About Motswako
Motswako is a music genre in the 1990s. It is usually classed as a form of African hip-hop and music of Southern Africa. Its influences include reggae, gospel music and kwaito.
From Wikipedia
Motswako is a subgenre of hip hop originating from South Africa additionally prominently popularized in Botswana. Mafikeng, the genre's origin point, is located close to the border of Botswana, where Setswana (Tswana) is predominantly spoken similar to Mafikeng. Motswako blends rap lyrics in local languages like Setswana with English over a steady beat. It also incorporates languages such as Sesotho, Zulu and Afrikaans depending on the artist's background. Popularized by South African acts like HHP and Baphixile (comprising "Prof" and "Blax Myth") in the late nineties, it gained a significant following among local audiences. Many emerging artists in South Africa use motswako as a foundation for their music careers due to its accessible principles, emphasizing creative writing skills crucial for mastering the genre. South Africa and Botswana have a substantial pool of motswako artists, although female representation remains limited.
Genre family tree
Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Motswako.
- ↑ African hip-hop
- ↑ music of Southern Africa
Related genres
Frequently asked questions
What is Motswako?
Motswako is a music genre in the 1990s. It is usually classed as a form of African hip-hop and music of Southern Africa. Its influences include reggae, gospel music and kwaito.
Where and when did Motswako originate?
Motswako originated in the 1990s.