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Music: South Africans with songs on international movie soundtracks
The country's music is one of many things South Africans can be proud of and these artists are proving to be among some of our greatest exports.
Black Coffee speaking at the Durban Tourism Vignette launch in Umlazi township.
Despite the popular perception that South Africa isn’t a country to feel patriotic about, our country has still given birth to a number of things every South African can feel proud about – and our music is definitely one of those things.
So much so that international films are including more music from local artists on their soundtracks.
The latest artist to join these ranks is DJ Black Coffee, who recently shared that his song was featured in the latest The Matrix film.
He explained that he created the song about seven years ago after losing his father, and added that he dedicated the song to him at the time.
Now the song, titled Inkodlo Kamashimane, has been used in Warner Brothers’ modern-day follow up to the 1999 cult classic and its sequels from the early 2000’s.
In light of the inclusion of Black Coffee’s music in The Matrix: Resurrections, we decided to look back at a few other South African musicians who have had their music featured on international films and projects.
Nasty C – Coming 2 America
Rapper Nasty C penned and partly produced a track with vocals from Ari Lennox for the sequel to Eddie Murphy’s 1988 film, Coming To America.
The song, Black and White, was featured on the film’s soundtrack (Rhythms of Zamunda), which included Ricky Tyler, Tellaman, Prince Kaybee, Msaki, DJ Ganyani, Th&o, Bonj, Anatii, De Mthuda and Njelic, all from South Africa.
Nigeria is represented by Tiwa Savage, Oxlade, Larry Gaaga, Umu Obiligbo, Tekno, Alpha P and TMXO.
Although he is based in South Africa, producer and musician Gemini Major is representing Malawi, while Sha Sha represents Zimbabwe, Diamond Platnumz represents Tanzania, Locko represents Cameroon, Toofan represents Togo, Fally Ipupa represents DRC, Morgan Heritage represents Jamaica and the late DJ Arafat represents Ivory Coast.
Marvel and Disney’s Black Panther was the first to feature an ensemble cast of South African musicians on an album produced and curated by rapper and producer Kendrick Lamar.
Here’s a look at the South Africans featured on the album alongside a range of other artists from around the world.
Saudi – Black Panther
Saudi rapped on the smash hit ‘X’ (pronounced “ten”) alongside heavyweights like ScHoolBoy Q, 2 Chains and Kendrick Lamar himself.
Sjava – Black Panther
Much like his fellow ATM (African Trap Music) musician Saudi, Sjava also featured on the Black Panther soundtrack on a song called Seasons featuring artists Mozzy and Reason.
Babes Wodumo – Black Panther
In addition to featuring on a song called Redemption alongside Zacari, Babes Wodumo’s song Wololo was actually used in the movie, much to the delight of many a South African.
ALSO READ: Black Coffee gets a Grammy nomination
Yugen Blakrok – Black Panther
According to Vulture, Yugen Blakrok is a Johannesburg-based rapper who is originally from the Eastern Cape.
On her track Opps, also featuring Vince Staples, she makes reference to Kathleen Cleaver who is the former communications secretary of the Black Panther Party. Cleaver also became the first woman on the party’s decision-making body.
Her song Metamorphosis was also included on the Cyberpunk 2077 official soundtrack.
Busiswa/Moonchild Sanelly – Black is King
Some years after the euphoria of so many local artists featuring on such a big musical project linked to a film, South Africans once again got to celebrate when Busiswa and Moonchild Sanelly not only featured alongside Beyonce on a song called My Power, but they also appeared in the music video for the song.
The music video was part of Beyonce’s overall Black is King project, which reimagined the classic Lion King film, recently turned from animation into a live-action version.
In addition to lending her voice acting talents to the actual movie, Beyonce put together a soundtrack for the film, and tapped a number of African acts to contribute to the music on her project, and to star in her interpretation of the film’s story.
De Mthuda & Njelic – Coming 2 America
Currently the only Amapiano entry on the list, the smash hit Shesha by De Mthuda and Njelic played in the film and was included on the film’s Rhythms of Zamunda soundtrack.
Berita – Holiday in the Wild
According to the website Naija Hotstars, Berita’s song Ndicel’ikiss was featured on the 2019 Netflix film, Holiday in the Wild, starring Sex And The City’s Kristin Davis and 90s heartthrob Rob Lowe.
Toya Delazy – Powerpuff Girls
Five years ago, Toya Delazy made headlines for teaming up with Cartoon Network to pen the new Powerpuff Girls theme song.
According to a report by News24, she was chosen to create an all-African, localised theme song for the re-launch of Cartoon Network’s most enduring original series.
Lastly, vocalist Loyiso deserves a special mention for having his song Love Runs Deeper on Disney’s holiday ad called ‘The Stepdad’, which aired in various countries around the world, including South Africa.
Check out the ad below:
