Ethnography of Fiddle/Noise Khanyile

Noise Khanyile & the Jo'burgm C is a Johannesburg, South Africa based ensemble produced by West Nkosi that has been critically acclaimed by scholars such as East African Standard musicologist John Storm Roberts. They exhibit a sophisticated multiply layered tapestry of Zulu inspired sound on his 1989 release Art of Noise. For instance, in the web-published track "Groovin' Jive No. 1" combining hand clap, drums, creative percussion with horn, harmonized vocals, special effects and fiddle in a distinctively contemporary sound. Baba Wami (Tribute Song) draws more explicitly upon tradition Some critics dispute use of the word "tradition". For instance, John Storm Roberts praises the liner notes accompanying Noise Khayile's CD but laments an unspecified "misuse of the word traditional -- an irritating inaccuracy that seems to be spreading."

The performances have been critically distinguished between traditional (Zulu) music and a style referred to a "township jive" or simply as "jive". His music, although rooted in folk tradition, is nevertheless described by some critics as "violin" rather than "fiddle". This music is often played in shebeens, an alternative to the pubs which had been closed to blacks under apartheid but which some assert are experiencing a renaissance as a form of cultural resurgence.