Harmony in Diversity: Unity is Strength in South African Music

In the vibrant tapestry of South African culture, the motto Eendrag Maak Mag—translated as Unity is Strength—resonates as a powerful call to collective action and solidarity. This phrase, deeply rooted in history, has been a guiding principle for nations, communities, and now, through the mission of The Vocalist magazine, for musicians across South Africa. At The Vocalist, we embrace this ethos, weaving together the diverse threads of South Africa’s 11 official languages and myriad musical genres to create a harmonious whole. Our vision is clear: to unite artists, from maskandi to marabi, opera to hip-hop, and amapiano to jazz, in a celebration of shared creativity and cultural richness.

The Historical Roots of Eendrag Maak Mag

The phrase Unity is Strength has a storied past, tracing its origins to ancient wisdom and finding a home in South Africa’s complex history. Derived from the Latin concordia res parvae crescunt (“small things flourish by concord”), attributed to Roman writer Sallust, the motto was first adopted by the Dutch Republic in the 16th century as Eendracht maakt macht. It symbolized the power of collective effort in the face of adversity. This sentiment carried across continents, appearing in South Africa during the formation of the South African Republic in 1852, where Eendragt maakt magt adorned the state’s shield, emphasizing unity among disparate groups. From 1910 to 1961, the Union of South Africa adopted the Latin Ex Unitate Vires (“Out of Unity, Strength”) on its coat of arms, reflecting the unification of British and Afrikaner colonies. Post-1961, as the Republic of South Africa, the motto appeared on coins in both Afrikaans (Eendrag maak mag) and English (Unity is Strength), symbolizing bilingual unity during a turbulent era. In 2000, South Africa embraced a new motto, ǃke e: ǀxarra ǁke (“Unity in Diversity”) in the ǀXam language, aligning with the nation’s post-apartheid vision of inclusivity.

This historical journey underscores the enduring relevance of unity. For musicians, Eendrag Maak Mag is not just a slogan but a call to bridge divides—linguistic, cultural, and stylistic—to create art that speaks to all.

The Vocalist: A Beacon of Unity

At The Vocalist (vocalist.co.za), we embody Eendrag Maak Mag by celebrating South Africa’s linguistic and musical diversity. Our platform showcases artists who sing in isiZulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, Tshivenda, and more, ensuring that every voice is heard. From the soulful rhythms of Tsonga music to the poetic lyricism of Xhosa imbongi, we champion genres that reflect the nation’s heartbeat. Our commitment to inclusivity is evident in our coverage of traditional forms like isicathamiya, contemporary styles like gqom, and fusion genres that blend global influences with local roots. By fostering collaborations—such as a Venda folk artist jamming with a Cape Town jazz saxophonist—we demonstrate that unity amplifies creativity.

Our magazine’s features, interviews, and workshops are designed to inspire musicians to cross genre boundaries and linguistic barriers. For instance, our recent spotlight on a multilingual choir that performs in all 11 official languages showcases how unity in music can transcend cultural divides. This mirrors South Africa’s broader journey toward reconciliation, where diversity is not a barrier but a strength.

Unity in Action: Lessons for Musicians

For musicians, embracing Unity is Strength means recognizing that collaboration fuels innovation. South Africa’s music scene thrives on collective efforts—think of the iconic collaborations between Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, or modern projects like the Moshito Music Conference, which brings together artists from diverse backgrounds. By working together, musicians can share resources, learn new techniques, and reach wider audiences. A rapper from Soweto might team up with a classical vocalist from Pretoria, creating a genre-defying track that resonates globally.

Unity also means embracing linguistic diversity. South Africa’s 11 official languages—Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, Sepedi, Sesotho, siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana, Tshivenda, isiXhosa, and isiZulu—offer a rich palette for lyrical expression. Artists like Sho Madjozi, who seamlessly blends Tsonga, English, and Swahili, show how language can unite rather than divide. At The Vocalist, we encourage musicians to experiment with multilingual lyrics, fostering a sense of shared identity.

Challenges and Opportunities

While unity is a noble goal, it is not without challenges. South Africa’s history of division—linguistic, racial, and cultural—can create barriers in the music industry. Independent artists may struggle to access platforms dominated by mainstream genres, and linguistic diversity can sometimes lead to market fragmentation. Yet, these challenges are opportunities. By promoting lesser-heard languages like Tshivenda or isiNdebele through music, artists can preserve cultural heritage while building bridges. Platforms like The Vocalist provide a stage for these voices, ensuring that no genre or language is left behind.

Technology also plays a role in fostering unity. Streaming platforms and social media allow artists to collaborate across regions, sharing their music with global audiences. Initiatives like online songwriting workshops or virtual jam sessions can unite musicians from different provinces, creating a digital Eendrag Maak Mag.

A Call to Musicians

As South African musicians, you are the torchbearers of Unity is Strength. Your music can heal, inspire, and unite. Whether you’re a solo artist or part of a band, consider how you can collaborate with others to amplify your impact. Reach out to artists from different genres or linguistic backgrounds. Create songs that celebrate South Africa’s diversity while speaking to universal themes. Support platforms like The Vocalist that champion inclusivity, and participate in events that bring musicians together.

In the spirit of Eendrag Maak Mag, let us sing, play, and create as one. Together, we can make music that not only reflects South Africa’s rich heritage but also shapes its future. As the ǀXam motto reminds us, unity in diversity is our greatest strength. Let’s make it our song.