Art & Culture

South Africa's cities are vast open-air galleries. The street art scene is political, colorful, and ubiquitous:

• Woodstock, Cape Town: The city's most creative district. The Albert Road and surroundings are dotted with murals by local and international artists. The annual International Public Art Festival (IPAF) brings new works.
• Maboneng, Johannesburg: The former industrial district is Jozi's creative hub. Murals on every corner, galleries, studios.
• Bo-Kaap, Cape Town: The candy-colored houses are art themselves — but also look for the newer murals that tell Cape Malay history.
• Faith47: South Africa's most famous street artist, whose large-scale, poetic works are seen worldwide.

Music is the heartbeat of South Africa — and its musical diversity reflects the cultural diversity:

• Township Jazz: In the 1950s, a unique jazz scene emerged in Sophiatown (Johannesburg). Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand) became world stars. Experience live jazz at the Orbit (Braamfontein, Joburg) or the Crypt (Cape Town).
• Kwaito: A township house that emerged in the 1990s — slower, bass-heavy house with spoken vocals. Mandoza's "Nkalakatha" is the unofficial anthem of the new South Africa.
• Amapiano: Currently Africa's biggest music export. Originating around 2012 in the townships of Gauteng, Amapiano has taken the world by storm. The mix of house, jazz, and lounge with the distinctive log drum sound is irresistible. Listen to: Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa.
• Maskandi: Traditional Zulu music with guitar and concertina. Best experienced live in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Choral Music: South Africa's a cappella tradition is overwhelming. The Ladysmith Black Mambazo (with Paul Simon on "Graceland") have won 5 Grammys.

The townships are not slums — they are vibrant communities with a rich culture born from resistance against apartheid. A township tour (always with a local guide!) is one of the most enriching experiences in South Africa.

What you will experience

• Shebeens: Informal pubs that served as illegal meeting places during apartheid. Today, many are legal bars with live music and braai. Try Umqombothi (traditional maize beer).
• Spaza Shops: Small informal shops selling everything — from milk to SIM cards. The commercial backbone of the townships.
• Shisa Nyama: The township grill culture (see food).
• Churches & Gospel: Sunday services with gospel-like music that raises the roof. Visitors are welcome!

Popular Township Tours

• Soweto (Johannesburg): The most famous township. Vilakazi Street, Hector Pieterson Museum, Orlando Towers. From 450 ZAR.
• Langa (Cape Town): Cape Town's oldest township. Less touristy than Soweto, but more authentic. Langa Quarter offers cooking classes and overnight stays.
• Khayelitsha (Cape Town): With over 1 million residents, one of the largest townships. Township cuisine at Mzansi Restaurant, live music in shebeens.