Final answer:
Mbaqanga is the South African music style, popular in the 1950s and 1960s, that features a lead singer with chordal voice accompaniment. It originated from Johannesburg's townships, combining elements of African music, gospel, jazz, and western pop.
Step-by-step explanation:
The South African popular music genre that was characterized by a lead singer with chordal voice accompaniment and was popular in the 1950s and 1960s is called Mbaqanga.
Mbaqanga originated in the townships of Johannesburg in South Africa. It incorporated elements of various musical traditions, including traditional African music, gospel, jazz, and western pop.
The distinctive feature of this genre is its ensemble structure, where the lead singer's voice is accompanied by harmoniously interwoven voices of backing singers.
Learn more about Mbaqanga