THE BEES - She’s A Witch (Tikoloshi)

Afrosynth Records AFS042

Little-known trio The Bees consisted of Dominic Coka, Solomon Phiri and Anthony Sibanda. Their 1988 album She’s A Witch (Tikoloshi) features six dancefloor-ready, distinctively South African tracks that show how bubblegum in the late 80s embraced house music. Produced by Steve Cooks, who would go on to work with heavyweights Senyaka, Spokes H and Umoja in the years that followed. 

Searing vocals and percussive synth basslines are best on ‘Hlabalaza’ (already a DJ favourite) and the title track, its lyrics telling the spooky tale of an evil woman who rules the night - ‘Tikoloshi’ being the mischievous creature of Zulu folklore (usually a man) who is still widely blamed for all manner of mysterious happenings in the middle of the night.

Buy it here.

OZIAS - Taxi Driver (1988)

Mbali/Kato/Mambo, YPC(C)10002

Producer: Tom Mkhize

Engineer: Jan Smit

Top-quality bubblegum with intricate synths and powerful vocals, produced by the legendary Tom Mkhize. Opening with the title track, a funky and sincere call to take it easy on the roads, other highlights on the six-track include ‘Uyajola’, ‘Money Money’ and ‘Soweto’. Ozias Ntsele also released mbaqanga albums like 1985’s Uthando and Khuzani Abantu. His other disco albums from the era include Hey Driver (1987) and Mother.

* Mint copies of this album are for sale here while stocks last.

THE HARD WORKERS - Ayoba-Yo (1988)

Music Team/CTV/Mbali/Red Label, RLLP(J)038

Producer: Tom Mkhize

Engineers: David Moloele & Tom Mkhize

Recorded at: Orange 338

Pantsula classic produced by Tom Mkhize, with Linn drums by David Moloele and keys by Joey. Heavy electronic grooves with sporadic vocal samples signal the birth of modern dance music in SA. Other albums by the Hard Workers include Kae Kapa Kae (also from 1988) and U-Turn (1990).

GY - Vakon'wana (1988)

Power/Genesis. POH5000

Producer: Thomas J Masingi (exec: Joseph Mathebula)

Engineer: Jan Smit

Recorded at: Takk Studios, JHB

Unknown band Gy put out this album of six great songs, catchy but a little old-fashioned for 1988, with equal doses of guitars and synths. Judging by the cover photo the band was a four-piece with three female vocalists. Lyrics in English and xiTsonga focus on subjects of love ('Handsome Man', 'My Sweet Baby', 'I Cursed the Day', 'Empty Sky'). 

HAPPY HAPPY - Party Time Again (1988)

White Dove/Hit City DOV(O)025

Producer: Blondie Makhene (exec: John Galanakis)

Engineers: Deran McNamara, Quinton King Madlala & Ilan Kometz

Recorded at: Platinum

Novelty album of synth-heavy Christmas carols, with 'Happy Birthday' thrown in for good measure. Featuring input from many of the Hit City stable's biggest stars, including producer Blondie Makhene, Vusi Shange, Dan Nkosi, Pure Gold, Zizi Kongo and Quinton King Madlala. Despite the all-star cast, there's only so much one can do with a Christmas carol.

* Mint copies of this album are on sale here 

BANJO - Phuza Face (1988)

Hit City, HC(O)805

Producer: John Galanakis

Engineers: Deran McNamara, Quinton King & Ilan Kometz

Hit City crossover studio project Banjo (Banzi and John) first emerged in 1985 with the politically charged hit 'No No No, No More' and B-side 'In the Middle of the Night'. It was followed in 1986 by another maxi, 'I Don't Want Your Lovin' and 'Please Don't Go'. 

The liner notes from 1988's Phuza Face tell the rest of the story: "Banjo - born as a studio project between Banzi Khubeka and John Galanakis - lives on with this album. When key people connected with the project went their own way to pursue other interests, the project was almost abandoned. But with the infusion of new talent and discovery of Mpho Makhene as lead singer, fronting the group for live appearances, the new Banjo has been revived to provide a fresh sound to the South African Music scene… From the original 'In The Middle of the Night' to 'I Don't Want Your Lovin'', Banjo has been the music-lovers favorite group. The new Banjo continues the tradition, and will be pleasing new fans for years to come." 

* Mint copies of this album are available for sale here while stocks last.

ZIZI KONGO - Come Duze (1988)

Leopard/Hit City, LEO(O)058
Producers: John Galanakis & Dan Nkosi
Engineer: Daren McNamara
Composer: Dan Nkosi
Recorded at: Platinum

Classic album that established young Elizabeth Mkhwanazi as a bubblegum star, thanks largely to composer and co-producer Dan Nkosi, her homeboy from Mpumalanga. Kongo was the Hit City label's answer to other female stars like Brenda Fassie, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Mercy Pakela. Led by the anthemic 'Come Duze', the six-track album includes other similar dancefloor-friendly electronic tracks like 'Naughty Street Boys', 'Come Back To Me' and 'It's a Party'.

According to a producers' note on the album: "Zizi is the most exciting new talent to emerge on the local scene and it has been my pleasure to be involved in the production of her debut album. She is the star of the future and I hope to be part of her career for years to come."

The singer herself adds to the liner notes: "Perseverance is the mother of success and it has taken me seven years of struggle to expose my talent."

* Mint copies of this album are available for sale here while stocks last. 

WILLIAM 'MR EVERYTHING' MTHETHWA - Tribute to Sophie Mathibela (1988)

Roy B/Dephon, RBL146

Producer: William Mthethwa

Recorded at:  Sweet Sixteen

Mpho and Mphonyana Mathibela made headlines across South Africa when they were born joined at the head in Johannesburg on 7 December 1986. A decision was made for them to be separated, which happened in 1988. The story prompted support from musicians William Mthethwa and Yvonne Chaka Chaka (and Ali Katt, who also released a song for the twins in 1988).

"This album is dedicated to Sophie Mathibela, the mother of Mpho le Mphonyana, in honor of her supreme courage and total devotion to her two babies. All proceeds for the Mpho le Mphonyana track will be donated to Sophie to help in the upbringing of the twins. This track was recorded solely for this purporse. We love you Mpho le Mphonyana." - Yvonne and William.

The album also contains other social messages such as 'We Cry For Peace in Africa', 'Help The Children', 'We Don't need a Party' (all co-written by Al Etto and Mthethwa's frequent collaborator Dimakatso Moletsane) and 'We Miss You',  as well as the more upbeat 'Matjitji' and 'Hoza 2000'.

Sadly Mphonyana died of pneumonia a year after the twins were separated. Mpho, now in her late 20’s, is still alive today. 

BOMBA - Poor Man's Dance (1988)

Zub/Tusk, UBH004

Producer: Feduja Trio (exec: Alton Mashaba)

Engineer: Fabb Grosso

Recorded at: RPM Studios

Powerful disco grooves with a Shangaan twist. Backing vox by Felicia Marion, Thoko Ndlozi, Cecil Mitch and Ernest, synth brass by Joe Matsheka (Bayete, Pongolo), all other instruments by Gofe. Standout track is the instrumental 'Poor Man's Dance', which strikes the perfect balance groove traditional grooves and modern instrumentation. Little-known Bomba wrote all five tracks and provides lead vocals and deep English lyrics on tracks like 'One-sided Love', 'Release' and 'Victim of Time':

Here I am standing on the face of the planet

I'm a stranger, everything around me looks so strange

I don't know, I think I'm stuck...

I saw many people running up and down, in a rush,

I asked, what's going on, can somebody tell me please?

But no one ever bothered about me

They looked at me, and walked away...

I went to my father and said, 

'Father, help me, I want to know,

I'm seeing people running up and down,

Tell me, what's going on?

I wanna know, I need to know...'

My father said 'Son, ever since I was born,

I've been trying to find out what's going on.

Look at me now, I'm a wasted body, I'm an old man,

I'm a living soul, stuck in this dying body,

I'm a victim of time...'

If we can stop this time,

we can turn this world into a paradise forever.

The sun will rise, but never set.

We are living out of time, without no limitations,

where we'll never die,

where we'll live forever and ever."

TJ GANG - Don't Disappoint Me (1988)

Gallo GRC, BL634

Producer: Richard Siluma

Engineer: Lee Short

Recorded at: RPM Studios

Tight disco grooves by T. Cele and J. Senoamadi, recorded at least partly by a real band, giving it a similar feel to Zasha, Ashiko, Casino and at times even Stimela. Produced by Richard Siluma (best known as Lucky Dube's mentor/producer/brother, as well as his work with Stimela, Lorraine Staple and Ruben Beewa, and his solo hits at Richie S and later Saggy Saggila). Includes two sax-driven instrumentals, 'Isn't It True' and 'We Were There'. Other titles include 'Shortgirl' and 'Saturday Night'.

NTOMBI NDABA - Mina Ngilijaji (1988)

Anneko/EMI, MKZ(V)814

Producer: AT 'Rubber' Khoza

Engineer: Selwyn Shandel

After making her name fronting Ntombi & Survival, Ntombi Ndaba went solo in the late 80s. Her band also did their own thing, releasing The Big Mechanics in '89 as The Survivals, and continued to back her on Mina Ngilijaja. It's vintage bubblegum that shows off Ntombi's powerful vocals and songwriting skills, driven by uptempo synths and the complimented by the emphatic backing vocals of The Angels. The title track ('I am the judge') is a self-affirmation of note ("You can't tell me what to do!"), 'Flood' references the classic 'Pule ea na' by Hugh Masekela, Mara Louw, the Black Five and others, while obligatory slow jam 'Weakness In Me' is an uncredited but impressive cover of Joan Armatrading's 1981 hit.

JOYCE - Fantasy (1988)

RPM, RPM7127

Producer: Peter Moticoe

Engineer: Humphrey Mabote

Recorded by: RPM Studios

Funky Shangaan disco produced by the prolific Peter "Hitman" Moticoe (Tom Dollar, Joy White, The Ghetto), featuring two English songs - the title track and 'The Other Side of Me'. Powerful vocals and stinging synths, but nothing really catchy enough to set it apart from the rest. 

MINEBELT - Jealous (1988)

Teal Trutone, KVL5081

Producer: Peter Moticoe

Engineer: Humphrey Mabote

Funky disco grooves produced and composed by the prolific Peter 'Hitman' Moticoe (The Ghetto, Tom Dollar, Joy White, William Mthethwa, Brenda Fassie). Featuring lead guitarist Benjamin Nhassavele (later became part of the sucessful stage musical Umoja), drummer Godfrey Mgcina (Ymage, Hugh Masekela), keyboardist Joey Mabe (Mahlathini & Mahotella Queens) and backing vocals by the likes of Khanyisile Sibiya (Sweet Desire) and Ntombifuthi Mabaso (Hot Soul Singers).

LIONFIRE - Rip-Off (1988)

Lionfire/Bop/Tusk, LFH3

Producer: Taso Stephanou

Engineer: David Moloele

Recorded at: Orange 338

Early crossover project by Taso Stephanou, better known as the promoter behind the Lion Lager Roadshow, one of the biggest gigs of the 80s. In fact Mojapelo (2008:81) suggests that Lionfire was created just for the Roadshow itself. Stephanou had earlier worked in East Africa in the 1970s, writing songs for Afrobeat act Mokonde, and after moving to SA produced Steve Kekana's 1983 album 'Night Boot Patrol' before releasing 'Kookie' as Lionfire in 1984. In the early 90s he put on the the Coca Cola Full Blast Music Show, which helped launch kwaito stars like Arthur, and continued to make his mark as a music sponsorship guru. But as producer/musician, Stephanou did a great job with Lionfire, a slick crossover effort that still sounds funky today. Also contributing were Okie Mashiloane ("vocal assistance") and Pinkie on keyboards, and prolific soundman David Moloele. The title track is a synth-fuelled pantsula winner that tells the tale of a guy who confronts the tsotsis who robbed him:

So I'm walking back to town, 
and I see them in the yard.

I pretended not to see, 
then surprise them from the rear!

'Come on boys I'm one of you, 
I can dance pantsula too!

Let's be friends - give me my things, 
I'll forget just what you did.'

We are all just dancing now, 
dancing our pantsula style.

Hey I'm jiving just like you, 
jiving our pantsula style...

DAVID CHANKE - Xhimovana (1988)

SKR/Priority, SRH9003

Producer: Dan Ntanzi

Engineer: J Vermeulen

Recorded at: Audiotrax 
   

More obscure bubblegum grooves, split between Shangaan tracks on side 1 and Zulu on side 2 (something seldom permitted by state censors until the late 80s). Stinging synthesizers, upbeat dance rhythms and urgent call-and-response vocals from the ladies make this album yet another long-forgotten winner.

MONWA & SUN - Majekeje Basoba (1988)

Cool Spot, SPOT(V)001

Producer: Mally Watson (exec: Ken Haycock)

Engineer: Mally Watson

Landmark debut album that established new independent label Cool Spot as a force to be reckoned with and helped carve the new post-bubbegum pantsula sound. 'Orlando Hangover' remains much loved today, even before the wildly popular 2012 remake by DJ Vetkuk vs Mahoota ft Dr Malinga, 'Via Orlando', which failed to credit the Yekani as the source, raising the ire of many (more here).

"The Monwa and Sun duo was formed when Monwabisi Dennis Yekani met Poth Nkotsoe....Monwabisi has been in music for a some time already and with the younger Poth they made a formiddable team that released their debut album Majekejeke on the Cool Spot label" (Mojapelo, 2008:168). The duo followed this up with Tigers Don't Cry before embarking on solo careers.

IZINKANYAMBA - Uqondeni (1988)

CCP/EMI, YELP(O)4063801

Producer: SM Khoza

Engineer: Graham Handley

Recorded at: Sweet Sixteen

Classy mbaqanga driven alternatively by potent synths and timeless saxophones reminiscent of the old days of marabi and sax jive. The group seemingly took its name from the Inkanyamba, a mythical serpent said to lurk inside a waterfall in rural Kwazulu or the nearby Eastern Cape. Their music is a little less ominous though - slick, upbeat Zulu grooves. Tracks include 'Nineteen Eighty Nine' and 'Phansi Imikhonto' (Down Spears).