Drum Magazine - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Drum magazine, more than a mere periodical, was a vibrant, defiant chronicle of urban African life during the mid-20th century's tumultuous era of apartheid. Was it simply a magazine, or a cultural beacon illuminating lives largely ignored by the dominant narrative? Its story is ripe with complexities and contradictions.
The magazine's first issue appeared in South Africa in March 1951, initially titled "African Drum." Founded by Jim Bailey, its early iterations focused on sensationalist crime stories and lifestyle features, a far cry from its later, more politically engaged form. The period coincided with the tightening grip of apartheid laws, a stark backdrop that fueled a growing undercurrent of resistance and creative expression simmering beneath the surface. What role would Drum choose to play in this volatile landscape?
Under the dynamic editorship of Anthony Sampson and later, Sylvester Stein and others, Drum transformed. Its pages became a platform for groundbreaking photojournalism and searing investigative reporting, capturing the vibrancy of Sophiatown and the harsh realities of racial segregation. Writers like Es'kia Mphahlele, Can Themba, and Lewis Nkosi chronicled the lives of ordinary Africans, their struggles and triumphs, their music, and their dreams. Each issue sparked intrigue with its mixture of celebrity gossip, fashion, and hard-hitting exposés. Drum cultivated a distinctive style—a blend of gritty realism and exuberant energy, which propelled it to become the voice of a generation, influencing literature, music, and art. Could a single magazine truly represent so much complexity?
Drum's legacy endures as a potent symbol of resistance and a testament to the power of storytelling. It helped birth a new era of African literature and journalism, inspiring countless artists and activists. Today, its archives are mined for insights into a painful past, while its spirit of defiance continues to resonate in contemporary struggles for justice and equality. What lessons can we draw from Drum's complex history as we navigate our own era of social and political upheaval?