New “Ukukhothana” Trend Causes Controversy in South Africa – Is It Creative or Crazy?
We’ve talked about consumerism and the rise of materialism in our culture before, but our brothers and sisters in South Africa are taking stunting to a whole new level.
A new subculture called “Ukukhothana,” which is loosely translated as “lick,” is the latest trend to come out of Johannesburg and its surrounding areas. Apparently, young folks in Jo’berg form izikhothane (cliques) and engage in swag battles to show off who has the dopest (and most expensive) wardrobe, the fattest bank account, and the most all around style.
One of my favorite blogs, AfriPop, explains:
Izikhothane are expected to go to extremes to show their swag — anything from burning a pair of brand new designer shoes or wads of cash. The reward is fame. Fame in the neighborhood..fame in the izikhothane culture.
Sounds…interesting.
While American teens might not go as far as burning shoes and money to prove that they’ve got more than enough cash, we have seen instances of people “making it rain” and spending thousands (and if you’re Diddy, millions) in a club just to flaunt their wealth.
Boasting and showing off has long been apart of human nature, and apparently Ukukhothana is similar to another South African tradition, Swenking.
Jamal Nxedlana of Cuss Magazine explains:
To put this current phenomenon in more context you only have to look back to the Swenkas, a group of working-class Zulu men who took part in amateur competitions that were part fashion show part choreography, with the purpose of “displaying ones style and sense of attitude”. The similarities between Swenking and Ubkhothane are remarkable. Like Swenking, Ukukhothana is competitive it is a spectacle involving performance and dance, and in both cultures flashy clothing is one of the main symbols of distinction.
While youth in Johannesburg continue to embrace this trend as a means of expression, which includes dance battles, matching outfits, and outright flaunting, others find it disturbing.
Many poor youth in the townships are taking part in Ukukhothana using their parents’ money to keep up with the expensive lifestyle. According to a special report by investigative journalist Deborah Patta, one young man even committed suicide because he could no longer afford to participate in the battles.
As in America, those with flashy lifestyles full of designer clothes and cars are also idolized by the youth involved with Ukukhothana, while education and hard work are not seen as valuable. Cash is king and many wonder what type of affect it will have on South Africa’s young people.
While there’s something to be said about the creativity and resilence of youth culture, I’m a little worried this celebration of excess will do more harm than good.
What do you think?
Damn that.
0_0 no wonder why people worldwide have no respect for black people. too many times we pay more attention to dumb stuff like this rather than using that money to open businesses.i bet these same idiots are blaming the white man and crying that asians take over the businesses (yes even over there)
I think you missed the point of the article where it stated that teens participated in this. Keyword “TEENS” not entire worldwide black populace.
Yb – So because they are teens they get a pass? I agree with chanela, this will just give others an excuse to look down on black folks. My first thought is that their mothers (because So. Africa has the same single mother home issues that the black community in America has) arent teaching them about LIFE. Another group from this generation exhibiting their dumbness. Very disappointing.
Blackpowder you are completely wrong and ignorant and you should never make assumptions on a continent that you probably have never been to. Just to let you know the africans you are referring to do not have a problem with single mothers, this is entirely a black america issue. One little village does not represent a whole continent and 50 people do not represent roughly 1 billion african people with roughly 2000 different languages. Maybe you are one of those people that think Africa is a country but please rephrase africans and say south africans.
You could go to any country and have a news story on people acting a fool, which is what they did, there are materialistic people all over the world and in every race, ethnicity.
I swear some of you guys are suspiciously racist against themselves here on clutch. You hate when white people stereotype you and judge you on what someone who happens to look like you does something dumb but you do the same exact thing.
Mary, you’re the reason this type of sh*t keeps happening because it’s people like you who excuse their behavior. Your being hypocrital by saying it’s a “black America” problem but yet you says it wrong to condemn a whole continent based on a tiny village. Do you not see the hypocrisy.
Anyway, I agree with the other folks. Its not a good look and even though they are teens its a reflection on value or lack there of that have been passed down to their generation.
“even if their families are suffering, they’ll make a point to dress well. WTF?” Something must be wrong with me because when we were broke, I was skipping meals so my kids could eat. I should have been shopping!!! Damn it, my priorities are so wrong.I can’t even watch the rest of the video after dude said that
if expensive clothes and shoes don’t mean nothin, don’t buy them. um, somebody made money off of their supposed assertion of power, leaving them more powerless.
ha ha. some people are stoooooopid.
There got to be something better to with their time.