Skokiaan

= The term Skokiaan =

"Skokiaan" is a popular tune originally written by Rhodesian musician August Musarurwa (d.1968) (usually identified as August Msarurgwa on record labels) in the tsaba-tsaba big band style that succeeded marabi. Skokiaan (Chikokiyana in Shona) [1] refers to an illegal self-made alcoholic beverage typically brewed over one day that may contain a dangerous ingredient, such as methylated spirits.[2][3] The tune has also been recorded as "Sikokiyana," "Skokiana," and "Skokian."

Within a year of its 1954 release in South Africa, at least 18 cover versions of "Skokiaan" appeared. The Rhodesian version reached No 17 in the United States, while a cover version by Ralph Marterie climbed to No 3. All versions combined propelled the tune to No 2 on the Cash Box charts that year. Its popularity extended outside of music, with several urban areas in the United States taking its name. Artists who produced their own interpretations include Louis Armstrong, Bill Haley, Herb Alpert, Hugh Masekela, and Kermit Ruffins. The music itself illustrates the mutual influences between Africa and the wider world.

For more information
= Theatre in Cape Town named Skokiaan =

Situated in Tamboerskloof, Cape Town. This small and intimate theatre was the brainchild of Deon Goosen and Charles Fourie (dramatist). It opened in 1999 as a literary café, but in September** ’1999 Goosen changed it into a teaterkroeg (“theatre-bar”). This unconventional 35-seater theatre served as a platform for young and new upcoming actors. Not a mainstream theatre venue, Afrikaans and English experimental works incorporated with theatre sports. Performance held on ??: Meet Joe Barber with Oscar Petersen, Heinrich Reisenhofer and David Isaacs. First performance: **

For more information
= Return to =

Return to South African Theatre Venues, Companies, Societies, etc

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page