WINNIE - Winnie (1988)

CCP, FLY(V)4063521
Producer: Mally Watson
Recorded at: Powerhouse Studios

Teen sensation Winnie Khumalo emerged at the end of the 80s, ready to jump on the bubblegum bandwagon when Brenda Fassie seemed to be falling off. This was her debut release, on the same Family imprint as Brenda began with the Big Dudes, produced by the same Mally Watson. It contains six tracks, all in English, geared to a young audience. Winnie's voice is so similar to Brenda's, it's hard for many to tell the difference. Best tracks include "Hey Lightie", "Pop Out" and "Don't Play Rough".

"My mind went back to the year 1988, when the small girl released her self-titled debut album featuring the hit 'Hey Lightie', written by Anthony Mthembu, recorded and produced by Mally Watson on CCP's Family label. By 1991 her producer was Sello "Chicco" Twala on her Tshinatshina album engineered by Marvin Moses and released on CCP's Flame label. One of her best songs is her cover version of the old smahs hit 'Dlamini'."(Mojapelo, 2008:108).

20-odd years later, Winnie Khumalo is still a popular live performer, solo and backing others. She still belts out covers of Brenda's "Promises", and even starred as MaBrr in a recent stage production.

Here she is performing recently at the newly renovated 

M1 studios at the SABC in Joburg. (copyright Afrosynth)

JOSHIBA - Vananga (1990)

Teal Trutone, KVL5095
Producers: Jan Smit, Gary Finch, Peter Maringa
Engineer: Jan Smit
Recorded at: TAKK Studios

Shangaan disco maxi for fans of The Dalom Kids. Five tracks in xiTsonga and English, and a sweet club mix of the title track. Best track 'Gloria' opens with funky synths and bad-ass backing vocals: "Beg for apology!", before Joshiba pours his heart out:

"Gloria, where are you?
I can't forget my lover,
She was trying to pull me out of troubles.
Money, it can't buy love!"

MABUNDA - Pule (1987)

Decibel, DCK(P)84

Producer: Jerry Mhlanga
Engineer: Keith Forsyth/Doug van der Merwe
Composed b: M. Mthembu/E Shelembe

 

Four-track disco-funk LP with odd soccer-themed cover. 'Monica' samples New Edition's 'Candy Girl (1983). The title of the instrumental 'Life is Bad' speaks for itself. What it lacks in originality, it more than makes up for with smooth synths. With each track weighing in at over 5 minutes, there's no rush to ever get off the groove. 'Mehlomadala' is a call to be united with a long-lost friend:

"I've been missing you my friend.
we were good friends,
we shared everything,
when we were still little boys.
we must be together,
long, long, long time no see you."

ZASHA - Hayi Ngodlame (1989)

Teal Trutone, SUF2
Producer: Thapelo Khomo
Engineer: Ian Osrin

 

Funky, sophisticated Afro-pop where real musicians trump programmed beats. Fronted by singer Steven Mthimkulu and guitarist Skipper Shabalala, who recently made a comeback as a solo act. Produced by Thapelo Khomo, who also worked with acts like Kamazu, Pappa, Jabu Khanyile (Bayete) and more recently Simphiwe Dana. Dedicated to "our late brother 'Boxie' Lekalakala, who passed away in 1987". Hair by Superkurl, 68 Simmonds St, Joburg!

In a nod to their infuences, the title track features Coyote (v) and Jabu Sibumbe (bass) from Stimela, and Jimmy Mngwandi from Image. "Every brother is our brother, every sister is our sister". Highlights on this 6-track album include 'Stop That Game' and 'A Letter To My Family'. Other Zasha albums include Love Target (1986), I'll Be There For You (1991), Stop That Game (1992) and Save The World (1994).