Philippi is a township that has their music as a major source of entertainment such as: township festivals (jazz) and "Street Bashes." The are different types of music and instruments that people of Philippi Township play. They major ones are follows: African Jazz, Kwaito, and Umbhaqanga Music.

An African jazz festival under a tent in Philippi.

African Jazz

The African jazz music is mostly listened to by the mature people in the Township. This music has powerful inspirations in our native history, which is why those who are mature have passions for African Jazz.

Kwaito Music

This music is the local music and it is mostly listened to by the youth, as they say it is taken from the real life of the township. These are some of the artists that sings the Kwaito music: M' du, Mandoza.

Umbhaqanga

That is the music that is mostly listed by used in the African style. The dancing to this music is in the African way, and this music is mostly popular to the Xhosa people. This is one of the leading Umbhaqanga artists: Umfazi omnyama Amathitsha amhlophe.

These are kinds of instruments that are used the African Jazz

An artist's view of a Jazz Quartet. This is a popular art form in the townships, called linoprints, made using pieces of linoleum. The artist is Patrick Holo

Art became very popular in Philippi early in the 80s, and it has been used in different ways such as to improve awareness in deferent aspect: Educational graphics are found on the walls of the play grounds and are a tourist attraction. Those who have talent in art use art to make their living by selling their art in the market places in downtown Cape Town. This encourages development of the abilities of the entrepreneur: make use of the skill that you possess in order to improve the level of prosperity in the township. Township art is selling very well in the market. See for example the news article on artist Marijani R Magogo who lives in Philippi.

A mural to welcome visitors to Philippi.
But the uncollected garbage is not a good welcome.

Scenes from Township life in oil paintings....

The Beer Drinker by Selwyn Pekeur. This illustrates some of the pleasures of the township

The Gift by Selwyn Pekeur. Note the typical township dog in the picture

Detail from "Madonna" by Zwelethu Mthethwa.
Note the musician in the lower right corner and rainbow, sign of hope, above him.

"Women Carrying Wood" by Frank Ross. This shows a traditional activity of women in the rural areas.