Vuma - A Music Revolution is a South African documentary series created and directed by Vincent Moloi and Norman Maake and produced through their Glowstars production company that documents the South African dance music genre Kwaito, from its beginning and influence in the early 1990s to its popularity today.
The series premiered on SABC1 on Tuesday 1 December 2009, at 21h00. New episodes air weekly. There are six hour-long episodes in total.
Synopsis
For those who thought Kwaito music was dead and buried, get ready for a rude awakening...
Vuma - A Music Revolution is a six-part documentary series that captures the South African dance music genre, Kwaito, creating an in-depth understanding of its beginning and influence in the early 90s.
The series tells the untold story of a South African youth with all its sophisticated dynamics, through music.
It profiles Kwaito legends Oskido, Mandla Spikiri, Thebe, Bruce “Dope” Sebitlo, Mjokes and numerous other groups like Trompies, Boom Shaka, Alaska, Chakaroski, Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin and many other dancers, producers and club DJ's that were at the centre of Kwaito.
It's a preservation of a South African heritage that was underground but has now become mainstream.
The individual experiences of owners of the successful, black-owned production company Kalawa Jazmee form part of this collage of stories. These are individuals who were at the forefront of pioneering this lucrative, independent music industry, which has grown into an avenue for self-expression for many young people.
Vuma – A Music Revolution is the brainchild of two award-winning South African filmmakers; Vincent Moloi and Norman Maake, who joined forces to form Glowstars, a production company that focuses on telling the stories of urban youth culture.
Both Moloi and Maake have worked as directors across genres in the local and international film industry. This is their first film project as co-directors.
Episode Summaries
Episode 1: The Making of a Record Label (A lesson in history)
Most times in life it's about that first step towards your goal/vision. In this episode we introduce members of the two competing groups of the then young dancers, club DJs and musicians who went on to form a movement through their label; Kalawa-Jazmee.
In their own words they tell us the story of the beginning; from humble beginnings to great endeavours. They chronicle a story of how they all met by luck or destiny, to be part of a multi-million rand-grossing industry.
Almost 20 years has gone past, members of Kalawa-Jazmee are beginning yet another journey. A reflective journey about where it all began, how they came together to form Kalawa Jazmee.
In this episode we introduce our five main characters who are at the centre of the music industry, between the five of them, they have helped to built dance kwaito music into a multi million rand industry.
And this is their story.
Episode 2: The Diary (Getting personal)
In this episode, we are invited into our characters lives, this time we are interested in their personal history, their roots, connection to music. We are searching for an in-depth and deeper understanding of their connection.
This episode follows our characters on their daily chows of the music industry and through that learn and discover more about them.
Unlike the first episode of the bigger Kwaito story, episode two is more personal and deals with individual character in the movement.
Episode 3: One liners and Video girls (Making the music)
In this episode we follow the creative process. What does it take to make a Kwaito track that becomes a hit a dance hit in clubs and radios? Over the past two years we have recorded hits being made, trend being set etc.
This episode captures the fast pace Kwaito culture, that most youth today have found an identity in. From lyrics one liners, gimmicks, seasonal dance trends, video girls we highlight the courage of starting something new.
We are told about all the artists who have recorder in this studio, Boom Shaka, Bongo Maffin, Mafikizolo and the list goes on.
All the icons pop up, the creators of dance culture. At base line there are always people. They eat, they laugh, tell jokes, perform songs.
The studio is more a home for music, being together is something that they learnt back in the streets of Hillbrow, the dawn of a new South Africa.
We question the integrity of this dance culture, in search of an identity/a blue print of its success. So we spend a lot time from the first step music is made, voices recorded, test driving it, music video made and the release.
Episode 4: Gigs (I've been on the road since 1990)
While at first music was what they loved doing for fun and artistic expression, today making money is important to the guys. In this episode we are on the road with our characters, we experience the journey of what it takes to make a track a hit after music is made and music video is shot.
Over the years they have learnt that it takes a lot to turn a nobody into a superstar, an idea into money.
From what began in the studio as a funny gimmick a stupid dance... nonsense one line that has no meaning. Becomes an anthem, a freedom of expressing the body... thousands and thousands of crowds sing and dance along.
We travel with each of the members to all corners of South Africa, from the rough townships, to the elegant July... Champagne flutes popping, glamorous flashy lifestyle, sex and alcohol.
Episode 5: Staying Alive (The politics of music)
Nothing happens overnight. In this episode we reflect on the years that have been invested by our characters to this culture, music, movement.
But a constant thing in life is change but culture evolves so rapid if you blink you miss it. Kwaito has over the few months evolved; but does that mean it is coming to an end?
Mainstream media never gave this culture a chance and now it seems to be igniting an argument that the culture is dying if not dead.
But our character chronicles the patterns of these changes and that they are at the centre of it in any case. They are the ones creating this new fast tempo beat as compared to the old, slow sound of Kwaito. They argue Kwaito runs too deep in their blood stream to die.
Episode 6: Reflection (The End of the Beginning)
In this episode we reflect on the past and celebrating the present.
It is December, a time of the year to celebrate. Live and let live, take away from the stress of have endured through out the year. In music, particular with kwaito a turn around time at a snap of a finger.
We capture the making of the December hits before they hit the streets, stores, radio and Television. For the first time film will attempt to a have a turn around time as music.
We are hoping that some viewers will get to experience the music through this series before it gets popular on the streets.
Oskido is putting the finishing touches on his double album Commandment 8 and 9 for December. In the next year, 2010, he will complete the Ten Commandments of his Ten Commandments series of albums.
Mandla Spikiri is yet again redefining the boundaries of being a street guy, a Pantsula, his new album is made up of numerous tracks that are about celebrations and he has a good feeling that this is going to be a great summer.
Having survived in this industry for so many years is a blessing, he confesses some lessons where hard taught. But in this business, there is only one way to learn - from your mistakes.
Mahoota is producing a compilation double album in recognition of all the young talent that's out there. He is inviting young and old top of the cream of South African Kwaito House producers and packaging it on one album.
The past was chaotic, sometimes full of smiles and also tears. After so many successive years Mahoota's spring bash is moving from Wemmer Pan to another location. He pours some alcohol on to the earth, a firm sign of a believer in his father's ways.
Then there is a glimmer in the eye, a new purpose.
At Kalawajazmee there is always a family; laughs and celebrations. Music is the centre of their universe. Kwaito will never die, the King Don Father exclaims. He continues by saying this is only but the beginning.