Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution, the national museum of the United States. We are part of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, located in Washington, D.C. 

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Much-loved and sorely-missed, Piet Botha was a South African musician who fronted the band Jack Hammer from 1984 to 2019, and also released critically-acclaimed solo albums. He has left us with a legacy of great music.

Duo playing mainly traditional English folk music on Melodeon, Fiddle, Guitar and Concertina.  High energy dance rhythms applied to acoustic instruments and blended with impeccable arrangements and the voice of folk superstar Jon Boden.  Now with 10 years and 1000 live gigs played together.

Hailing from the Cape Flats, on the outskirts of Cape Town, Brasse Vannie Kaap (or BVK) are a socially-conscious hip-hop group, comprised of MC's, DJ's and B-boy's, performing predominantly in Afrikaans. The group was committed to community involvement within the Cape Flats and the South African nation, participating in numerous workshops, out-reach programs, and charity concerts. BVK proved to have a broad appeal, becoming one of the biggest musical acts in the country, and performing in major festivals in Africa and Europe.

The group have seen several formations since their inception, with rappers Garlic Brown and the late Mr. Fat making up the core of the group, DJ Hamma left the group, and Rapper/DJ Ready D (of POC) and DJ Azuhl joined the group. The B-boys are Marlon, Brandon and Dmitri, which make up the 7 members of the group. Past B-boys in the crew have included Shortee Blitz, Cheez and Baby L (members of Azanian B.Boys and Pumpkins), while DJ E-20 has been heavily involved, and performed as the groups DJ as well.

BVK's self titled debut set precedent for the local hip-hop in South Africa. It featured guest appreances by the late Mr. Devious, D'Low and Garth. It also features a rework of Breyton Breytonbachs "Gedagtes van Gedigte".

The second album Yskoud gave rise to the group, and their first international recognition. On Yskoud, BVK tackled South African issues, rapping about Potjiekois or relaxing on the Cape Flats. Their serious side comes out on songs dealing with child abuse and wife battery.

Super Power, their third album, features tracks from the previous albums plus new tracks like the rework of the 7de laan opening sequence music. Their final album Ysterbek was released in 2006.

Mr. Fat (Ashley Titus) died on November 27, 2007 from heart complictations. Garlic Brown continues to perform as a solo artist and as a member of the hip-hop collective the League Of Shadows, making an appearance on Die Antwoord's 2009 debut, $O$. The group is still active as individual performers and as a collective and is working on new material.

Kris Didden is following