The Significance of Drum Magazine During Apartheid

Although synonymous with Sophiatown in South Africa, at its height, Drum magazine was read across the African continent. It "linked and shared ideologies, beliefs and abilities [and] was influential and entertaining, bringing voice to an at-times voiceless people." The magazine was a "unique and desperately needed vehicle of expression for black culture" and among its staff were many literary writers, including Can Themba and Es'kia Mphahlele. In the 1980s Drum was sold to the media giant Nasionale Pers and although it still exists, it's not the powerful magazine it once was. Read more about Drum magazine...