Arthur Mafokate

Arthur Mafokate is a South African kwaito musician and producer. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of the Kwaito music genre.

Mafokate is the son of Olympic equestrian and philanthropist Enos Mafokate. He was born in Soweto, Gauteng Province and his family later moved to Midrand. He became a backing dancer for artists including Brenda Fassie, Monwa & Son and Johnny Mokhali.

Arthur Mafokate created the first biggest kwaito hit with his 1995 song "Kaffir" which to date has sold over 500 000 copies. 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.

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.

Mafokate is nicknamed "King of Kwaito'" He is the founder of the 999 Music Label, a privately owned company which produces various top and upcoming artists of all genres. Mafokate named his newly formed music label 999 Music, after the house number of his family home in Chiawelo. Some of his productions are Chomee, Lira, Cici, Lungelo, Pantsula, Jamela, Ishmael, Kabelo, Chiskop, Supasta, Bambezela, Groove City, Dancemasters, Hip Hits, Dance II Sweat, Mob City, Papa Jeff (Jeff Maluleke), Pinky Pinky, Aba Shante, New School, Purity, Speedy, Makhendlas, Brenda Fassie, Scamtho, Helela, Iyaya, Mouze, Zombo, Zulu, Chafkop, and Stitch. As of 1992, he was the sole owner of the label. Through hard work and the strong will to succeed, Mafokate was able to succeed as an artist and in building a sustainable independent music label. Thus 999 became one of the most established and recognised Music labels in the country and it still is, existing for over 15 years.

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