Watch Spotify documentary about amapiano and kwaito

The launch coincides with Freedom Day on 27 April, which commemorates the first democratic elections held in South Africa in 1994.

Directed by Chris Kets and Lindiwe Mngxitama, the documentary juxtaposes the similar history of kwaito and amapiano. It narrates the evolutionary story of amapiano by tracing it to the roots of kwaito. The new sound quickly became a mainstream genre and, for many, it epitomised the sound of freedom in South African streets.

The doccie features chart-topping kwaito musicians including Oskido and Thandiswa Mazwai as well as amapiano hitmaker’s Young Stunna and Uncle Waffles, who all shed light on how the two genres represent freedom of expression.

“Our 28th year of freedom comes at a time when positivity and hope for our future are much-needed,” Spotify’s head of music strategy and operations in sub-Saharan Africa, Melanie Triegaardt, said.

“Our music culture and creative community continue to serve as a source of relief, pride, escape, opportunity and hope for our future. With this documentary, we want to showcase the importance of the creative community in freedom of expression and the similarities and differences of eras seen through music culture in South Africa.”

The playlists comprise hit tracks by local musicians, which pay homage to local popular sounds heard on the street. Kwaito Classics spotlights creators like Thebe, M'Du, Trompies, Bongo Maffin and TKZee, whose music influenced the birth of other local sounds such as gqom and SA house.

According to a report by Spotify, kwaito continues to be consumed both locally and internationally. Over the past 90 days, streams were generated in countries such as the UK, US, Germany and Australia, which constitute the top five markets that stream kwaito alongside South Africa. The age group of those who mostly consume kwaito is wide-ranging with music lovers between the ages of 18 and 44 all listening to the genre in equal measure.

The Sound of Freedom playlist, meanwyile, features iconic songs entrenched in the culture and climate of post-apartheid South Africa, including songs such as ‘Bring Him Back Home’ by Hugh Masakela, ‘Pata Pata’ by Miriam Makeba and ‘Great Heart’ by Johnny Clegg and Savuka. Other musicians featured on the playlist include Just Jinjer, Brenda Fassie, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Vusi Mahlasela and more.