“cr azy white men” 237approval. The newcomer may also pay homage to a star by featuring him.
It is noteworthy that the three musicians in question make frequent use
of this practice. It is surely no coincidence that all their award-winning
songs and videos feature big stars. In his award-wining music video Ayoba,
EES features South African Kwaito legend Mandoza (see figure 8.1), and
in the video Mahambeko, Lady May, Namibia’s most famous female rap-
per, has a guest appearance. W hite Nigerian’s video Ta k a R a wa features
Nigerian rapper and record producer JJC (Abdulrashid Bello); and for his
hit song and video, Jitolee! Mzungu Kichaa got helping hands (or rather
voices) from Professor Jay, a well-established artist, and the female singer
Mwasiti, by then a rising star on the Tanzanian Bongo flava scene.
On a symbolic level, this communicates equality and serves to undo
difference. Well-established black artists welcome white newcomers in
their midst. In terms of acceptance and popularity, they also serve as
stepping-stones for the white newcomers’ careers. EES explained to me
figure 8.1
EES and South African musician Mandoza, 2012. Photo by Manni Photography.
Courtesy of Eric Sell.