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THE TEMBISA PILGRIMS - Isimanga (1985)

February 9, 2014, 11:19 pm
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Mike Fuller Music, FABL7000
Producer: Magnet Lasi Ntombela


These soulful isicathamiya grooves coming out of Joburg's East Rand represent a departure for the MFM label, more often associated with pop stars like Hotline/PJ Powers, The Rockets, Ali Katt, Zone 3 and early Rebecca Malope. Isimanga (miracle) is a great album though, similar but less polished than Grammy winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo who have dominated the genre for the past three decades.


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SMALL - Don't Leave Me In The Rain (1991)

February 13, 2014, 5:55 am
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Tusk, TUH23
Producer: Tata Sibeko
Engineer: Lee Short
Recorded at: RPM


New school act produced by Tata 'TNT' Sibeko (Shalom, Judi, Madlala Bros). Best tracks include the downtempo 'Melody Of Love' and 'Without You', while 'Let's Stop The Fire' calls for an end to the political violence that engulfed South Africa during the the early 90s. Featuring the likes of Thapelo Kgomo (Stimela) and Rogers Mvelase (Mordillo) on keys, guitarist Kenny Mathaba (Malopoets) and Nana 'Coyote' Motijoane on backing vocals.

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WILLIAM MTHETHWA and THE FAITH MISSION CHOIR - Satane Tloha Ho Nna (1990)

February 17, 2014, 6:12 am
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Midnight Beat, MBT226
Producer: William 'Mr Everything' Mthethwa
Engineer: George Vardis
Recorded at: TRS Studios

Mthethwa made his name as dynamic frontman during the 1980s. As bubblegum began to fade, 'Mr Everything' ventured into gospel as well as reggae and soccer-themed albums. He also helped launch the career of another Sotho soulman, Sox. Dedicated to Aubrey Bano Moloi of the Young Five, who passed away on New Years day that year, this gospel album ('Satan Leave Me Alone') is full of fresh synths and Mthethwa's powerful vocals.

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GABRIEL MAYA - To Me You Are Everything (1984)

February 20, 2014, 3:45 am
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Hope Records, 12HOP(C)107
Producer: Koloi Sabata Lebona
Engineer: Andre Herbst


Early 80s funk inspired by the likes of Kool & The Gang and Earth, Wind & Fire rather than any local influences - similar to Melvyn Matthews and Neville Nash. Both 'To Me You Are Everything' and 'Me Oh My' are catchy, uplifting disco tunes meant to take listeners far, far away from the realities of the day.

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MASIKE - Hooked On Your Love/I've Been Hurt (1985)

February 23, 2014, 5:24 am
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Rainbow/WEA, RADS318
Producer: Masike Mohapi
Engineer: J. Smit
Recorded at: Universal Studios



Former Harari frontman Funky Masike Mohapi went solo in the early 80s, releasing maxi singles like this before albums such as Back Forever (1988) and Hand To Mouth (1990). True to his name, this is funky, soulful stuff, the two tracks weighing in at seven minutes each, blending synth-heavy funk and Mohapi's classic rock influences. Co-written by Tata 'TNT' Sibeko.

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BAD BOYZ - Young Generation (1989)

February 26, 2014, 10:49 pm
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Orange, ORH004
Producer: Thabo
Engineer: Terry Meredith
Recorded at: The Sound Studio


Chicco-influenced disco beats with all kinds of new school influences, ranging from dancefloor-friendly pre-kwaito beats on 'Young Generation', 'Sponono' and 'Shahimo' ("Tata used to say: 'War is stupid'"), to Eurobeat synths and sensibilities on 'Let Get Up And Dance'. 'Maybe We an Try Again' is a dreary R&B ballad, while best track 'Englishman' slows down the synths over a reggae beat:

"I'm not an Englishman,
I'm an African man.
from Africa.
I'm not an Englishman,
I'm just a black guy from the ghetto"

Engineer Terry Meredith played guitar for Cinema, one of the biggest white pop acts of the 80s.

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SIMON MOLOI - January To December (1985)

March 3, 2014, 1:52 am
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Priority/WEA, PRYH3007
Producer: Jabu Moses Dlamini
Engineer: Graham Handley
Recorded at: Battery Mobile


Funky four-track album of fun, escapist bubblegum, without any shortage of distinctively local synth sounds. Despite being ahead of the pack, after this great album Moloi soon faded into obscurity. 

"This guy is a wonderful dancer
He can dance the night away.
I saw him at a party one night...
Shorty, Shorty, you can do it!
Shorty, Shorty, you are amazing!
You can dance to the disco music,
or you can dance to the reggae beat.
You can do the mbaqanga jive,
or you can dance to the brand new beat!"

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THE HARD WORKERS - Kae Kapa Kae (1988)

March 6, 2014, 3:29 am
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Mbali/RPM, RLLP043
Producer: Tom Mkhize
Engineers: David Moloele & Tom Mkhize
Recorded at: Orange 338


The Hard Workers had short-lived success with the pantsula-styled Kae Kapa Kae ('anywhere'). Produced by Tom Mkhize (Abangani, Uthando, Joe Silo, Igi Madeira) with keyboards by Sam Ndlovu and Linn drums by engineer David Moloele (Sox, Sky Jinx, Mafika, Zapp, Big Elephant).

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THE SUPER TENS - Umsebenzi (1990)

March 10, 2014, 6:56 am
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Soul Brothers, MCM1010
Producers: Maxwell 'China' Mngadi & Moses Ngwenya


Named after old ten-seater taxis from the 70s, the Super Tens' soulful, synth-heavy mbaqanga made them one of the most popular non-bubblegum acts of the 80s. Following albums such as Indod'iyakhuluma (1981), Umuzi Wempi (1982) and Qinisela (1984), Umsebenzi ('work') was released on the Soul Brothers label and produced by the influential mbaqanga outfit's guitarist Maxwell Mngadi (who also produced the likes of Ihashi Elimhlophe and Soul Fire) and keyboardist 'Black' Moses Ngwenya.

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PAT SHANGE - Undecided Divorce Case (198?)

March 13, 2014, 7:13 am
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Roy B/Dephon, RBL136
Producers: Rick Wolff & Pat Shange
Engineers: Richard Mitchell & Ralph Martin
Recorded at: EMI Powerhouse, Priority, RPM


Pat hit the right notes with his synthesized African grooves, danceable beats and clever lyrics to secure a loyal audience all over Africa. 'We're All The Same' sends a powerful anti-apartheid message, while 'Shayile' and 'African Lady' celebrate the good times. Other titles include 'The Payable Fine' and the hit 'Undecided Divorce Case'. 

"Special thanks to Ace Mbuyisa for his magic fingers on keyboards. Also I would like to take my hat off to the lovely ladies who sang with love - Stella Khumalo, Beulah Hashe, Deborah Fraser, Merilyn Nokwe and the late Jean Madubane (may you rest in peace)."

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EPHRAIM JOE AND SUNGURA BOYS - Pamusha Pano (1992)

March 18, 2014, 3:35 am
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Zim/Tusk, SUH1077
Producer: Bothwell Nyamhondera
Engineer: Willis Mbirimi
Recorded at: Shed Studios


Joe was a pioneering figure in Zimbabwe's music scene during the 1980s, spearheading the Sungura genre that ruled the airwaves, closely alongside the Chimurenga of Thomas Mapfumo and the Jit of the Bhundu Boys. He also helped to launch the career of stars like John Chibadura, System Tazvida and others. This Tusk release showcases Zimbabwean grooves at their hypnotic, inspiring best.

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MARGINO - Happy People (198?)

March 21, 2014, 6:00 am
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Roy B/Dephon/Gallo, RBL117
Producers: Attie van Wyk & Pikes Cronje
Engineer: Pikes Cronje
Recorded at: RPM Studios


Funky bubblegum grooves by Kim Kallie produced by the influential Attie van Wyk ("keyboards, synths, backing vocals and DMX drum machine"). Featuring guitarist Danny Bridgens (PT House, Children Of Africa, The Goolers) and a duet with Byron du Plessis (who incredibly went became frontman of American rock group Toto in 1990) on 'You'. Other tracks include the footloose 'You Turn Me On', 'You Need A Woman' and 'I'm Getting Out', as well as covers of Pure Energy's 'One Hot Night' (written by Curtis Hudson) and 'You' by Norwegian band Lava ft Randy Crawford. On other albums Margino also had huge hits with near identical renditions of 'Holiday' (made famous by Madonna) and Indeep's 'Last Night A DJ Saved My Life'.



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LIZ PASS - God Bless Africa (1989)

March 25, 2014, 6:00 am
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Password International, PWI001
Producer: Danny Antill
Recorded at: Decibel Studios


Beyond the evangelizing message are sophisticated productions by keyboard wiz Danny Antill (Sunset, Billy Paulson, Mara Louw - and still going strong as a solo artist) and powerful vocals from Ms Pass, who writes: 'I am a white African, born and raised in Zimbabwe, educated in the USA. I once had no hope, now God has given me hope. These songs express my heart-cry for Africa ... Only when we see Africa as God sees her will we know truth and peace." Showing off a variety of influences from jazz to pop. Best tracks 'God Bless Africa', 'I Believe in Africa', 'Alleluiah Amen' and 'Africa Is The Place' feature the 44-strong Sebokeng AFM Mass Choir.

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UMPHAHLEKA no NGQI - Inkunzi (198?)

March 28, 2014, 5:01 am
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Leopard/Hit City, LEO071
Producers: RF Gumbi & Alton Ngubane
Engineer: RF Gumbi
Recorded at: Platinum


Tight mbaqanga grooves by the duo of Buzizwe Mchunu (aka Mphahleka) and Mhlanganisi Malindela Mzila (Ngqi), backed and co-produced by Felani Gumbi (a popular synth session man and engineer, here on drums) and Alton Ngubane (producer of the Madlala Brothers).


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PERCY KAY - Don't Drink And Drive (1988)

April 1, 2014, 12:45 am
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Reamusic, RML(E)2018
Producer: Enoch Nondala
Engineer: Jan Smit


Following on from Come Down (1986) and Phehla (1987), this disc catches soul brother Percy Kay at his very best, with stinging synthwork on funky R&B-inspired grooves. Similar to the more successful Pat Shange, Kay's lyrics ranged from the domestic ('Cassanova', 'Love Affair') to more pressing social issues ('Don't Drink & Drive' and 'Final Notice').

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VIVA - Don't Turn Your Love Away (1985)

April 4, 2014, 2:10 am
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Jive Wire, SV0114
Producer: Kevin Mason
Engineer: Mike Durandt
Recorded at: Coastal Recording, Durban


Hi NRG-inspired synthpop from Durban's own Mike Durandt, it follows the tried and tested formula of potent synths and sultry, effeminate vocals over uptempo rhythms that conjure images of sweaty aerobics studios and suburban discos. It's either generic or timeless, depending on your memories of the era. Also released in Canada on Power Records.

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SACKEY - Ilala Vuka (1987)

April 8, 2014, 2:11 am
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Tusk, TUSB3002
Producer: Lawrence Goreoang
Engineer: Kevin Manas
Recorded at: 8th Avenue


Popular Potchefstroom soulman Sackey finds the sweet spot with his heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies on this follow-up to 1986's Hey-Tah-Dah. Here he writes, produces, sings and performs all instruments, with the exception of bass by George 'Nux' Mmolai and drum programming by Kevin Manas. The title track paints a picture of kasi nightlife ("Ufuna ukwazi igama lami"), while 'O S'ka Ikganisa' serves up funky dancefloor grooves. Elsewhere Sackey turns up the charm on 'Someone Like You', with the instrumental 'Leratong' showcasing his guitar skills over some smooth synth sounds.

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NIKI DALY - Whitey In Love (1989)

April 11, 2014, 2:13 am
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Sea/Tusk, SEK103
Producer: Murray Anderson
Recorded at: UCA. Cape Town


Daly had a hit with 'Is It An Ism or Is It Art?' from the 1984 album Living In The Suburbs, perhaps the best example of his inimitable style rooted in international trends but injected with local sensibilities and neuroses. Whitey In Love is full of more eccentric, witty, intelligent pop, driven by Daly's keyboard riffs and oddball lyricism - with notable glam and new wave influences (think Roxy Music, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Devo and Gary Numan). Songs address the absurdities of life under apartheid, best on tracks like 'Sunny S Africa', 'Turn Off Your Radio' and 'Be Bop Traffic Cop', with lyrics like:

"Well it's hot in the city,
It's so hot in the city.
We've got boys on the border,
and the girls are so pretty.
Everything's under control,
it's just a little hot in the city
Something is burning,
it must be Louis wearing out his tyres,
and the ethnic sound, 
coming out of the ground..."

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LADY THULI - I'm Gonna Make It (1989)

April 15, 2014, 12:27 am
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On Record, ONH110
Producer: Edward Jordan (exec: Ronnie Robot)
Engineer: Si Higgins


One half of popular duo Tools & Figs, alongside Mafika. Together they were a central part of the On Record stable's distinctive sound, which incorporated new school influences and studio sounds. On this precursor to 1990's Living In Africa, titles include 'Ngifuna Indoda' (I Need A Man), 'I'm Gonna Make It' (including a bass-synth heavy house mix) and the politically charged 'I Don't Understand': 

"I don't understand the fighting,
I don't understand,
the reason for all the pain,
I don't understand, 
why we can't live together,
I'm standing and crying in the rain..."

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SLIPSTREAM - Cruisin' (1987)

April 18, 2014, 4:10 am
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Reamusic, RML(V)2014
Producer: Keith Hutchinson
Engineer: Scotty Scott


Smooth jazz meets synth-funk for this innovative take on the bubblegum sound. Unfortunately the instrumental sax groove hasn't aged so well - it's cheesy and dated, but still boasts some super funky basslines and stinging synth riffs, derivate of American jazz funk (like The Crusaders, or early Jonathan Butler) with limited local influences on 'TJ'.

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