Counting Headz: South Afrika’s Sistaz in Hip-Hop

South Africa/Canada 2006 / 49min. Xhosa, Zulu, English with English subtitles.
Directors Vusi Magubane, Erin Offer / Producer Vusi Magubane, Erin Offer

Counting Headz is the film to watch for those interested in hip hop, the growing number of female artists tackling this genre and for those of us intrigued with the spirit of South Africa.

Until recently, the South African hip hop music scene was exclusively a male domain. This has changed and along with it the content of the music. Women are addressing crime and the hard life in inner cities unlike their male counterparts who dwell on fashion, fancy homes and cars. Featuring three major women performers, the film captures the evolution in overall content from a copy of American rap into a vehicle for addressing socio-political issues. MC Chi asks if there’s a contradiction of values between African and hip-hop cultures, and if it’s possible to reconcile the two. Her questions reflect the obstacles encountered by her fellow sistaz. DJ Sistamatic, challenged by a distorted media portrayal of her persona, addresses the influence of male-formed images of women.

World-renowned graffiti artist Smirk finds a way beyond her family’s initial misgivings about her art to merge a life with hip hop and motherhood. These talented and formidable women tell us of their struggles, their passion, their successes and their hopes and in the process, the music is phat!

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