VA - Roy B's Party Time Vol. 2 (198?)

Roy B, RBL124u

Roy B was a successful independent label (aka Dephon) run by Phil Hollis that helped launch the careers of some of the biggest names in the business. The second volume of their Party Time compilation features Yvonne Chaka Chaka singing 'Winner My Dear Love', a thinly veiled tribute to Winnie Mandela, as well as Chicco with his breakthrough solo hit 'I Need Some Money', Pat Shange ('Rules of Love'), William Mthethwa & The Young Five, Benjamin Dube's gospel hit 'Holy Spirit' as well as lesser known band The Groovy Guys. The album also features two prominent acts not usually associated with the label, Splash (wrong listed here as Smash) and the late great Al Etto (singing 'She's Hot').

SPLASH - Tshokotshoko (1989)

Gallo GRC, HUL40183   
Producers: Dan Tshanda & Dave Segal   
Engineer: Dave Segal       
Recorded at: RPM Studios

Chiawelo's bubblegum bigshots Splash hit the scene in the mid-80s with Peacock, Snake and Money. Their fourth album Tshokotshoko confirmed their credentials, thanks to hits like 'Dalom' which went on to become the name of side project the Dalom Kids and frontman Dan Tshanda's record label. Joseph Tshimange and brothers Patrick and Albert Mthimkulu added to the synth line-up, with Panuel Kunene on drums.

SPLASH – Money (1988)

Gallo GRC, BL 624
Producer: Hamilton Nzimande

Engineer: Dave Segal

One of the most popular and definitive bubblegum boybands from the era - combining sweet synths, pile-driving disco drum machines, sassy backing vocals from the ladies - and socially relevant (still today) messages on tracks like "Cholera" and "Aids". Other highlights include the title track and "Vhophophi" - basically, the whole album's a winner.

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