Arthur Mafokate - First Kwaito Hit

First Kwaito Hit

He is credited with creating the first kwaito hit with his 1995 song "Kaffir". While the song itself is notable musically for spearheading a new genre of music, its lyrics reflect the new freedoms that emerged after the political changes of 1994, including the implementation of a new constitution and democratic election system. The title, "Kaffir," is a derogatory term used mostly in South Africa as a racial slur to refer to black people. In his song, Mafokate protests against the use of the word "kaffir," claiming that his employer (called "baas" or boss) would not like to be referred to as "bobbejaan," or baboon.

This song is significant, not only as a musical milestone, but also in terms of the lyrics. The association of kwaito with gangsters is because kwaito in itself, according to Mafokate, is “all about ghetto music.” However, as the apartheid era was coming to an end, this new song and genre represented a perfect reminder of the atrocities of the past and inspiration for the future, while stamping Mafokate’s reputation as an artist unafraid to stir up controversy or voice his strong opinions.

I don’t come from hell.

You would not like it if I called you a baboon.

Even when I try washing up, you still call me a kaffir.

Boss, don’t call me a kaffir.

These words are recurring until the end of the song, while the lyrics are repeated sequentially at various pitches, a common theme of African music. While being banned by a few radio stations, the song caught the imagination of the country’s youth and the EP went on to sell in excess of 150,000 copies and largely influenced the state of kwaito today.