The jazz music of the 1920s-1950s was a central feature of South Africa's urban culture. This type of music developed specifically in Johannesburg and in a place called Sophiatown. It took root here due to the increasing urbanization of black South Africans in mining centres. This led to the development of courtyards and ghettos where new forms of crossover music began to arise. Marabi, the type of music that was formed, was founded in a time of disparity in South Africa, so it has become a form of resistance as well as a symbol of culture. This was very important for black society because not only did they have their own music, but they also took action against white oppressors which gave them energy and hope for the future. Marabi and jazz music were born Marabi echoed the lifestyle of the people living in the backyards of the slums. It was centered around beer brewing and shebeens (illegal bars or clubs) and it was here that Marabi was born. Marabi dance parties have become centers for the community and its way of life. It also gave the African working classes a new sense of identity. Marabi was a kind of environment and way of expression, rather than a type of music. It was a cheerful and original type of music created by workers who wanted to relax and dance. The meaning of the word Marabi is not known, however, some of the most common descriptions refer to the phrase "flying around" which is reminiscent of the harsh living conditions of urban Africans of those times. Marabi grew to become essential to the new culture of the slums. He shaped lives and brought energy to shebeen parties. Considering that it was associated with illegal liquor joints and multiple corrupt activities, the early Marabi musicians of South Africa fo...... middle of paper ......d were widely practiced due to the importance it had and brought to particular events such as wedding ceremonies, funerals, initiation rites and daily work. This is why it is important to realize that in the history of South Africa, from the first moment Europeans set foot in South Africa, the real music, customary and practiced by the African people, were attacked. Therefore, at some stages in South African history, music was banned and degraded due to its importance. This is why I looked at South African music, Marabi in particular, in a historical context. Helps emphasize focal points or many topics surrounding or involving city jazz and swing music. There is so much to this music and by looking at it from this perspective, I am able to accurately grasp and appreciate the power and meaning of South African jazz and city music..