KATLEHONG CHOIR - N'kosi ya Makosi (1986)

April 22, 2014, 1:45 am

≫ Next: ROOP.C - Top Top (1989)

≪ Previous: SLIPSTREAM - Cruisin' (1987)

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Racey/Orange338, RACES301-12"

Producers: PH Phaake, C Sejeng & E Nkosi

Engineer: Marks Mankwane

Funky gospel grooves from Joburg's East Rand, with a vintage bubblegum feel. The B-Side instrumental does away with the religious message to let the synths shine through. Co-produced by PH Phaake (also behind hitmaker Kelly Chauke) and Charles Sjeng (Q-Tex), while engineer Marks Mankwane is a legend in his own right, most notably backing Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens.

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ROOP.C - Top Top (1989)

April 24, 2014, 11:58 pm

≫ Next: IZINKANYAMBA - Uqondeni (1988)

≪ Previous: KATLEHONG CHOIR - N'kosi ya Makosi (1986)

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Gallo, HUC40194

Producers: Alec Khaoli & Colin Smith

Engineer: Colin Smith

Classic late-80s release showing Mzansi's new love for the dancefloor grooves that became kwaito and house. "Long before we knew deejays could also release their own music, in 1985 Maropeng Mahune, a nightclub deejay at Easy By Nite in the East Rand (Ekurhuleni) released a single titled Sexy Girl using the name Ruby Roepsie. It was composed, produced and arranged by the CCP powerful production team of Tom Vuma and Selwyn Shandel on the King Records label. His follow-up was Top Top (1989), a mini album co-produced by Alec Khaoli and Colin Smith who also engineered it. Using the name Roop C, Mahune released it on the GalloGRC label" (Mojapelo, 2008:168).

IZINKANYAMBA - Uqondeni (1988)

April 29, 2014, 1:30 am

≫ Next: BREEZE - Love Seeker (1989)

≪ Previous: ROOP.C - Top Top (1989)

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CCP/EMI, YELP(O)4063801

Producer: SM Khoza

Engineer: Graham Handley

Recorded at: Sweet Sixteen

Classy mbaqanga driven alternatively by potent synths and timeless saxophones reminiscent of the old days of marabi and sax jive. The group seemingly took its name from the Inkanyamba, a mythical serpent said to lurk inside a waterfall in rural Kwazulu or the nearby Eastern Cape. Their music is a little less ominous though - slick, upbeat Zulu grooves. Tracks include 'Nineteen Eighty Nine' and 'Phansi Imikhonto' (Down Spears).

BREEZE - Love Seeker (1989)

May 2, 2014, 9:19 am

≫ Next: PLATFORM 1 - Isencane (1990)

≪ Previous: IZINKANYAMBA - Uqondeni (1988)

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Music Team/Roi, TTK802

Producer: Phil Audoire (exec: Mannie Tulsie)

Engineers: David Moloele & Phil Audoire

Recorded at: Orange 338, Jhb

Long-lost bubblegum classic by a cast of unknowns: Peter Masilela and Robert Manasoe on keyboards, Stevens Madiba on bass and Bennet Mdluli on vocals. It's a raw, inspired, super-funky synth workout along the lines of Sky Jinx or BTR5, with some hints at the pre-kwaito pantsula sound on 'O Seke Wa'.

PLATFORM 1 - Isencane (1990)

May 7, 2014, 3:08 am

≫ Next: THEKWANE AND THE SOUND BROTHERS - Ka Thlahetswe Ke Mehlolo (1983)

≪ Previous: BREEZE - Love Seeker (1989)

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KGM/Sounds of Soweto, KGM502

Producers: Freddy Gwala & Quinton Madlala

Engineer: Graham Handley

Recorded at: Sweet Sixteen

With gospel proving hugely popular since the late 80s, Platform 1 carved a special niche for themselves by focussing on always-in-demand wedding songs. The group emerged when Pure Gold joined forces in 1989 with Senior Gospel Choir and lead vocalist Nani Ntengo. Based in Mzimhlophe, Soweto, they put out their debut album Isencane the following year. It's righteous, joyous music fueled by a keyboard triple threat of Freddy Gwala, Quinton Madlala and Vukuzenzele Mbele.

The album proved a massive hit and set the tone for countless albums since then, all reportedly selling over 25 000 copies. Recent releases include Asesabi Lutho (2004), Ngiphenduke Kanjani (2005) and Woval'emnyango (2009). They remain a popular fixture in Southern Africa, having toured Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Zambia, as well as all over the UK. They're still going strong, now down to a trio, with Freddy Gwala still at the helm. Notable names to have worked with the act include Blonde Makhene, Mandla 'Spikiri' Mofokeng (MM Deluxe) and Zane 'Mahoota' Zibika. Gwala remains a popular solo performer, particularly in Zimbabwe.

THEKWANE AND THE SOUND BROTHERS - Ka Thlahetswe Ke Mehlolo (1983)

May 9, 2014, 2:50 am

≫ Next: SUNSHINE SINGERS - Sithethelele (1986)

≪ Previous: PLATFORM 1 - Isencane (1990)

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Muziwakithi/GRC, MZK607

Producer: Banzi Kubheka

Engineer: Keith Forsyth

Pre-bubblegum Sotho soul heavily influenced by the late 70s Sotho soul king Mpharanyana and his backing band The Cannibals (who went on to become Stimela), with a distinctive mbaqanga groove usually reserved for Zulu lyricists. The title (more correctly 'Ke hlahetswe ke mehlolo') means something like 'I have experienced spells of bad luck'. Produced by Banzi Kubheka (Banjo, Vibe Talk).

SUNSHINE SINGERS - Sithethelele (1986)

May 12, 2014, 11:44 pm

≫ Next: JULIAN LAXTON - Sithethelele (1986)

≪ Previous: THEKWANE AND THE SOUND BROTHERS - Ka Thlahetswe Ke Mehlolo (1983)

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On Record, ONH002

Producer: Charles Sejeng, Ernest Nkosi & Julian Laxton 
(exec: Ronnie Robot)

Engineer: Bobby Summerfield

Recorded at: Minc Studio

Early release from the On Record stable and one of the first attempts at the pop-gospel sound that soon became hugely successful thanks to Pure Magic, Rebecca Malope and Platform 1. Co-composers/ producers Charles Sejeng and Ernest Nkosi also worked on the similarly styled Katlehong Choir that year, while Julian Laxton re-released his own instrumental version of Sithethelele ('We Forgive') around the same time. Engineer Bobby Summerfield was a young DJ and engineer recently recruited by Hilton Rosenthal to his Minc Studio, best known for Johnny Clegg and Paul Simon's Graceland. Summerfield soon moved to LA, where he found international success.

JULIAN LAXTON - Sithethelele (1986)

May 16, 2014, 3:08 am

≫ Next: RONNIE JOYCE - For The First Time (1984)

≪ Previous: SUNSHINE SINGERS - Sithethelele (1986)

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On Record, ONH003

Producer: Julian Laxton (exec: Ronnie Robot)

Engineer: Bobby Summerfield

Composers: Sejeng, Nkosi & Laxton

An influential figure on the rock scene since the late 60s, Laxton played guitar in seminal bands like Freedom's Children and Hawk, produced acts like Suck, Rabbit, Otis Waygood, Mango Groove and Margaret Singana, fronted his own Julian Laxton Band, and subsequently made a name for himself in the world of TV and radio advertising jingles and film scores (more here). His considerable clout no doubt led to his being able to remix one of his co-productions, The Sunshine Singers, and re-release under his own name as an instrumental album, the end result giving stalwarts like Rex Rabanye and Black Moses a run for their money.

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RONNIE JOYCE - For The First Time (1984)

May 20, 2014, 2:41 am

≫ Next: SLAVES - Talkin' Reggae (1992)

≪ Previous: JULIAN LAXTON - Sithethelele (1986)

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Smash, XMAS859

Producers: Emil Zoghby & John Galanakis

A child star from the Cape Town fishing village of Kalk Bay, Ronnie Joyce was approached at age 14 by Clive Calder and Ralph Simon (a few years before moving to the UK and establish the legendary Zomba/Jive empire) to open for Richard Jon Smith. In 1975 he teamed up with a young Jonathan Butler to record It Takes Two, also scoring an international release with 'Give A Little Love', produced by Calder. 

By the 80s he had shed the child star image (and the 'Little Ronny Joyce' moniker). This solo 2-track maxi, '(I'm Crying) What Went Wrong With Us' is a good example of bubblegum's crossover roots - it's American disco-soul injected with a driving mbaqanga bassline, thanks to songwriting shared by Emil Zoghby, John Galanakis (Banjo, Pure Gold) and N Mathebula. 'For The First Time' (penned by Zoghby alone) is a fairly insipid ballad lacking local flavour or funky hook. Around the same time, Joyce was roped into fronting The Rockets in their prime - including a memorable performace at the Concert in the Park in Joburg in 1985. 

Sadly this great talent was never able to recreate the fame he found in the 70s. He faded into obscurity in the 90s, trying his hand at gospel. In 2012 he was invited to perform alongside his old sidekick Jonathan Butler, for the first time in some 30 years (also with Lionel Peterson). He passed away soon after this gig, however, after a long illness. What would have happened if Joyce had accompanied Butler and Calder out of apartheid South Africa?

SLAVES - Talkin' Reggae (1992)

May 23, 2014, 11:46 pm

≫ Next: MONWA & SUN - Majekeje Basoba (1988)

≪ Previous: RONNIE JOYCE - For The First Time (1984)

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Gallo, HUL40286

Producer: Richard Siluma

Engineer: Dave Segal

Recorded at: Downtown Studios, Jhb

"Lucky Dube's band Slaves was named after his 1987 album of the same name. They released their debut album Kneel Down in 1990, produced by Richard Siluma and engineered by Dave Segal. The line-up of the gorup was Thuthukani Cele (lead vocals, keyboards), Eugene Mthethwa (keyboards), Chris Ntaka (guitar), Jabu Sibumbe (bass), Vuli Yeni (tenor sax/vocals), Jabu Mdluli (trombone), Ray Mohono (drums), Ndumiso Nyovane (trumpet/flugelhorn/vocals), Chris Dlamini (timbales, congas and ukamba, After Lucky Dube's departure the band renamed itself One People Band. By 2008 the band was rehearsing for another reggae legend, Eddy Grant's  three-year tour dubbed 'The Eddy Grant Reparation Tour'." (Mojapelo, 2008:161). One People is still going strong under Cele, and in 2013 released a new album, Spirit of Reggae.

MONWA & SUN - Majekeje Basoba (1988)

May 27, 2014, 6:47 am

≫ Next: JOY - High Life (1981)

≪ Previous: SLAVES - Talkin' Reggae (1992)

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Cool Spot, SPOT(V)001

Producer: Mally Watson (exec: Ken Haycock)

Engineer: Mally Watson

Landmark debut album that established new independent label Cool Spot as a force to be reckoned with and helped carve the new post-bubbegum pantsula sound. 'Orlando Hangover' remains much loved today, even before the wildly popular 2012 remake by DJ Vetkuk vs Mahoota ft Dr Malinga, 'Via Orlando', which failed to credit the Yekani as the source, raising the ire of many (more here).

"The Monwa and Sun duo was formed when Monwabisi Dennis Yekani met Poth Nkotsoe....Monwabisi has been in music for a some time already and with the younger Poth they made a formiddable team that released their debut album Majekejeke on the Cool Spot label" (Mojapelo, 2008:168). The duo followed this up with Tigers Don't Cry before embarking on solo careers.

JOY - High Life (1981)

May 30, 2014, 10:00 am

≫ Next: FACE TO FACE - Face To Face (1984)

≪ Previous: MONWA & SUN - Majekeje Basoba (1988)

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RPM, PVBL9002

Producers: Patric van Blerk, Fransua Roos & Greg Cutler

Engineer: Greg Cutler

Recorded at: RPM Studios

Made up of the late Anneline Malebo, Felicia Marion and Thoka Ndlozi, Joy pre-empted the bubblegum era with their commercially appealing sound and image, crafted by producer Patric van Blerk (Victory, Margaret Singana), one of the first to forge a multiracial crossover sound influenced by American soul and R&B. As South Africa's answer to the Supremes, Joy supported touring acts like Lamont Dozier, Clarence Carter, Dobie Gray and Leo Sayer. They were undoubtedly best known for the massive crossover hit 'Paradise Road' in 1980, which helped them earn two Saries Awards for Best Vocal Group and Best English LP of the Year in 1980 (a landmark moment in the ethnically divided industry) and even led to a tour of the UK. High Life followed in 1981, but lacked a hit to take the trio further. They broke up in 1983, the year that Brenda Fassie, who had once filled in for Malebo in the Joy line-up, ushered in the bubblegum era with 'Weekend Special'. Although their sound was less fresh and funky that the bubblegum acts that followed in the footsteps, Joy's contribution to the local industry should never be forgotten.

FACE TO FACE - Face To Face (1984)

June 6, 2014, 12:07 am

≫ Next: MATSHIKOS - Innocent Man (1992)

≪ Previous: JOY - High Life (1981)

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RPM, RPM1200

Producer: Kevin Kruger

Engineer: Richard Mitchell

Recorded at: RPM Studios

For white music fans starved of international live acts during the 80s, Face To Face burst onto the scene as teenage saviours, a band that could at last replace the fanatical, teeny-bopper appeal of the 70s predecessors Rabbitt. Slammed by many as Duran Duran clones, they nevertheless met the rampant local demand for boys with tight pants, big hair, eyeliner and well-crafted pop songs such as the hits 'Here We Are' and 'Night Of The Long Knives'. But fame came too quickly and the band broke up before they could complete their second album, around the time of their performance at the Concert In The Park. Drummer Jarrod Aston went on to find the most success, fronting the similarly-styled Cinema who had a string of number 1s in the second half of the 80s, including a hit in Japan with 'Strangers Again'. Keyboardist Simon le Fevre and guitarist Keith MacFarlane formed Seven in the UK.

 

MATSHIKOS - Innocent Man (1992)

June 10, 2014, 12:03 am

≫ Next: DR VICTOR - Hello Africa (1991)

≪ Previous: FACE TO FACE - Face To Face (1984)

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Gallo, HUL40287

Producer: Dan Tshanda

Engineer: Dave Segal

Recorded at: Downtown Studios, Jhb

Besides fronting the big-selling bubblegum outfit Splash, "The Boss" Dan Tshanda was a prolific producer and arranger for related projects like Dalom Kids, Patricia Majalisa and Matshikos. Together they defined a new subgenre, dubbed Splash music, on Tshanda's Dalom label, which is still going strong. Here the duo put out a new school take on Splash's 80s hits, fuelled by an array of synthesizers and call-and-response vocals. This was there second album, after The Park Is Mine and captures the spirit of changes spreading over the country, on titles like 'No More Oppression' and 'God Bless Our Country'. Subsequent albums included Victory (1993), Peace In The World and Who's Gonna Change This World.

DR VICTOR - Hello Africa (1991)

June 13, 2014, 12:06 am

≫ Next: STEM NET - Ja/Nee (1992)

≪ Previous: MATSHIKOS - Innocent Man (1992)

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CSR, ENL3

Producers: Chris Ghelakis & Marvin W. Moses

Engineers: Chris Ghelakis & Marvin W. Moses

Recorded at: TRS Music Studios

Victor Khojane first emerged came from Kimberley to Joburg in the early 80 with his band CC Beat. Later renamed Taxi, they served as the in-house band for the Dephon stable and also released a string of synth-fuelled bubblegum albums. In the 90s he teamed up with teamed up with nightclub owner Chris Ghelakis, one of the pioneers of the new school sound that bridged bubblegum and kwaito. He also got into reggae, at first recording covers such as Eddie Grant's 'Give Me Hope Jo'Anna' and dubbing himself 'The Microphone Doctor'. Here he covers Dr Alban's 1990 hit 'Hello Africa', a song they they re-recorded together in 2010. Featuring keyboards and programming by Marvin Moses, with backing vocals by the Syndicate Sisters. Dr Victor & The Rasta Rebels were one the biggest names of the 90s, opening for touring acts like Tina Turner, Janet Jackson and Gloria Estefan.

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STEM NET - Ja/Nee (1992)

June 16, 2014, 11:55 pm

≫ Next: JOSEPH DEE - Ikhethele / Choose For Yourself (1986)

≪ Previous: DR VICTOR - Hello Africa (1991)

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Music Team/DongaDONGA(U)101

Producers: Nico Carstens & Fred Woods

As apartheid came to a close, in March 1992 a referendum was held among white voters to gauge their support for the reforms and negotiations already underway between President FW de Klerk and the recently unbanned struggle movement. Musicians got involved in this process, including Afrikaans stalwart Nico Carstens and new school producer Fred Woods (best known as part of the On Record stable during the 80s with acts such as Hanz, Tools & Figs and Sugar & Spice). Interestingly this release didn't necessarily encourage voters to choose in favour of democracy, but rather pushed them to 'stem net' (just vote). In the end the 'Yes' vote won with nearly 70%, giving De Klerk and co the public mandate from whites to end apartheid once and for all. 

JOSEPH DEE - Ikhethele / Choose For Yourself (1986)

June 20, 2014, 12:41 am

≫ Next: HARAMBE - Nweti Yi Herile (1986)

≪ Previous: STEM NET - Ja/Nee (1992)

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Teal Sound, XPD2471

Producer: Joseph Makwela

Engineer: Phil Nel

Joseph Dumako made his name leading the prolific Holy Spirits Choir and the Forever Mass Choir, where he helped fuse gospel's call-and-response vocals with bubblegum's frantic synths. Solo he put out a string of potent keyboard instrumental albums. The title track here borrows the melody of the then-banned anthem 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrica', which Dumako recorded in full on his 1989 solo album Lover's Wedding. Later albums include Spiffy Diffyand Tigers Don't Cry. An underrated legend of South African gospel, he passed away in 2011.

HARAMBE - Nweti Yi Herile (1986)

June 24, 2014, 12:38 am

≫ Next: KHUMO - Rejoice & Party (1991)

≪ Previous: JOSEPH DEE - Ikhethele / Choose For Yourself (1986)

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Umhlanga, UMM005

Producers: Rev. Joseph Tshawane & Cloud King

Funky bubblegum grooves packed full of synths. Sadly this obscure four-track album slipped below the radar, probably due to it being in Tsonga, although one of the tracks, 'Sunshine Lady', is in English. The Reverend Joseph Tshawane went on in 1987 to open the King-Luthuli Transformation Centre in central Joburg and dedicated his time to education.

KHUMO - Rejoice & Party (1991)

June 27, 2014, 12:25 am

≫ Next: DAVID CHANKE - Xhimovana (1988)

≪ Previous: HARAMBE - Nweti Yi Herile (1986)

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BK/Tusk, BKH6004

Producers: G. Nzuza & L Masitha

Engineers: Meir Eshel, Graham & Andriaan

Recorded at: Miditone

Cool 90s grooves from Bethuel 'Khumo' Maseko, produced by Godfrey Nzuza, the man who behind the synth-heavy MFM sound of Ali Katt, Casino, Zone 3 and others. Featuring backing vocals from the likes of Suthukazi Arosi (Oshakati), Deborah Fraser and Donovan Knox. The title track captures the optimism that defined the transition to democracy. "To all my fans, I look forward to meeting you during my live shows this summer. Meantime!! Have a nice party - Just Boogie"

DAVID CHANKE - Xhimovana (1988)

June 30, 2014, 11:54 pm

≫ Next: ROBIN AULD - Z-Astaire (1984)

≪ Previous: KHUMO - Rejoice & Party (1991)

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SKR/Priority, SRH9003

Producer: Dan Ntanzi

Engineer: J Vermeulen

Recorded at: Audiotrax 
   

More obscure bubblegum grooves, split between Shangaan tracks on side 1 and Zulu on side 2 (something seldom permitted by state censors until the late 80s). Stinging synthesizers, upbeat dance rhythms and urgent call-and-response vocals from the ladies make this album yet another long-forgotten winner.