Gods and Godesses of Jazz since the 1950s

Picture: Dolly Rathebe, Drum Magazine circa 50s
Photographer: © Bailey's History Archives (B.A.H.A)www.baha.co.za

Even though Jazz in South Africa had been prominent before the 1950s especially swing, it was also very popular in the era that was the 50s when the Apartheid system was tightening its first grip. Cape Province was a hotbed for South African jazz bands at the time, home to great composers and legends, but Johannesburg became the capital and the promised City of Gold. The city boasted alumni like Jazz Maniacs and Harlem Swingsters, and musicians like Ellison Temba, Elijah Nkanyane, Ntemi Piliso, Wilson Silgee and Isaac Nkosi.

Female jazz vocalists were particularly popular in South Africa in the 40s and 50s, with Dolly Rathebe being the first star. She also starred in the first African feature film, 1948's Jim Comes to Jo'burg. Rathebe was followed by other singers, including Dorothy Masuka and, most famously, Miriam Makeba. Male singers were rarer, and included the Manhattan Brothers and the African Inkspots. Other leading female singers included Thandi Klaasen and Abigail Khubeka, two of the many underrated iconic symbols of South African music. 

*Contains extracts from Wikipedia