BEATS BY HER

Words: Lesego Ntsime | Images: Supplied

Music has the power to bring people together - despite their differences - all in the name of sharing their love for a blend of harmonies, melodies, and percussion. After all, it was the likes of Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba, and Brenda Fassie (amongst many more), who displayed the power of music for the world to see by telling the stories of oppression and pain through song. And today, it's still music that reminds us to release the stress and not let anything break our souls.

While many generations of soul divas, R&B icons, and pop sensations have been the reason for celebrating the vocal talents of women all over the world, there's a corner of music that has, for too long, been a boys' club. The realm of DJing has long excluded women and femme voices. However, we can now comfortably say that the decks are starting to spin a new tune as more women take center stage as DJs. And now, it is no longer an anomaly for us to sway our bodies to the mastery of women and femmes who dare to occupy this space.

So this Women's Month, as we continue celebrating creativity and championing the stories of South African women who are making a mark in industries often dominated by men, we're moving from the chef's kitchen after dining with Lerato Tlali, to the dancefloor ignited by Liziwe Kwanini's beats.

Joburg-based DJ and Culture Curator Liziwe ‘Mamthug‘ Kwanini, takes us on a sonic journey into her definition and embodiment of femmehood. With her curation of events such as Beats By Her - a femme-led musical experience - Mamthug is reshaping our perception of women on the decks. Those who her curated sounds have enveloped, will recognise her assertive "Yiyo mama, yiyo!" exclamations, as tunes blast from the speakers. This is a joyous affirmation to continue shifting the narrative in all our creative endeavours.

"To women watching this, my parting words would be... be kinder to yourself. the world is already difficult on you. The least you can do is just be kind." - Liziwe 'Mamthug' Kwanini

WATCH THE FULL CONVERSATION HERE:

SHOP MAMTHUG'S LOOK: