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SOUL FIRE - Ukungalaleli (198?)

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City Lights/WEA, CGH5002
Producer: Maxwell Mngadi       


Ten tracks of soulful ‘Xhosa Traditional’ mbaqanga featuring super-slick guitar work, driving bass rhythms and production by the influential Maxwell Mngadi, better known for his work with genre stalwarts the Soul Brothers and Ihashi Elimhlophe, and who played guitar on Harry Belafonte’s Paradise In Gazankulu.


BENJAMIN BALL - Paulina (1984)

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Third World, TWL 510


Absolute classic album by Ball backed by his former Sound Busters bandmates Neo Maphaka and Cyril Mnculwane, soon to become CJB, and Thami Mdluli aka Professor Rhythm . 'Flash A  Flashlight' was one of the first big bubblegum hits (with 'Weekend Special' and 'Burnout') and set the tone for countless imitators in the years to come. The album is American-styled disco-funk with a touch of reggae. Other tracks are 'Soweto Tonite', 'I Just Keep Dancing', 'Reggae Music' and 'Rocket Baby'. Ball (real name Benjamin  Msane) also released maxi singles such as 'I Need It' (1984) and 'Come To Me' (1986) before drifting into obscurity, reportedly serving time in jail, becoming a qualified sangoma and converting to Rastafarianism. He is currently living in Umzinto on the KZN south coast and trying to revive his music career.

REGGAE MANIA!

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1. ‘Sound Of Africa’ - Steve Kekana (1981)
2. ‘Thule’ - O'yaba (1991)
3. ‘No Man Kill Another Man’ – Jambo (1991)
4. ‘Phambili La Siyakhona’ – Izindlovu (1990)
5. ‘Friday Morning’ - Neville Nash (1982)
6. ‘Babylon Water’ – Cokes (1988)
7. ‘Take It Easy’ – Pongolo (1989)
8. ‘Siyadudula’ – Buthelezi (1988)
9, ‘Reggae Music’ - Dread Warriors (1983)
10. ‘Fire In The Ghetto’ – Zasha (1988)
11. ‘Stop The War’ - Prince And The Buffaloes (1990)
12. ‘Don't Take A Chance’ - Rasta Kids (1984)
13. ‘Good Night Out’ – Kariba (1981)
14. ‘Reggae Mania’ – Quinton (1989)
15. ‘Flash A Flashlight’ - Benjamin Ball (1984)

Following performances in the early 80s by international superstars Jimmy Cliff in Soweto, Peter Tosh in Swaziland and Bob Marley in Zimbabwe, reggae quickly became popular amongst South African of all races and backgrounds. Reggae artists used music and lyrics to take on the apartheid establishment. The latest AFROSYNTH mix, REGGAE MANIA showcases some of the early progenitors of the genre in its uniquely South African, bubblegum-influenced sound. Ripped from the original vinyl and compiled by DJ OKAPI, the lineup includes well-known acts such as O'YABA and JAMBO, lesser known bands like the DREAD WARRIORS, the RASTA KIDS and PONGOLO, and artists from other genres who experimented with reggae (STEVE KEKANA, NEVILLE NASH, ZASHA). It offers a sample of a rich and varied reggae scene and does not include influential figures like Lucky Dube, Carlos Djedje and Colbert 'Harley' Mukwevho. Sit back, light up and enjoy Mzansi"s finest oldskool reggae jams. MO FAYA!

FREE DOWNLOAD!


NATANO - B-Boys (1990)

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8th Avenue/Frontline/Sounds of Soweto, 12EHTH(A)103
Producers: M. Barron & L. Burt                   
Recorded at: Rockets Recording Studio   

Oldskool hip-hop from Natano Braché, who rose to fame as a DJ in clubs in and around Cape Town and went on to host weekend shows on Good Hope FM as DJ Natdog. According to Afrikaans newspaper Die Burger on 16 November 1990: "Natano, the DJ from the Fame nightclub in Elsies River, recently made his debut as a musician with the release of a rap maxi single, B-Boys. This album is the first recorded by the Rockets at their studio in Elsies River to be released. According to Selwyn Rhoda, who was involved in the studio with the Rockets, the album is inspired by all the B-Boys (that's the rappers and dancers in the hip-hop movement) in the Cape. Selwyn explains that Natano played the album in the Fame for a month and that the dancers reacted very well to it. 'There is a big interest in the record. B-Boys is doing well in Johannesburg, although it is more aimed at the Cape market. The radio stations like Radio 5, Radio Good Hope and Radio 702 have played it and they are impressed by the record.'... Selwyn says in the studio they concentrated on no letting Natano's accent sound 'too international'. They also plan to release B-Boys overseas. According to Selwyn B-Boys has a sound that will grab the listener immediately because it has a totally international flavour. It was recorded in the studio with the latest computer technology. Natano started spinning records two years ago at the Fame, and after that he played at the Galaxy and Thriller. After that he returned to the Fame."

PETER PADI - Don't Fight With Me (1987)

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Smyle/EMI, 12SMYM(C)1001   
Producers: Isabel Maseko & Colin Smith  
Engineer: Colin Smith


New school single along the lines of MarcAlex, Izzyboy Masedi and others. This ambitiously titled 'Super Triple Maxi' Includes a longer 'international dance mix' and a more interesting, experimental studio mash-up 'Somethings Got To Change'. Though Padi did not find lasting success in the industry, he was a few years ahead of his time - and scores bonus points for rhyming "baby" with "don’t mean maybe".

SISTER COOL - Ma Afrika (1989)

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Cool Spot, SPOT(V)006    
Producers: Monwa Yekani & Mally Watson (exec: Ken Haycock)
Engineer: Mally Watson
Recorded at: Cool Spot


Cool Spot was set up in the late 80s and quickly became home to important acts like Jambo, Monwa & Sun and MM Deluxe. Monwa Yekani emerged as a talented  songwriter and producer, and so assumed control of the label's girl group, made up of Khanyisile Sibiya, China Monyane and Shashi Motumo. Full of warm synths and fat pantsula beats, the trio gave others like Syndicate Sisters and the Dalom Kids a run for their money. 

JUDI - Wondering Stoney (1991)

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Tusk, TUH26   
Producer: Tata Sibeko      
Engineer: Peter Pearlson          
Recorded at: RPM

 
Something completely different. Like Buddy Masango doing his country thang, Judi took a stab at the folk sound of Tracy Chapman. The result sounds closer to white acts like Little Sister, with tracks like 'To Be Somebody' not unlike contemporary Afro-pop star Zahara. Judi's vocals just can't pull it off though, despite being backed by a diverse line-up including drummer Isaac Mtshali (The Cannibals, Stimela, Harari) and Kevin Kruger (Kariba), with production by Tata 'TNT' Sibeko.


V-MASH - The Hunger (1988)

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Gallo/GRC, BL653   
Producers: Alec Khaoli & Colin Smith       
Engineer: Colin Smith               
Recorded at: Fireworks


Debut album from a young Vinolia Mashego soon after being discovered by the legendary Om Alec Khaoli, whose smooth synths and slick studio beats are all over this album. In the 90s Vinolia became a household name, not as a singer but on TV as host of the popular SABC music show Jam Alley - before falling on hard times. Tracks include the prophetic ‘It’s In The Liquor Bottle’ and ‘Let’s Push It Up’, featuring Om's former Harari bandmate Funky Masike Mohapi. 


GLORIA GRACE - Count Me Out (1990)

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MFM/Teal Trutone, FML1031   
Producers: Patrick van Rensburg, Abe Sibiya & Marshall Harmse
Engineer: Marshall Harmse               
Recorded at: Real-Time Studios                                                      


Upbeat, accessible pop with powerful, youthful vocals like Winnie or early Brenda. Full of synth-heavy grooves produced by Zia's Patrick van Rensburg and Abe Sibiya, along with Marshall Harmse from hi-NRG act Shiraz, who had an international hit with 'Fight For Our Lives'. 'Ma Afrika Pendukani' lifts the bassline from labelmates The Rockets' hit 'Situations', while 'Viva Music' tells it like it is:

"Dance brother, dance,

Shake your body to this song.

It should clear your mind,

And you'll never be lonely.

Sing along with me,

There is life in this song,

You can feel it now,

This song is just for you"

ELEGANCE - Waiting For You (1987)

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Challenger, CHM072
Producer: Sidwell Duda
Engineers: Richard Mitchell, Andre Herbst, Fernando Perdigao
Recorded at: Powerhouse, Jhb


"The vocal group Elegance consists of Buyisiwe Maphumulo of Eshowe, Nozipho Mtshali of Ntuzuma and Tammarra Maqanda from Zwide, Port Elizabeth. Buyi and Nozi met at a music sesson for SABC TV in Durban and immediatez became friends. After a few appearances in Natal we decided to come to Johannesburg to further our singing careers. Here we met Tammy. She took part in the 'Road to Fame' competition in Port Elizabeth and realizing that she had the potential to record, she moved to Johannesburg. She was introduced to Buyi and Nozi by Bra Jabu Sibumbe, the bass player for Stimela. He also introduced the three of us to our producer, Bra Sidwell Duda. His band, Rufaro, was looking for additional covalists and we joined in the recording of the maxi single The Mighty Birds. Rufaro's keyboard and guitar player, Ephraim Hlope assisted us in composing songs for our first mini-album entitled Waiting For You..."

MASHEDO - Mashedo (1990)

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Wethu/Tusk, TUH13
Producer: Heavy Mazibuko
Engineer: David Moloele


Funky foursome along the lines of Ashiko, Zasha and Sky Jinx, made up of Johannes and Tom Mazibuko, and Sipho and Goodnatures Zungu (Supertrax, Stimela), who share songwriting responsibilities. Tracks vary between vintage disco ('Let's Go Disco', 'Money Game' and 'Don't Kill Me') with some mbaqanga influences on 'Boulela'.

THE SPECIAL FIVE - Washaywa Uvalo (1986)

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Chocolate City/Rainbow/Teal, CEL523
Producer: Bongani Ngubane


Popular 80s mbaqanga outfit led by Bongani Ngubane (vocals, percussion) and featuring Jabu Ngubane (guitar), Mandla Exchange Mkhwanazi (keyboards), Lindani Mbatha (drums) and Mxolisi Ngobeni (backing vocals). Other albums include Once Bitten, Twice Shy (1989) and Thath'ukiss (1991), both on the Umkhonto label. The band also helped launch the career of a young Phuzekhemisi in the late 80s. (Mojapelo, 2008: 64, 294).

CHEEK TO CHEEK - So Good So Nice (1984)

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CCP/Bullet, BU(E)599
Producer: Mally Watson


Debut album by wildly popular bubblegum duo of the late Madoda Malotana and Phumi Maduna. The album launched the duo's prolific career as well as a professional rivalry with Brenda and the Big Dudes (featuring Madoda's brother Desmond) for the biggest name in the business. Tracks include 'Jam To the Mambo Beat', '6.30 Rush Hour' and 'Set Me Free'.





LENNY - We Are The Winners (1988)

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Genesis/Tusk, GNC1002
Producer: Thomas Masingi (exec: Rev NJ Tshawane)      
Engineer: Jan Smit  
Composed by: Leonard Makhathini 
Recorded at: TAKK Studios, Jhb       


Super funky gospel pop by one Leonard Makhathini, along the lines of the more famous Peta Teanet and Rebecca Malope. With lyrics in English and isiZulu, best tracks include 'He's Ruling My Life' and 'Unguku Thula Kwami', while 'Security' slows it down with the synth-soul ala Monwa & Sun."May Honour and Glory be to the Almighty God. He has blessed me during my childhood and now He is using me at my teenage years. He owns my giftedness".

ERIC D - Party Time (1987)

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Third World/Frontline, TWL(O)543

Producer: JP Lebona
Engineer: S McNamara



Dancefloor grooves from Eric Mbeko, written by Japie 'JP' Lebona (brother of the more famous Koloi Lebona) with the exception of 'Lobola' by Godfrey Nzuza (Talent, Casino). An example of how bubblegum musicians quickly shed American influences to create the distinctive South African rhythms that later gave rise to kwaito. Liner notes pay tribute to Brenda Fassie (the two shared a manager in Peter Snyman), Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse and Sipho Gumede. Followed in 1988 by Slow Down.



CHILDREN OF AFRICA - People Of Africa (1986)

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WEA, WIM448 
Producer: Keith Hutchinson     
Engineer: Jan Smit           
Recorded at: Universal & Ovation


Mediocre singalong gospel project with a crossover message. Bubblegum influences on 'People of Africa', buoyed by some funky synths, while B-Side  'Sheltered in the Rock of Ages' is tedious gospel rock. Featuring Danny Bridgens (PT House, The Goolers).

CLB - Never Gonna Give It Up (1991)

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BK/Tusk, BKH6003  
Producer: CLB 
Engineer: Bruce Williams         
Recorded at: Shandel Studios 


Top quality disco grooves from the early 90s. Powerful vocals reminiscent of William Mthethwa, Sox or Vusi Shange, piercing synths, uplifting backing vocals, slick new school production and some deep pre-kwaito grooves on tracks like 'Shayi'skuta'. Other titles like 'Feels Good' and 'Lollypop' affirm that bubblegum was still alive and well in the early 90s.

SUZI BE - I'm A Lady (198?)

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Sonovision, SONOM033  
Producers: Julian Laxton, Ronnie Robot & Adam L  
Engineer: Andre Herbst   
Composed by: Patric van Blerk


Interesting and long-forgotten crossover project from the early 80s featuring influential old hands Patric van Blerk, Julian Laxton and Ronnie Robot. Vocals reminiscent of PJ Powers (Hotline) and Cindy Alter from Zia


SIPHO MCHUNU - Umhlaba Uzobuya / the world is coming back (1990)

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3rd Ear, TEAG3309
Producer: Sipho Mchunu
Engineer: Phil Audoire
Recorded at: 3rd Ear Studio, Durban


Mchunu became a household name after teaching one Jonathan Clegg the ins and outs of Zulu guitar and forming the duo Juluka in the 70s. As Juluka's fame grew, Mchunu became disenchanted and disbanded the group in the mid-80s to return to village life in Makhabaleni, Zululand (leaving Clegg to find further fame as part of the more commercial crossover act Savuka). Faction fighting near his home saw him lost much of his fortune, so he decided to make a comeback as a solo musician in the late 80s, even taking his new band to the Apollo Theatre in New York in 1988. In 1989 he released Yithi Esavimba in France.

In 1990 he released Umhlaba Uzobuya. It's traditional Zulu music aimed at a wider audience (thus the English translations and explanations). The album reportedly didn't get airplay on local radio, probably due to Mchunu's reputation for upsetting apartheid music policy. Juluka reunited occasionally over the years, for example on 1997's Crocodile Love, and more recently for a series live performances. More here.

CRUCIAL CLIMAX - Not What You'd Expect (1990)

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Uptown/Frontline/Sounds of Soweto, UPT102
Producer: Koloi Lebona
Engineer: Andy Thomas
Recorded at: 8th Avenue


Unknown hip-hop studio project that sees experienced and influential producer Koloi Lebona experiment with new house grooves, with programming and sampling by Neal Snyman (who later worked with seminal 90s rock band the Springbok Nude Girls) and Petro Stathoussis (aka DJ Static P, who went on to form the labels Phat Kat and Static Plastic, as well as the popular online platform AfrodesiaMP3). Rapping by Sean Pieterse and Anita Jackson, with backing vocals by Jabu Nkabinde and Monty Bogatsu. Offers some outdated advice on 'Aids', samples Snap's 'The Power' on 'Eastern Sector' and slows things down on the Color Me Badd-style 'A Girl For Me' and 'Love Might Last'.

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