Cultural Influences
Kwaito is a South African urban genre of music. It emerged post-Apartheid amidst the numerous political and social changes that were occurring in South Africa. These changes included the release of Nelson Mandela from prison, and South Africa's first democratic election in 1994. Through his lyricism, it is evident that Zola is proud of many of his country's unique languages including Afrikaans. Afrikaans is "a more white people's language that is unique to South Africa" according to Zola. Kwaito is a way of life that has been spurred by the modern democratic freedom South Africans have been experiencing. Kwaito relates to the old tradition of expressing political thought through creative outlets that can be observed in all societies. For Zola, Kwaito defines something different: "For one, we are trying to find out who we are and where we fit in the role of this democratic South Africa as young people. There's no more fighting. People have to go back to school." Although lyrics to some Kwaito songs by Zola tend to bear strong sociological messages, the social context of South Africa is generally not receptive to the occasionally poignant lyrics of Kwaito. Zola also recognizes that people are allowed to start their own record labels now that there is more finance coming to the South African people. In the past, South Africans went to down-town studios where they would record, and thus receive fewer royalties than they do now in their own private studios. This Kwaito artist has not only achieved success in the soundscapes that resonate throughout the globe but Zola also has a reality television show called "Zola 7". On this show, people write to Zola and telling him their dreams and Zola helps the people achieve the. Zola is looking forward to collaborating with European artists in the future. Zola has also acted in the Oscar winning movie Tsotsi.
Zola 7 clothing range was launched in November 2005.
Zola's previous albums have made him one of the biggest selling artists in South Africa.
Read more about this topic: Zola (entertainer)
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