Darkie Fiction throws a lens on globalisation in the South African Music scene with “Little America”

DARKIE FICTION’S LITTLE AMERICA ASKS DIFFICULT QUESTIONS AND STARTS MUCH NEEDED CONVERSATIONS

 

When I first discovered Darkie Fiction, what captured my attention (and for the most part, my heart) was the strong sense of pride their  music. “Bhoza” wiggled its way into my heart (and playlists) and dragged along Selula and their album Sobabini: A Mzantsi Evolution  with it.

However, what really struck me as I begun to follow the duo, was their strong desire in supporting the South African sound. Their album, interviews, videos and tweets strongly promoted South Africa and being true to self and country.

That’s why their documentary “Little America”, didn’t surprise me.

Little America is a documentary on the South African music industry, and how commercial music sounds more westernised than local. Little America documents the discussion surrounding the effects of globalisation on culture, and more specifically, music.

Darkie Fiction, made up of vocalist Yoza Mnyanda and rapper Katt Daddy, opened up pandora’s box with “Little America”.

With the simple disclaimer, “the purpose of this documentary is not to point fingers or form a conclusion. The point is to start a conversation that is long overdue”, Darkie Fiction dives into the 15 minute short documentary.  Commissioned by Trace Southern Africa and Gauteng Film Commission, Little America  documents the  opinions of musicians from different genres.

The documentary features Da L.E.S, Nadia Nakai, DJ Speedsta, Sliqe, J Molley, Darkie Fiction, Robin Thirdfloor, Stiff Pap, Moonchild Sanelly & Bongikosi Dlamini (Zola 7) and features videos by Sho Madjozi, Babes Wodumo, Faka, Moonchild Sanelly, Robin Thirdfloor, Darkie Fiction & Manthe Ribane.

Speaking to Darkie Fiction on why this was important, the duo responded:

Maybe, its time we South Africans reclaimed our identity and we are starting with our music.

This conversation needed to happen, and not just for South Africans, but for all of Africa. Globalisation is stepping on necks, but where does that leave our sound, our music and our culture? Do we simply assimilate and lose ourselves? Do we kowtow to western ideals of what is cool/popular or create our own and let THEM catch up? The world is eating off of Africa now. Why is there a need to switch up or adapt, rather than promote our own?

Watch the documentary and join the conversation on Twitter by expressing your opinions ,with video or text, using the hashtag #LittleAmerica. All opinions are encouraged.