Producer: Sizwe Zako
Engineers: Wessel van Oudtshoorn (mixed by: Richard Mitchell)
Recorded at: Powerhouse Studios
REBECCA - Thank You Very Much (1989)
CCP/EMI, SLY(V)4064621
Producer: Sizwe Zako
Engineers: Wessel van Oudtshoorn (mixed by: Richard Mitchell)
Recorded at: Powerhouse Studios
Rebecca Malope hit the scene in the late 80s as a pint-sized and squeaky clean rival to Brenda and Yvonne. Her first albums were Rebecca (1988) and Woza Lovey (1989). She soon switched from bubblegum to gospel, where she continues to rule the local market today. Thank You Very Much catches her during that transition - with the 6-track album divided between typical late-80s disco beats ('Talk Talk', 'Missing You', 'Holiday Vibe') and the pop-gospel Reebs has made her own ('Izono Zam', 'Senzeni', 'Thank You Very Much').
Producer: Sizwe Zako
Engineers: Wessel van Oudtshoorn (mixed by: Richard Mitchell)
Recorded at: Powerhouse Studios
PROPHETS OF THE CITY - Our World (1990)
Kushushu/Teal Trutone, KVL1507
Producers: POC, Issy Arafdien, Lance Stehr
Recorded at: Home studios & Crucible Recording Studio, Cape Town
Mzansi hip-hop pioneers POC were started by Ready D and Shaheen Arafdien, and later featured Ishmael Morabe, Caramel and others. Shaheen's father Issy Arafdien, former guitarist for Cape jazz-funk act Pacific Express, produced this their landmark debut album. It was followed by Boomstyle (1992), Age Of Truth (1993) and Phunk Phlow (1995)
For years the crew (aka Prophets Of Da City) have toured the country, spreading positive hip-hop consciousness to hundreds of thousands of schoolkids. In 1992 they were invited by Quincy Jones and Caiphus Semenya to the Montreux Jazz Fest. In 1994 they performed at the inauguration of Nelson Mandela. Ready D was given Grandmaster status in 2010.
It's conscious hip-hop influenced by Public Enemy but with a more positive message and drawing on local influences like ghoema/vastrap ('Stop the violence), maskandi ('Roots') and rapping in Cape Flats Afrikaans (on 'Dallah Flat'). Album notes pay tribute to "The music of Dollar Brand that inspired us - let's learn to understand and respect each other's music." Amen.
Producers: POC, Issy Arafdien, Lance Stehr
Recorded at: Home studios & Crucible Recording Studio, Cape Town
Mzansi hip-hop pioneers POC were started by Ready D and Shaheen Arafdien, and later featured Ishmael Morabe, Caramel and others. Shaheen's father Issy Arafdien, former guitarist for Cape jazz-funk act Pacific Express, produced this their landmark debut album. It was followed by Boomstyle (1992), Age Of Truth (1993) and Phunk Phlow (1995)
It's conscious hip-hop influenced by Public Enemy but with a more positive message and drawing on local influences like ghoema/vastrap ('Stop the violence), maskandi ('Roots') and rapping in Cape Flats Afrikaans (on 'Dallah Flat'). Album notes pay tribute to "The music of Dollar Brand that inspired us - let's learn to understand and respect each other's music." Amen.
SIPHO GUMEDE - Banana City Jive (1991)
Kalamazoo/Sun Music, KMH1004
Producer: Sipho Gumede (exec: Rashid Vally & Eirfaan Gillan)
Engineer: RF Gumbi
Early solo album from bass maestro Sipho Gumede, also of Sakhile. Featuring Khaya Mahlangu, Mzi Khumalo and McCoy Mrubata on saxophones, Baba Mokwena on guitar, Barney Bophela (keyboards) and Kwazi Shange on drums. Banana City refers to Gumede's hometown of Durban. A far cry from The Boogie Man, this is high-brow, instrumental jazz that draws on old Sophiatown grooves and popular local wedding songs ('Here Comes The Bride', 'African Wedding'). It's a breath of fresh air - an album that gets better with every listen, unlike the relatively disposable bubblegum acts at the beginning of the 90s. Co-producer Rashid Vally was also behind Abdullah Ibrahim's classic 'Manenberg'.
The title track is a slow and steady groove; 'What's Your Name Girl' fuses local jazz with funky R&B and culminates in a stabbing synth solo; and 'Godfather Special' is another example of how Gumede could blend the old with the new.
Producer: Sipho Gumede (exec: Rashid Vally & Eirfaan Gillan)
Engineer: RF Gumbi
The title track is a slow and steady groove; 'What's Your Name Girl' fuses local jazz with funky R&B and culminates in a stabbing synth solo; and 'Godfather Special' is another example of how Gumede could blend the old with the new.
BUDDY MASANGO - The Bridge (1990)
CCP/EMI, CCP(V)1064
Producers: Gary van Zyl & Peter Vee
Engineers: Wessel van Oudtshoorn & Fernando Perdigao
Recorded at: Powerhouse Studios
For some reason country music has long enjoyed a following in Southern African, both American and local - particularly in the Afrikaans market. Musa "Buddy" Masango grew up in Bulandzeni in Swaziland, raised on gospel and the Soul Brothers. After school he fashioned himself as a country singer and performed at annual Swaziland International Trade Fairs, where SA sound engineers took him to Joburg to record.
He was still in his early 20s when he recorded The Bridge, the follow-up to his debut Buddy. More recently he put out His Name Is Jesus, apparently following Jonathan Butler's example. Besides making a name for himself as a country singer, he is also a notable prosecutor in Swaziland. Read a 2009 interview with him here.
Just because he's one of kind doesn't make the songs special, even as far as country goes. Buddy treads a fine line between serious performer and novelty act in a genre full of imported cliches - like on 'Where Do I Go From Here':
"Where do you go from here?
I don't like complaining but I could use a rest -
but my sofa and chair just got repossessed."
Producers: Gary van Zyl & Peter Vee
Engineers: Wessel van Oudtshoorn & Fernando Perdigao
Recorded at: Powerhouse Studios
For some reason country music has long enjoyed a following in Southern African, both American and local - particularly in the Afrikaans market. Musa "Buddy" Masango grew up in Bulandzeni in Swaziland, raised on gospel and the Soul Brothers. After school he fashioned himself as a country singer and performed at annual Swaziland International Trade Fairs, where SA sound engineers took him to Joburg to record.
Just because he's one of kind doesn't make the songs special, even as far as country goes. Buddy treads a fine line between serious performer and novelty act in a genre full of imported cliches - like on 'Where Do I Go From Here':
"Where do you go from here?
I don't like complaining but I could use a rest -
but my sofa and chair just got repossessed."
COYOTE - Who Is The Lord Of The House (1987)
Gallo, BL606
Producers: Ray Chikapa Phiri, Lloyd Lelosa and Thapelo Khomo
Engineer: Dave Segal
Recorded at: RPM Studios
Tsietsi Daniel Nana Motijoane was born in Lesotho in 1955 and grew up in Sharpeville. He cut his teeth with soul acts the Black Five and Uhuru (later Sankomota) and had huge hits in the mid-80s with Ozila's 'Lifesaver (I'm Suffering)' and 'Take Your Love And Keep It', a timeless duet with Steve Kekana. Nicknamed 'The Wild Dog', he went on to join the mighty Stimela (three members of which produced this album), where his powerful vocals proved the perfect foil to Ray Phiri's.
Coyote's solo albums include Don't You Wanna Know Me, Vuka Zenzele (1989), Majaja (2003) and Mo Fe (2007). He passed away in June 2010, aged 55.
This four-track album serves up Coyote's special brand of Mzansi soul, with traditional Sotho and uplifting gospel touches. 'Malifatjana' is the most upbeat, driven by slick synths, horns and call-and-response vocals.
Producers: Ray Chikapa Phiri, Lloyd Lelosa and Thapelo Khomo
Engineer: Dave Segal
Recorded at: RPM Studios
Tsietsi Daniel Nana Motijoane was born in Lesotho in 1955 and grew up in Sharpeville. He cut his teeth with soul acts the Black Five and Uhuru (later Sankomota) and had huge hits in the mid-80s with Ozila's 'Lifesaver (I'm Suffering)' and 'Take Your Love And Keep It', a timeless duet with Steve Kekana. Nicknamed 'The Wild Dog', he went on to join the mighty Stimela (three members of which produced this album), where his powerful vocals proved the perfect foil to Ray Phiri's.
Coyote's solo albums include Don't You Wanna Know Me, Vuka Zenzele (1989), Majaja (2003) and Mo Fe (2007). He passed away in June 2010, aged 55.This four-track album serves up Coyote's special brand of Mzansi soul, with traditional Sotho and uplifting gospel touches. 'Malifatjana' is the most upbeat, driven by slick synths, horns and call-and-response vocals.
INDOD'ENGAZIWA - Silahlekelwe (1986)
Daylight Beat/CCP, DB(O)4051031
Producer: Simon Ngwenya
Engineers: Jan Smit & Fernando Perdigao
Golden mbaqanga grooves from "the unknown man" - with rolling basslines, powerful vocals and smooth synths, best on tracks like 'Yini Ugangitsheli', 'Kodwa Senzeni' and 'Silahlekelwe' (we lost).
A note in isiZulu at the back reads:
"The hairy man with the long beard!! The person does not fall!! Who is this man? It appears he is in fact a Zulu. The unknown man is Simon Ngwenya, who was born on 29th November 1949. This young man is the leader of Abakhwenyana and composer of their songs. His hometown is Bergville. We trust that his fans will be very happy to know this secret that has fascinated a lot of people so much over the years. That's the truth!"
Producer: Simon Ngwenya
Engineers: Jan Smit & Fernando Perdigao
Golden mbaqanga grooves from "the unknown man" - with rolling basslines, powerful vocals and smooth synths, best on tracks like 'Yini Ugangitsheli', 'Kodwa Senzeni' and 'Silahlekelwe' (we lost).
A note in isiZulu at the back reads:"The hairy man with the long beard!! The person does not fall!! Who is this man? It appears he is in fact a Zulu. The unknown man is Simon Ngwenya, who was born on 29th November 1949. This young man is the leader of Abakhwenyana and composer of their songs. His hometown is Bergville. We trust that his fans will be very happy to know this secret that has fascinated a lot of people so much over the years. That's the truth!"
NOMUNTU & CHIMORA - Being Bitchy Is My Kind Of Fun (1989)
Roy B/Dephon/Teal Trutone, RBL154
Producers: Sello 'Chicco' Twala & Attie van Wyk
Engineer: Adrian Hamilton
Recorded at: Sweet 16
"Sello Chicco Twala formed a female trio. On his We Miss You Manelo album one of the tracks, 'Rachimo', seems to have inspired the trio's name - Chimora. The group's members were Tiny Mbuli, Makie Motlaung and the late Tshidi Wildeman. Sometimes they were referred to as 'The Chicco Girls'. On an album simply titled Chimora the duo of Nomuntu Kappa and Mohapi Mashego fronted the trio. Besides Some More My Cherry the album also featured Daddy's Dead and Bad Boys. They featured Nomuntu Kappa on Being Bitchy Is My Kind Of Fun." (Mojapelo 2008:119)
Besides the big bubblegum hits 'I Wanna Know' and the title track, this album serves up gospel-pop on 'Save Me' and 'Power And Glory'. Best track 'Ricotamba' is Afrobeat-inspired house that showcases Chicco's skills.
Chimora's other albums include Mayibuye iAfrika, Intendane and Abafazi Abalile. They had hits such as 'Munwe Na Munwe', 'Romano', 'Ngangilambile', 'Africano Americano' and 'Eli Eli' . . .
Producers: Sello 'Chicco' Twala & Attie van Wyk
Engineer: Adrian Hamilton
Recorded at: Sweet 16
"Sello Chicco Twala formed a female trio. On his We Miss You Manelo album one of the tracks, 'Rachimo', seems to have inspired the trio's name - Chimora. The group's members were Tiny Mbuli, Makie Motlaung and the late Tshidi Wildeman. Sometimes they were referred to as 'The Chicco Girls'. On an album simply titled Chimora the duo of Nomuntu Kappa and Mohapi Mashego fronted the trio. Besides Some More My Cherry the album also featured Daddy's Dead and Bad Boys. They featured Nomuntu Kappa on Being Bitchy Is My Kind Of Fun." (Mojapelo 2008:119)
Chimora's other albums include Mayibuye iAfrika, Intendane and Abafazi Abalile. They had hits such as 'Munwe Na Munwe', 'Romano', 'Ngangilambile', 'Africano Americano' and 'Eli Eli' . . .
OM ALEC KHAOLI - Sekuru (1987)
Gallo/GRC, HUL40144
Producer: Alec Khaoli
Engineer: Alec Khaoli
Bass guitarist 'Om' Alec Khaoli first hit the big time in the 70s with Afrorock supergroup Harari (formerly the Beaters), along with Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse, Funky Masike Mohapi and others. When he went solo he took Donovan Knox to the USA to record 'Brown Sugar' (under the name Umoja) at A&M studios in LA. He later had a hit with 'U R The One', which was released in the US, Europe and Australia.
Om's other solo albums include Magic Touch (1982), Now! (1989), Everybody Needs Somebody (1991), Kiss Kiss (1996), Owe Owe (1998) and 2010's Musical Journey (a review of which can be read here). As a producer he also developed young artists like V-Mash, aka Jam Alley presenter Vinolia Mashego. (Mojapelo 2008:5-6)
Om's signature sound blends local grooves with funk and R&B and never shies from the latest synth sounds. It's catchy and slick, yet tastefully mellow. Best songs on Sekuru (grandfather) include the title track, 'Ska Ntswara' ("Your daddy is rich, you think I'm poor...") and the accordian-driven 'Come On Babe (UR Mine)'. Then there's the slow R&B ballads 'Part Time Lover (Take Your Love Away)' and 'Celebrate', the downtempo disco of 'Take Your Time' and the 45-second instrumental 'Tribute '76', in memory of the famous youth uprising in Soweto.
Producer: Alec Khaoli
Engineer: Alec Khaoli
Bass guitarist 'Om' Alec Khaoli first hit the big time in the 70s with Afrorock supergroup Harari (formerly the Beaters), along with Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse, Funky Masike Mohapi and others. When he went solo he took Donovan Knox to the USA to record 'Brown Sugar' (under the name Umoja) at A&M studios in LA. He later had a hit with 'U R The One', which was released in the US, Europe and Australia.
Om's other solo albums include Magic Touch (1982), Now! (1989), Everybody Needs Somebody (1991), Kiss Kiss (1996), Owe Owe (1998) and 2010's Musical Journey (a review of which can be read here). As a producer he also developed young artists like V-Mash, aka Jam Alley presenter Vinolia Mashego. (Mojapelo 2008:5-6)Om's signature sound blends local grooves with funk and R&B and never shies from the latest synth sounds. It's catchy and slick, yet tastefully mellow. Best songs on Sekuru (grandfather) include the title track, 'Ska Ntswara' ("Your daddy is rich, you think I'm poor...") and the accordian-driven 'Come On Babe (UR Mine)'. Then there's the slow R&B ballads 'Part Time Lover (Take Your Love Away)' and 'Celebrate', the downtempo disco of 'Take Your Time' and the 45-second instrumental 'Tribute '76', in memory of the famous youth uprising in Soweto.
BLACK MOSES - M5 (1991)
Soul Brothers, BMG 305
Producer: Black Moses Ngwenya
Engineer: Neville Holmes
Recorded at: Triple Six, Soweto & Powerhouse
Moses Ngwenya started with Soweto soul group The Crocodiles before joining the Soul Brothers in 1976. There he made a name for himself as arguably the most talented keyboard player in the land. Along the way he dropped solo albums every few years, starting with M1 and most recently M10 in mid-2011.
On M5 he lets his imagination run wild and his fingers do the talking. The 10 instrumental tracks on this album all consist of layers of synths and rudimentary drum programming. They draw influence from bubblegum and MJ's 'Bad' ('Croc World' ) to mbaqanga ('Togetherness') and classical orchestrations on 'Thethela' and 'Freedom Song', a fired up version of the soon-to-be national anthem 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika'.
Check out this video of him in action alongside David Masondo in the mighty Soul Brothers:
Producer: Black Moses Ngwenya
Engineer: Neville Holmes
Recorded at: Triple Six, Soweto & Powerhouse
Moses Ngwenya started with Soweto soul group The Crocodiles before joining the Soul Brothers in 1976. There he made a name for himself as arguably the most talented keyboard player in the land. Along the way he dropped solo albums every few years, starting with M1 and most recently M10 in mid-2011.
On M5 he lets his imagination run wild and his fingers do the talking. The 10 instrumental tracks on this album all consist of layers of synths and rudimentary drum programming. They draw influence from bubblegum and MJ's 'Bad' ('Croc World' ) to mbaqanga ('Togetherness') and classical orchestrations on 'Thethela' and 'Freedom Song', a fired up version of the soon-to-be national anthem 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika'.Check out this video of him in action alongside David Masondo in the mighty Soul Brothers:
CISCO THE CHAMP - Victory (1989)
Gally GRC, HUL40181
Producers: Jabu Sibumbe & Lee Short
Engineers: L. Short, P. Pearlson, D Heilbrunn, F Grosso, Sim Wingate
After cutting his teeth as a backing singer, Cisco Mokoena dropped this solo album with the help of heavyweights like Don Laka, synthmaster Felani Gumbi, Kenny Mathaba (Malopoets) and Stimela's Jabu Sibumbe, Thapelo Khomo and Isaac 'Mnca' Mtshali. The boxing-themed Victory serves up vintage bubblegum grooves ('Stay Awake', 'Come Duze' and 'Fire') as well as sweet Bobby Brown-styled R&B soul on 'Love Heroes' and best track 'It's Raining In My Heart'.
Producers: Jabu Sibumbe & Lee Short
Engineers: L. Short, P. Pearlson, D Heilbrunn, F Grosso, Sim Wingate
After cutting his teeth as a backing singer, Cisco Mokoena dropped this solo album with the help of heavyweights like Don Laka, synthmaster Felani Gumbi, Kenny Mathaba (Malopoets) and Stimela's Jabu Sibumbe, Thapelo Khomo and Isaac 'Mnca' Mtshali. The boxing-themed Victory serves up vintage bubblegum grooves ('Stay Awake', 'Come Duze' and 'Fire') as well as sweet Bobby Brown-styled R&B soul on 'Love Heroes' and best track 'It's Raining In My Heart'.
CHICCO - Thina Sizwe Esimnyama (1989)
Roy B/Dephon/Dust/Teal Trutone, RBL166
Producer: Sello Twala & Attie van Wyk
Engineer: Fernando Perdigao & Adrian Hamilton
Recorded at: Powerhouse & Sweet Sixteen
Starting out in the early 80s in Don Laka's group Image (later renamed Ymage), by the mid-80s Sello "Chicco" Twala had established himself as a bankable solo star and top producer, and went on to make his mark on bubblegum, kwaito and gospel. "Sello is one of those musicians who never turned a blind eye on the oppression of their people. As a prolific prophet he wrote controversial and somewhat ambiguous freedom sons that frustrated the merciless censorship machine of the state." (Mojapelo 2008:10-11). The most famous example of this was 'Miss You Manelo', a veiled tribute to jailed Nelson Mandela. By the late 80s he was leading Brenda Fassie in a new, more political direction, writing and producing Too Late For Mama (1989) and Black President (1990), as well as 'I'm Winning Mr Dear Love', a tribute to Winnie Mandela, for Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
Coming out around the same time as the better known Soldier, Thina Sizwe Esimnyama ("We the black nation") catches Chicco in his prime. The title track is a slow freedom song, while most of the album showcases his often imitated programmed bubblegum beats. 'Shigomase' is a rare foray into Afrobeat. His lyrics cut right to the chase:
Featuring local stars like Brenda Fassie (vocals), Bakithi Kumalo (bass), Oupa Segoai (percussion) and Mandla Masuku (sax). Keyboards by Arthur Mafokate, who was soon to become 'king of kwaito', and Thapelo Khomo, today the producer of contemporary queen Simphiwe Dana.
Producer: Sello Twala & Attie van Wyk
Engineer: Fernando Perdigao & Adrian Hamilton
Recorded at: Powerhouse & Sweet Sixteen
Starting out in the early 80s in Don Laka's group Image (later renamed Ymage), by the mid-80s Sello "Chicco" Twala had established himself as a bankable solo star and top producer, and went on to make his mark on bubblegum, kwaito and gospel. "Sello is one of those musicians who never turned a blind eye on the oppression of their people. As a prolific prophet he wrote controversial and somewhat ambiguous freedom sons that frustrated the merciless censorship machine of the state." (Mojapelo 2008:10-11). The most famous example of this was 'Miss You Manelo', a veiled tribute to jailed Nelson Mandela. By the late 80s he was leading Brenda Fassie in a new, more political direction, writing and producing Too Late For Mama (1989) and Black President (1990), as well as 'I'm Winning Mr Dear Love', a tribute to Winnie Mandela, for Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
Coming out around the same time as the better known Soldier, Thina Sizwe Esimnyama ("We the black nation") catches Chicco in his prime. The title track is a slow freedom song, while most of the album showcases his often imitated programmed bubblegum beats. 'Shigomase' is a rare foray into Afrobeat. His lyrics cut right to the chase:
"In America we fought for our rights,
In Zimbabwe we fought for independence,
In Namibia we fought for our freedom.
Where's our world?
Where's a black man's world?"
('Where's a Black Man's World')
"Two Africans back from America,
say they're no more African men.
Speak American, dance American,
In Zimbabwe we fought for independence,
In Namibia we fought for our freedom.
Where's our world?
Where's a black man's world?"
('Where's a Black Man's World')
"Two Africans back from America,
say they're no more African men.
Speak American, dance American,
It's a shame lord."
('Ma Africa')
('Ma Africa')
Featuring local stars like Brenda Fassie (vocals), Bakithi Kumalo (bass), Oupa Segoai (percussion) and Mandla Masuku (sax). Keyboards by Arthur Mafokate, who was soon to become 'king of kwaito', and Thapelo Khomo, today the producer of contemporary queen Simphiwe Dana.
OSHAKATI - Fire (1987)
CCP/Namibia/EMI, NAMLP(O) 4051701
Producers: Dougmore Malotana & Mally Watson
Engineer: Richard Mitchell
Composer: Dougmore Malotana
Power pop from synth grandmaster Madoda Malotona (Cheek To Cheek). This four-track album serves up classic bubblegum grooves with fresh melodies and stirring lyrics, best on 'Deadline', which throws some Juluka-style backing vocals into the mix.
"Ain't got time to beg for sympathy,
You told a lie the day you said you loved me.
Shake it, take it, break it tonight.
No matter how you see it, now I'm through.
Deadline tonight, I'm moving on,
Deadline tonight, now we're through."
"Madoda Malotana brought Suthukazi Arosi and Velaphi Mnisi together to form Oshakati. Their debut album Fire was dedicated to the people of Namibia from where they got their name. The album was written, produced and arranged by Madoda."
(Mojapelo, 2008:120)
Producers: Dougmore Malotana & Mally Watson
Engineer: Richard Mitchell
Composer: Dougmore Malotana
Power pop from synth grandmaster Madoda Malotona (Cheek To Cheek). This four-track album serves up classic bubblegum grooves with fresh melodies and stirring lyrics, best on 'Deadline', which throws some Juluka-style backing vocals into the mix.
"Ain't got time to beg for sympathy,You told a lie the day you said you loved me.
Shake it, take it, break it tonight.
No matter how you see it, now I'm through.
Deadline tonight, I'm moving on,
Deadline tonight, now we're through."
"Madoda Malotana brought Suthukazi Arosi and Velaphi Mnisi together to form Oshakati. Their debut album Fire was dedicated to the people of Namibia from where they got their name. The album was written, produced and arranged by Madoda."
(Mojapelo, 2008:120)
LOLLY PETERSON - This is the Night (1985)
Reamusic, 12RMJ(C)10
Producer: C. Anadiotis
Engineer: C. Anadiotis
Recorded at: Aerplay Studios
Smooth disco funk written by C Anadiotis and C Angepoulou and obviously influenced by Kool & The Gang's 'Let's Go Dancing'. Can't complain about the phat bass synths, vocoders and vibraphone solos.
"This is the night,
Gonna do your own thing, gonna have it all...
"Don't let the time be wasted
Don't let this moment go
The beat's there for the taking
Everybody wants to know...
"Let your feet move to the rhythm,
You will get back what you've given."
Producer: C. Anadiotis
Engineer: C. Anadiotis
Recorded at: Aerplay Studios
Smooth disco funk written by C Anadiotis and C Angepoulou and obviously influenced by Kool & The Gang's 'Let's Go Dancing'. Can't complain about the phat bass synths, vocoders and vibraphone solos.
"This is the night, Gonna do your own thing, gonna have it all...
"Don't let the time be wasted
Don't let this moment go
The beat's there for the taking
Everybody wants to know...
"Let your feet move to the rhythm,
You will get back what you've given."
SATHIMA BEA BENJAMIN - Nomzamo: Mother Of The Nation (1988)
Roots/Tusk, ROTM 002
Producer: Sathima Bea Benjamin
Engineer: Rudy van Gelder
Composer: Sathima Bea Benjamin
Recorded at: Van Gelder Studios, New Jersey
Sathima Bea Benjamin played a large role in getting SA music recognised along with her husband Abdullah Ibraham (Dollar Brand). The couple lived for decades in New York and Europe, returning to SA in the 90s. Their daughter is US rapper Jean Grae. On the three-track Nomzamo, Benjamin delivers some soulful jazz dedicated to the then-wife of Nelson Mandela.
"Winnie Mandela, beautiful and brave is she.
A symbol of courage to all who strive to be free.
We love her grace and dignity.
Beloved heroine is she.
She leads the way,
never showing doubts and fears.
Soft gentle eyes,
reflecting all those unshared tears.
The endless days, lonely nights.
All filled with tender sweet memories of him.
Their great love, she holds so dear.
Together, though torn apart.
She carries deep within her heart,
His dreams, her dream, their vision: peace and freedom for us all."
Producer: Sathima Bea Benjamin
Engineer: Rudy van Gelder
Composer: Sathima Bea Benjamin
Recorded at: Van Gelder Studios, New Jersey
Sathima Bea Benjamin played a large role in getting SA music recognised along with her husband Abdullah Ibraham (Dollar Brand). The couple lived for decades in New York and Europe, returning to SA in the 90s. Their daughter is US rapper Jean Grae. On the three-track Nomzamo, Benjamin delivers some soulful jazz dedicated to the then-wife of Nelson Mandela.
A symbol of courage to all who strive to be free.
We love her grace and dignity.
Beloved heroine is she.
She leads the way,
never showing doubts and fears.
Soft gentle eyes,
reflecting all those unshared tears.
The endless days, lonely nights.
All filled with tender sweet memories of him.
Their great love, she holds so dear.
Together, though torn apart.
She carries deep within her heart,
His dreams, her dream, their vision: peace and freedom for us all."
Q-TEX - Chickie / My Della (1987)
On Record/WEA, ONM 005
Producers: Charles Sejeng, Julian Laxton, Ronnie Robot
Engineer: Paul Hughes
Recorded at: Syntrax
Following Chicco's example, this is another great example of pop musicians side-stepping censors by a subtle change in lyrics at a time with mentioning Mandela's name would get a song banned.
"My Della, the children want you, the children need you."
"Charles was the producer who had discovered Katlehong's Dee Dee Antonio and recorded her 1987 mini album Confusion on the On Record label. His voice will always be remembered for the hit 'Mashonisa'." (Mojapelo 2008: 155)
Producers: Charles Sejeng, Julian Laxton, Ronnie Robot
Engineer: Paul Hughes
Recorded at: Syntrax
Following Chicco's example, this is another great example of pop musicians side-stepping censors by a subtle change in lyrics at a time with mentioning Mandela's name would get a song banned."My Della, the children want you, the children need you."
"Charles was the producer who had discovered Katlehong's Dee Dee Antonio and recorded her 1987 mini album Confusion on the On Record label. His voice will always be remembered for the hit 'Mashonisa'." (Mojapelo 2008: 155)
NEVILLE NASH - Diamonds & Pearls and Solid Gold (1982)
Nash/Cartridge Television, NALP(L)3317B
Producers: Glynn Storm & Roy Carter
Engineers: Philip Nel, Peter Thwaites, Greg Cutler, Glen Pearce, Pete Walsh
Recorded & mixed at: Wembley Sounds, Audio International, Abbey Road, Townhouse (London), EMI, Satbel
Great album from one of SA's favourite soulmen, sponsored by a popular jewellery chain. "Cover notes for an album of this quality are easy to write, two words would suffice - 'JUST GREAT' ...
"After Cape Flats son Neville Nash and his band The Miracles parted ways, he went solo. By 1985 he had a big hit, 'One Of Those Nights', which was later included in the Concert in the Park double album." Other albums included What's Your Name, What's Your Number? and Why? (1986). He also co-wrote the music of African Image," with Glen/Glynn Storm, this album's producer. (Mojapelo 2008:67).
Featuring some classic oldschool disco-funk on numbers like 'Love Deep', 'Give Me The Love', 'Wind Me Up' and the title track, and some solid reggae vibes on 'Friday Morning'.
Producers: Glynn Storm & Roy Carter
Engineers: Philip Nel, Peter Thwaites, Greg Cutler, Glen Pearce, Pete Walsh
Recorded & mixed at: Wembley Sounds, Audio International, Abbey Road, Townhouse (London), EMI, Satbel
Great album from one of SA's favourite soulmen, sponsored by a popular jewellery chain. "Cover notes for an album of this quality are easy to write, two words would suffice - 'JUST GREAT' ...
"After Cape Flats son Neville Nash and his band The Miracles parted ways, he went solo. By 1985 he had a big hit, 'One Of Those Nights', which was later included in the Concert in the Park double album." Other albums included What's Your Name, What's Your Number? and Why? (1986). He also co-wrote the music of African Image," with Glen/Glynn Storm, this album's producer. (Mojapelo 2008:67).Featuring some classic oldschool disco-funk on numbers like 'Love Deep', 'Give Me The Love', 'Wind Me Up' and the title track, and some solid reggae vibes on 'Friday Morning'.
UTHANDO - Sengithole I (New Love) / Muti Man (1984)
CTV/Roi/EMI, 12CT(C)63
Producer: Tom Mkhize
Engineer: Philip Nel
Recorded at: EMI Studio
Synth-pop featuring unknown musicians and mystery mlungu frontwoman. Afrocentric but with a too-slick international flavour, like it was made with that audience in mind. B-side 'Muti Man' is on a similar outsider-looking-in tip, with lyrics like 'Oh sangoma, throw your bones tonight'.
Produced by Tom Mkhize, who a few years earlier had teamed up with Glen Storm to release the early crossover album Roots (Izimpande) under the name of African Image, a similar "studio group ... producing a laid-back, emotional blend of ethnic African rhythms and jazz" (Chilvers & Jasiukowicz, 1994:1). That album was somehow picked up by US-based avant garde jazz label Gramavision Records and re-released in the US in 1984 with a different cover. Mkhize also worked with Neville Nash and Sibusiso Mbatha (of Abangani).
Producer: Tom Mkhize
Engineer: Philip Nel
Recorded at: EMI Studio
Synth-pop featuring unknown musicians and mystery mlungu frontwoman. Afrocentric but with a too-slick international flavour, like it was made with that audience in mind. B-side 'Muti Man' is on a similar outsider-looking-in tip, with lyrics like 'Oh sangoma, throw your bones tonight'.
Produced by Tom Mkhize, who a few years earlier had teamed up with Glen Storm to release the early crossover album Roots (Izimpande) under the name of African Image, a similar "studio group ... producing a laid-back, emotional blend of ethnic African rhythms and jazz" (Chilvers & Jasiukowicz, 1994:1). That album was somehow picked up by US-based avant garde jazz label Gramavision Records and re-released in the US in 1984 with a different cover. Mkhize also worked with Neville Nash and Sibusiso Mbatha (of Abangani).
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