If there is one aspect in life which is not static but fluid in its characteristics it certainly has to be culture. Culture is multi dimensional expressing itself through music, dance, food and clothing. In the early  1990's Trap a new and rare culture was seen emerging as a sub genre in the Hip Hop music genre.
 
Trap originated in the Southern United States during the early 1990s. The genre gets its name from the Atlanta slang word "trap," which refers to a place in which drugs are sold illegally.Trap music uses synthesized drums and is characterized by complicated hi-hat patterns, tuned kick drums with a long.  The genre was officially named trap in early 2003 by individuals who are considered to be pioneers of the genre, people such Mannie Fresh, Toomp, Gucci Mane, TI and DJ Drama. Following years of rejection by the mainstream industry trap got its break through around 2010, it now dominates American music charts.

The culture is not just big in the American music charts but it has found a home in the South African music charts having been first embraced by artists such as Emtee, Sjava and Saudi back in 2015. Em tee being the CEO of African Trap Movement. The movement not only has musicians but also has , fashion designers, videographers and fashion designers.

 

Speaking to a trap-star and huge follower of the culture Karabo "ËastInDaCut" Maifadi he says  he specifically likes  trap music because apart from other genres it is raw and heart felt. It has no rules, people who make trap can experiment in different ways without any limit,  you can be your own unique self while expressing who you are you. More so you  can sing, rap and even talk that is how diverse it is . Maifadi fell in love with the music when he was doing grade7 and started producing music in 2013, currently he just dropped a trap single titled Gamble. He also explains that trap is not just loud music as previously considered by the music industry in its early days. It certainly has more to offer.

 

South African trap lyrically is characterized by storytelling, relatable lyrics and melodies that reference South African genres such as Afro pop, maskandi and mbhaqanga. Most of the lyrics are in South African languages, mostly IsiZulu. 
 
Trap has evolved into a gigantic culture in South Africa inspiring how young people dress, almost a throw back to the vintage dress sense and American hip star dress sense from the 70's and 80's. It has also influenced how those who associate with it  speak and the standards they conform too. It  is part of the many changing dimensions of African contemporary culture , ever dynamic and changing. Maifadi says  in the next 5 years he sees trap  "growing and evolving into a more serious type of trap at the same time keeping the fun and wilding out it started with"