out project in the realm of Kwaito, breaking down the musicality in the production and lyricism. We also bring up the descendants of TKZee under the 'new wave Kwaito' umbrella and try to answer how big of a role identity politics play in their careers.

It's been 10 years BLK JKS released the critically acclaimed and landmark album After Robot; pushing the envelope for black alternative artists in South Africa. With few current artists such as Sun Xa Experiment, BCUC and TCIYF carrying the torch, is there a thriving space for local black alternative musicians? With special guest Manny Walters.