kwela

/ ˈkwɛlə, ˈkweɪlə /

noun

1. a type of pop music popular among the Black communities of South Africa

Word History and Origins

Origin of kwela¹

C20: said to be from Zulu or Xhosa: jump up

Example Sentences

The music incorporates a variety of South African rhythms and styles, including Marabi, Kwela, Mbaqanga and Mbube, mixed in with Western sounds.

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Compare the Tlā-tlī-sī—Kwela and Nekum-ke-līsla septs of the Kwakiool people.

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Unlike Nollybooks, the characters do have sex in Kwela Books.

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South African publisher Kwela Books has created Sapphire Press in response to a need for "black romance" in the country.

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Princess Margaret herself has cut some kwela steps.

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