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THE COMFORTERS - Month-End Lover (1986)

October 16, 2015, 6:40 am
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Leopard/Hit City, LEO(O)056
Producers: Steve McNamara & Albert Khumalo
Engineer: Steve McNamara
Composer: C. Mukwevho
Recorded at: Platinum


Colbert Mukwevho grew up in the rhythm section of family band Thrilling Artists. At 21 he was fronting his own group, The Comforters, and found fame with this their breakthrough album. Echoing the lyrical sentiment of 'Weekend Special' (and not to be confused with Vibe Talk's 'Weekend Lover'), 'Month-End Lover' is classic uptempo bubblegum. Even catchier is 'These Arms of Love'. The album's two other tracks, 'Immortal Words' and 'Fairweather Lover' head deeper into synth-heavy roots reggae, not unlike Lucky Dube's early reggae albums from the same time, with Mukwhevo's soulful voice at its best on the downtempo tracks.


A revered figure in Venda/Limpopo, Mukwevho soon became a bonafied reggae star fronting Harley and the Rasta Family. Today's he still going strong as a solo act, continuing to tour the country and release new albums (for more details check out his website).



* Mint copies of this album (both covers) are available for sale here while stocks last.
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DAN NKOSI - Uyakuni Maria (1986)

October 20, 2015, 8:20 am
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Leopard/Hit City, LEO(O)036
Producer: John Galanakis
Engineer: John Galanakis
Recorded at: Platinum


Breakthrough album from one of bubblegum's finest, Dan Nkosi had only recently moved to Johannesburg when he had a hit with 'Pikinini', earning a reputation as a charismatic live performer (and the nickname 'Streamroller'). This album was followed by Gandaganda (1987), the title track an even bigger hit, then Julia (1989) and People's Choice (1990). He formed a fruitful bond with producer John Galanakis, and together they helped launch the careers of others like Zizi Kongo.


* Mint copies of this album are available for sale here while stocks last.
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STEVE DYER - Southern Freeway (1991)

October 23, 2015, 4:22 am
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Soul Brothers/Gramma, SMH1
Producer: Steve Dyer
Engineer: Peter van Deventer
Recorded at: Frontline Studios


Born in Pietermaritzburg in 1960, Steve Dyer studied sax and flute at the University of Natal. Refusing military conscription, he left South Africa and lived in Botswana for five years in the 80s, where he came into contact with exiled legends Hugh Masekela and Jonas Gwangwa. As part of Gwangwa's group Shakawe for three years, he immersed himself in both mbaqanga and jazz. In 1988 after a stint in the UK he settled in Zimbabwe, where he formed the group Southern Freeway. They put out two albums, Southern Freeway, a great collection of modern, distinctly South African jazz, followed by Indlela yenkululeko (1992). The band continued to perform into the 90s, representing South Africa  at the SADC music festival in Harare and playing at Arts Alive in Johannesburg in 1996.

Outside Southern Freeway, Dyer is a prolific performer, composer, producer and director bridging traditional African genres, classical and jazz. In 1990 he joined the ANC's Amandla cultural ensemble on a seven week tour of Japan. With democracy on the horizon in 1993 Dyer returned to SA in 1993, settling in Joburg and working with the Soweto String Quartet. He formed the Southern African collaborative project Mahube that toured the world and released two albums, including the Kora-winning Qhubeka (2003). He has also produced five albums by Zimbabwean legend Oliver Mtukudzi (including the hit Tuku Music), leads the ensembles Rebirth and Ubuntu Music and runs independent label Dyertribe Music.


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BANJO - Phuza Face (1988)

October 27, 2015, 12:45 pm
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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.
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BLONDIE - Spreading Love (1987)

October 30, 2015, 7:55 am
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Hit CityHC(E)701
Producers: Blondie Makhene, John Galanakis & Steve McNamara
Engineers: Steve McNamara & John Galanakis
Recorded at: Platinum


A key figure in South African disco, Blondie was born Keoagile Gerald Makhene in Soweto in 1955 and rose to fame as a performer in the duo Blondie & Pappa. They toured the country with other various family bands, known as The Family and later Spankk, earning the Makhenes a reputation as South Africa's answer to the Jacksons. After the duo split he turned solo, releasing Communicate (1984) and Overtime (1985), performing at the historic Concert In The Park in Johannesburg in 1985. He also helped launch a young Brenda Fassie, teaming her up with his backing back to produce the landmark 1983 single 'Weekend Special'. 

In 1987 Blondie released another solo album, Spreading Love. It's smooth R&B soul led by the balled 'Baby I'm Missing You', dedicated to his wife Agnes. Around this time he also kickstarted the African Youth Band (AYB), which released a string of popular albums of instrumental political songs. Besides AYB Blondie has produced countless others, including Vusi Shange, Hugh Masekela and Amaqabane. Still active in the music industry today, in 2010 he released a new version of 'Baby I'm Missing You'. It was followed by new albums Back To Love (2013) and Sthunywa Sami (2014).




Mint copies of this album are available for sale here 
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KOFFI OLOMIDE - Diva (1991)

November 6, 2015, 7:44 am
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Tusk, HIM100
Producer: Koffi Olomide
Engineer: Roland Leclercq
Recorded at: Studio Madeleine, Brussels


One of the most successful and enduring artists to come from the DR Congo, Koffi Olomide was born in Kisangani and studied in France, returning to the Congo in the 70s to join Papa Wemba's band Viva La Musica. In the mid-80s he formed his own band, Quartier Latin International, which later launched the careers of stars like Fally Ipupa and Ferré Gola. Riding the early 'World Music' wave, in 1986 he released Diva on Belgian label Espera. His other early international releases include Ngobila (1986), Les Prisonniers Dorment (1990) and Tcha Tcho (1990), the latter his name of his signature brand of slowed-down souks. 

His albums sold well in Zimbabwe, so in 1991 South African label Tusk (formerly known as WEA) attempted to cash in by selling Diva (as well as other Congolese albums) in South Africa, although the strategy was largely unsuccessful. His more recent albums include the Kora-winning Effrakata (2002), Monde Arabe (2004) and Destiny (2014).






* Mint copies of this album are available for sale here while stocks last.
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MONWA - Mama Kuse (1991)

November 17, 2015, 12:41 pm
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Diamond/TuskTUSB3013
Producer: Selwyn Shandel
Engineers: Jorge Arrigone & Selwyn Shandel
Recorded at: Shandel Music


Big-selling duo Monwa & Sun had a massive hit with 'Orlando Hangover' and released a string of great electronic albums in the late 80s on the Cool Spot label. After splitting both members embarked on solo careers, Monwa releasing Aweyo (1990) and Mama Kuse (1991), and Sun releasing a self-titled album in 1990 followed by Looking For Love in 1991. Both also produced other artists. The older of the two, Monwabisi Denis Yekani had earlier made a name for himself fronting Denis Yekani and the Movement. By '91 he had left Cool Spot and teamed up with producer Selwyn Shandel (The Winners, Ninja, Phumi Maduna, etc). 


* Mint copies of this album are available for sale here while stocks last.
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OKIE - I'm Missing You (1990)

November 25, 2015, 11:30 am
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Tusk, TUH4
Producer: P. Nel
Recorded at: Universal Studios


Catchy bubblegum from Okie Mashiloane, slickly produced if a little derivative of established acts like Hotstix ('I'm Missing You'), Steve Kekana ('Love') and Chicco ('Corobreak') - but by 1990 the same could be said of most disco releases. Best track 'Ximanane' serves up wobbly Shangaan synths and uplifting call-and-response vocals. Mashiloane in 1988 featured on crossover project Lionfire's Rip-off.

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ALMOMO - Tando (1989)

December 2, 2015, 7:00 am
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Hit CityHC(O)905
Producer: Charles Mogale
Engineers: Richard Sletcher & Quinton King Madlala
Recorded at: Gateway & Powerhouse


Alvin 'Almomo' Mogale released this his only album, produced by his brother Charles Mogale, better known as an influential and charismatic newspaper man from the 1970s until his death in 2012. Charles also plays all instruments, mainly a barrage of synths and drum machines, while Alvin writes and sings. Despite their lack of experience the end result is classic bubblegum that still sounds fresh today. Tracks include 'AEIOU', 'Inkalakatha', 'Heroes' and 'Sad State'.

Almomo writes in the album notes: "The album is the result of a life-long desire between my brother Charles and I to record an album. He is the one person without whom none of this could have ben possible. Thanks a million brother". Referring to the title track 'Tando' (love), he adds: "May 'Tando' reach out to every home in our country - this strife-torn country we love so much".


* Mint copies of this album are for sale here. 
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THE RHYTHM KINGS - Mantwa (1982)

December 9, 2015, 5:30 am
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City Lights/Rainbow, CGH5004
Producer: Maxwell Mngadi


Smooth Sotho soul with a healthy dose of early pre-bubblegum organ sounds, produced by Maxwell Mngadi (Soul Brothers, Super Tens, Soul Fire, Peace Brothers). Striking the right balance of timeless grooves, traditional touches and modern instrumentation, best on 'Nthabiseng' with its soaring male vocal harmonies and thumping beat. 'Gasane' and 'Nifike A Jonie' also stand out for piercing synth leads giving them a futuristic touch.

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PROFESSOR RHYTHM 4: Radihepehepe (1992)

December 16, 2015, 5:29 am
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Diamond/Tusk, TUH38
Producer: Professor Rhythm
Engineer: David Moloele
Recorded at: Shandel Music


Thami Mdluli started out as bass player for the Hot Soul Singers and got into production during stints with CJB and Taboo, also producing for other artists such as Benjamin Ball and Sox. At the end of the 80s he left Eric Frisch to join Tusk and embarked on a solo career as Professor Rhythm, releasing four gold-selling albums that showcased his production skills in some of South Africa's earliest fully electronic dance music. Mdluli later moved into gospel and then jazz, and currently runs a recording studio, Studio 12, as well as a publishing company in Johannesburg.


* Mint copies of this album are for sale here 
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LES CHAMPIONS DU ZAIRE - Hommage a Franco OK Jazz (1991)

December 23, 2015, 1:21 am
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Tusk, HIH4000
Producer: Didier Boluwe
Engineer: Alan Ward
Recorded at: Studio Madeleine, Brussels


Congolese soukous from Les Champions du Zaire, paying homage to the legendary Franco Luambo Makiadi and his OK Jazz band (aka TPOK Jazz), one of Africa's most successful bands since their formation in the late 50s. When Franco passed away in October 1989, various incarnations of the band's many members recorded numerous tribute albums, including this one by a group of Franco's touring entourage who were based in Belgium. Led by guitarist Dizzy Mandjeku, the group later evolved into Odemba. Here they put a modern touch on the soukous sound with some added synths.




* Mint copies of this album are for sale here 
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AYOBAYO BAND - Sorry Bra (1989)

December 30, 2015, 4:37 am
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Roi/Music Team, RLLPC061
Producer: Zenzele 'Sister Monica' Magwaza
Engineer: Mr Mixer
Composed by: ZE Mntungwa
Recorded at: 338


"The eighties saw the mushrooming of 'Mapantsula' dance groups both in urban and rural areas. In 1987 almost every group was dancing to J.M. Silk's album 'Hold On To Your Dream'… Local record companies responded to this with groups like The Hard Workers, Ayobayo Band and Makhweru. The Hard Workers' album Ayoba-Yo featured the hit 'Take Away' composed by Mphix on Music Team's Red Label. The success of the album saw the formation of the group Ayobayo Band, which released albums like Hey Ta Da engineered by Danny Bridgens on the same Music Team label." (Mojapelo, 2008:76). 

On Sorry Bra the band puts out impressive, mostly instrumental electronic dance music that foreshadows the rise of kwaito a few years later. Other tracks include 'Majida', 'Drunken Man', 'Homeless Man', 'Giyane Special' and 'Durban Station'. The band also released Phuza Face (not to be confused with Banjo's album of the same name). 


* Mint copies of this album are for sale here 
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THE CRACKERS - Zama (1980)

January 6, 2016, 5:20 am
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MASUTUTSA DANCE BAND - Vol 1: Setsokotsane (1991)

January 13, 2016, 11:49 am
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Diamond, TUH35
Producers: Professor & Doc Mice
Mixed by: David Moloele
Engineers: T. Mdluli & A. Cadabra


Co-produced and composed by Thami Mdluli (Professor Rhythm, Taboo, CJB), one of the leading names in early SA electronic music. While the Professor's solo albums from the same time are all instrumental, the Masututsa Dance Band makes use of a chorus of female vocals - The Super Trio - adding depth to the sound. Setsokotsane ('hurricane' in Sesotho) is split into "chapters" rather than sides. The first relies more heavily on drum machines and samples for an upbeat dancefloor groove that pre-empts kwaito and house. The second chapter ventures into other territory, drawing influences from the Dalom Kids (on 'Hayi Uku Dlala Ngami' / don't play with me), the gospel of Platform 1 (on 'Dineledi' / star) and the flute-driven anthems of Blondie's African Youth Band ('Abazali Bami' / my parents).


* Mint copies of this album are for sale here 
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AFRICAN YOUTH BAND - Thula Sizwe (1989)

January 24, 2016, 11:33 am
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Leopard/Hit City, LEO(V)069
Producer: Blondie Makhene
Engineer: Deran McNamara


By the late 1980s Blondie Makhene had done it all as a solo artist, bandleader and producer. As musicians were drawn increasingly into the struggle against apartheid, his African Youth Band recorded recognisable 'struggle songs' as synth-powered instrumentals to avoid censorship. They released Nkosi Yami (1987) and Vuka (1988). 1989's Thula Sizwe is dedicated to "The men and women on the morning and afternoon trains to and from work. Keep shaking those coaches with dance and song." Following 1990's Woya Moya, the band evolved into Amaqabane, enjoying massive sales into the 90s and reuniting in recent years.

"Though some of the tracks had very few lyrics, it had heavy political undertones. AYB's other hits include 'Ntate Modise', a track that almost became the unofficial national anthem before 'Nkosi Sikelel'iAfrika'. This due to its prominence as a signature tune when the nation was waiting with bated breath on 11 February 1990 as the gates of Victor Verster Prison (now Drakenstein Prison) were thrown wide open for Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela to walk free… The freedom songs challenged the status quo and agitated for a spy transformation" (Mojapelo, 2008:34).



* Mint copies of this album are available for sale here.
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RAMASHELENG - Masemys (1990)

February 2, 2016, 11:27 am
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TFM/NB Records, TFML79
Producers: Tom Mkhize & V. Mthimkhulu
Engineer: Jan Smit
Recorded at: Takk Studios


Catchy pre-kwaito pantsula grooves heavily influenced by the likes of Chicco, Splash and Dan Nkosi, with a faster, more electronic groove. Composed by one S Malefo and produced by Tom Mkhize (Abangani, African Image, Neville Nash, Uthando). Tracks include 'Shebeen Girls' and 'I Will Follow Them'.



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NANA ET BANIEL - Bouger le Coq chante (1991)

February 7, 2016, 9:31 pm
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Tusk, HIH4001
Producer: Mukubwa Sammy
Engineers: Alan Ward, Mike B. & Tony
Recorded at: Studio Madeleine, Brussels


Congolese female vocal duo Baniel Mbambo and Nana Akumu featured on Franco's TPOK Jazz album Les 'On Dit' in 1987. They later recorded this album together, creating hypnotic vocals over intricate guitar work, groovy baselines, driving rhythms and tasteful horns. Each penned two of the tracks, as did producer Mukubwa Sammy. Titles include 'Tremblement de Terre (Earthquake)' and 'Samantha je suis Trouble'. Originally released on Belgian label Espera. 




  • Mint copies of this album are for sale here
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VENDA KIDS - Wake-Up (1985)

February 11, 2016, 12:19 am
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Leopard/Hit City, LEO(A)085
Producers: Banzi Khubeka & John Galanakis
Engineer: John Galanakis
Composer: S. Singo
Recorded at: Platinum


Early album by the Venda Kids, a popular family band featuring the Singo brothers Ntango, Makana and Ndivha, along with others, with tracks composed by their dad Samson Singo and produced by the Hit City duo of Banzi Kubheka and John Galanakis (who also recorded together as Banjo). Benefitting from impressive guitar skills and some smooth synths, what gave the band their signature sound was a chorus of adolescent vocals. Titles include 'Goodbye Baby', 'What is the Matter with You', 'I am an Orphan' and and the gospel 'I want to Follow my Lord'. The album was followed in 1986 by The Lord is my Shepherd. By 1989 they had shortened their name to the V Kids and released the album Rambo.

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SHADRACK NDLOVU - Cheleni Cheleni (1989)

February 16, 2016, 12:15 pm
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Hit City, HC(O)911
Producers: Felani Gumbi, Freddy Gwala & Vusi Shange
Recorded at: Platinum


Shadrack 'Majazana' Ndlovu put together this solo album with the help of Felani Gumbi, Freddy Gwala (Platform 1) and Vusi Shange, who all co-produced, with Gumbi handling all keyboards and other instruments. Featuring labelmates Pure Gold on backing vocals. "A very, very special thanks to Mr. Orrack 'Oros' Chabangu and the Hit City Staff and directors for accepting me for what I am, a pantsula!"


* Mint copies of this album are for sale here 
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