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SPECIAL CANE MAHLELEBE - Something On My Mind (1985)

October 10, 2014, 12:08 am
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Hope, HOPE(E)112
Producers: Koloi Lebona, Monty Bogatsu & Japie Lebona
Engineer: Fabrizio Grosso


"Also produced by Sabata (Lebona) was former deejay, Special Cane Mahlelebe from the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. The young man had earned the nickname 'Special Cane' or 'Speshu' from his flexibility in breakdancing, a craze that swept the country (originally from the slums of Bronx and Harem in the States). Unfortunately, in 1986 a car accident on the way from Roma University cut short young Speshu's life at age of 24 before he reaped the benefits of his first album cut in 1985." (Mojapelo, 2008:17).

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MINEBELT - Jealous (1988)

October 14, 2014, 7:26 am
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Teal Trutone, KVL5081
Producer: Peter Moticoe
Engineer: Humphrey Mabote


Funky disco grooves produced and composed by the prolific Peter 'Hitman' Moticoe (The Ghetto, Tom Dollar, Joy White, William Mthethwa, Brenda Fassie). Featuring lead guitarist Benjamin Nhassavele (later became part of the sucessful stage musical Umoja), drummer Godfrey Mgcina (Ymage, Hugh Masekela), keyboardist Joey Mabe (Mahlathini & Mahotella Queens) and backing vocals by the likes of Khanyisile Sibiya (Sweet Desire) and Ntombifuthi Mabaso (Hot Soul Singers).

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KATIE PENNINGTON - Look What God Is Doing (1989)

October 17, 2014, 12:03 am
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Maranatha, MAR048
Producers: Danny Antill & Lukie Carelson
Engineer: Andre Groenewold
Recorded at: Maranatha


An American-born gospel singer who made an impact on the pop scene with her powerful vocals, most famously by featuring on the Stimela hit 'Where Did We Go Wrong', Pennington as a solo artist here delivers sugary gospel pop, with synths by Danny Antill (Sunset, Patience Africa, Liz Pass, Billy Paulson). "Although I was born, raised and educated in the United States, I have had a mission call to Africa since the day I asked Jesus into my life at age five. It has been my privilege to live and minister along with my husband Leif in this country of OURS for the last five years. Africa my home too!"

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BYRON - Byron (1990)

October 21, 2014, 1:41 am
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David Gresham, DGR1167
Producer: John Capek


Byron (aka Jean-Michel Byron, aka Byron du Plessis) is a singer from East London who miraculously found himself fronting US rock band Toto in 1990 for their 'Past To Present' compilation, including four new songs for which he shared song-writing credit. In his brief stint with the band he gained notoriety for "diva-like" behaviour, infuriating the band's founding members and fans alike. He was quickly booted from the band and in an effort to redeem himself recorded this solo six-track album, retaining his only moderate hit with Toto, the power ballad 'Love Has The Power', as well as the original version's producer, John Capek. Byron shows his African roots on two other tracks, 'Sangoma' and 'Plaything', which go a long way to redeeming his image and this album. Interestingly the experience inspired Capek enough to record his debut solo album 'Indaba' in South Africa, released in 1991. Byron remains based in Los Angeles and in mid-2014 began recording a new album in Italy.

According to the accompanying press release from David Gresham Records, "Byron combines the best of pop, rock and ethnic elements creating an album of classy sophistication. 'Byron' is a superb local offering... a clear indication of the talent in South Africa."


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THE CHALLENGERS - Lendawo Ingcwele (198?)

October 23, 2014, 2:24 am
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Midnight Beat/Dephon, MBT208
Producer: Simon Ngwenya
Engineer: Phil Audoire
Recorded at: Orange 338


The Challengers were a popular Zulu gospel group not afraid of a synth or two, as the cover of this album (translated at "this holy place") suggests - partly no doubt due to the influence of producer and co-arranger Simon Ngwenya (Indod'engaziwa, Abakhwenyana). Altogether The Challengers released some 20 albums over the years. The key figure behind the group was Thokoza Msomi, who later established groups like iThemba Lama Khatholika (since 2001) and oMama be Nqaba yamaKhatholika. 

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MAKAOTA AKALAME - Tau Ea Thaba No. 2 (1987)

October 27, 2014, 10:40 pm
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CCP/EMI, RG(O)4051981
Producer: SM Khoza
Engineer: Graham Handley


Vintage Sotho grooves driven by upbeat rhythms, frantic accordian melodies and soaring vocals, still the hallmarks today of the Mountain Kingdom's perenially popular famo sound.

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SUKAZI MKHIZE - Sukazi Mkhize Namadube (1991)

October 31, 2014, 12:17 am
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Gaza/Sounds of SowetoGAZA(K)005
Producer: Buss Ngcobo
Engineers: Nevil Fox/Dean Haskins
Recorded at: The Note Factory


Deep maskandi grooves by one Elliot Sukazi Mkhize, in the mould of Ihashi Elimhlophe, Phuzekhemisi and many others. Inspired in part by the zebra, as the cover art and title ('and the zebras') suggest.

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LORRAINE STAPLE - Here I Come (Sizolala La) (1986)

November 4, 2014, 7:56 am
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Gallo/GRC, HUL40098
Producer: Richard Siluma
Engineer: David Segal
Recorded by: RPM Studios


Soulful grooves with the unmistakeable Stimela influence courtesy of a backing band of Ray Phiri, Thapelo Khomo, Felani Gumbi and Nana 'Coyote' Motijoane (Lorraine writes: "Nana, with your raunchy voice and arrangements you have made this album into something special"). Produced and engineered by Richard Siluma and David Segal, the same duo behind Lucky Dube and Stimela. Siluma takes care of Roland 707 and Yamaha DX7, with Tim Kraft on Linn 9000. This was her second full-length album, after the debut single 'On The Road Again/Let The Music Move Me' (1984) and the album You Belong to Me (1985). In 1986 Staple also recorded 'Together We'll Make It', a duet with Lucky Dube, which featured in the SABC's First National Song Festival.

"Lorraine Staple's solo career was Lloyd Lelosa's dream. Her real name was Lorraine Sibisi... Her music was the alternative of the time to Disco music. She had a mellow voice and her style of singing reminded one of Mavis Staples of the Staple Singers" (Mojapelo, 2008: 106-107).

Writes Siluma in the cover notes: "Lorraine Staple releases this album for her fans, in the hope that this is what they have been waiting for. Her message is: If you are tired of hearing daily disco music, this is the kind of music to listen to. Sit down, stretch your legs, relax and let Lorraine make you "Feel the Fire" in her music. We hope you enjoy this album."

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RUFARO - Rufaro (1987)

November 10, 2014, 2:54 am
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Challenger/Mac-Villa, CHM073-12"
Producer: Sidwell Duda
Engineers: Sam Wingate & Lee Short
Recorded by: RPM 


Top-quality disco grooves from a tight, full band along the lines of Zasha and with the Afro-rock influence of Harari. "Moses (Mahlangu, bass), Shadrack (Rameya, keyboards) and Joseph (Mngoma, drums) started as session musicians, playing in various studios in Johannesburg. Having backing numerous groups we decided to look for additional musicians and to record our own material. We met Ephraim (Hlope, keyboards) who playing keyboards for the now defunct Cannibals. He injected new life into the band and assisted us with our compositions. Together with our producer, Sidwell Duda, we auditioned several vocalists until we discovered Eric (Mmusi) who used to work with Cheek To Cheek and Sparks. After a few weeks of rehearsals we went into the studio for our first maxi-single 'The Mighty Birds'. For the backing vocals we used the powerful new trio Elegance."

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HARRY MOYAGA - Jonaaas (1987)

November 12, 2014, 11:06 pm
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Mabob City/CCP, MMB(O)4061621
Producers: Rex Rabanye & Harry Moyaga
Engineer: Marks Mankwane
Recorded by: Emcee Studios

Moyaga has been a respected musician and visual artist for many years, including during the 80s with the Medu Art Ensemble in Botswana, and more recently fronting the Harry Moyaga Band in the UK. Here he delivers upbeat saxophone and flute instrumentals over some fairly experimental programming courtesy of co-producer, keyboard legend Rex Rabanye. Engineered by the legendary Marks Mankwane (a key figure in the Makgona Tsohle Band that backed Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens). "Dedicated to the Mothers, Fathers, Daughters and Sons of Southern Africa".

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UMSALOFU NAMAVIZITHA - Washonaphi Ubaba (1986)

November 18, 2014, 2:48 am
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Daylight Beat/CCP, DB(A)4051511
Producer: Simon Ngwenya
Engineer: Jan Smit
Recorded by: EMI Studios


Superior quality traditional Zulu grooves courtesy of producer Simon Ngwenya (Indod'engaziwa, Abakhwenyana) who throws in some experimental synths and samples to spice up the traditional guitar-driven maskandi sound. There's even a rare English track, 'Hello Lavi', with its catchy refrain, "I want to see you tonight".

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THE YOUNG STARS - Gold Dust (1989)

November 21, 2014, 11:20 am
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Umkhonto, KHON1024
Producer: D. Sihlangu
Engineer: R. Sletcher
Recorded by: Gateway Studio


Fresh instrumental fusion of programmed beats, synths and sax jive sounds, with titles like 'Party Time' and 'Lets All Dance'. According to the duo, "We would like to thank those who encouraged us, especially Christinah K. Bogopane who spent a lot of time with us, and to thank Mr Santos James Ramatlhape. We won't forget our parents Mr and Mrs Ramatlhape and Mr and Mrs Pilane for praying and wishing us the best. The best of everything not forgetting our creator, the Lord Almighty God."

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RONNIE MARTIN - Don't Mess Around (1985)

November 26, 2014, 2:03 am
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Rufaro/Gallo/GRC, XRU118
Producer: Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse
Engineer:Phil Audoire
Recorded by: Ovation


Produced by Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse in his post-Harari prime, 'Don't Mess Around' is typical early bubblegum - innocent subject matter, repetitive English lyrics ("Don't mess around with a good thing..."), strong American R&B influence and a mid-tempo groove laid down real musicians, here led by some impressive guitar work. The B-side 're-mix' is more of a dub version and hardly deviates from the original.

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LAPPASIDE - Colourblind Fever (1987)

December 2, 2014, 12:34 am
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Teal, XPD2472
Producer: Potatoes Zuma


Unknown early crossover effort by L Joubert and SG Mbatha, evidence that the crossover trend that defied apartheid ran far deeper than the big names typically associated with it, like Savuka, Hotline and Zia.

"Hey sister, let's stand together,
this game called life is forever...
We live and love together,
we've got colourblind, colourblind fever"

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JOYCE - Fantasy (1988)

December 8, 2014, 5:22 am
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RPM, RPM7127
Producer: Peter Moticoe
Engineer:Humphrey Mabote
Recorded by: RPM Studios


Funky Shangaan disco produced by the prolific Peter "Hitman" Moticoe (Tom Dollar, Joy White, The Ghetto), featuring two English songs - the title track and 'The Other Side of Me'. Powerful vocals and stinging synths, but nothing really catchy enough to set it apart from the rest. 

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RICHARD JON SMITH - Shangrila (1980)

December 15, 2014, 6:44 am
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Bullet/CCP/EMI Brigadiers, BU(L)571
Producer: Robert Schroder
Engineer: Ian Martin


Smith was an influential and popular figure since the 1970s with albums such as Sweet Mama (1973), Superstar Smith (1974) and Michael Row The Boat (1979), featuring one of his most popular hits, 'Michael Row The Boat Ashore'. Born in Cape Town, Smith scored seven top 20 hits in South Africa between 1973 and 1980, earning the nickname 'Mr Knockout'. With the guidance of producer Clive Calder and Ralph Simon he led the way for other 'coloured' stars, such as Jonathan Butler, Ronnie Joyce and others. In the early 1980s Smith left South Africa to join Calder and Simon in exile in the UK, during the earliest days of their Jive/Zomba empire. He provided backing vocals to Tight Fit's chart-topping 1982 version of 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' and reached number 63 on the UK charts with the disco-funk hit 'She's the Master of the Game' from his eponymous 1983 album. 

Despite being overshadowed by his former protege, Butler, Smith continued to release albums to some international acclaim, such as You And Me (1984) and Africa (1988). Though much of his early work sounds decidedly unfunky these days, Smith was a notable musical pioneer, one of the first to fuse conscious, politically relevant lyrics to American-inspired disco sounds and even reggae. For example on Shangrila, the title track deals with the still-burning issue of forced removals, with lyrics dwelling on "The sound of bulldozers tearing away at our hearts..."









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BONNY- Have A 'Bonny' Christmas (1984)

December 22, 2014, 3:39 am
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Tru Sound, TSL800
Producers: Issy Nathan & Nick Blignaut
Engineer: Doug van der Merwe


Bonny van der Merwe's mellow synth take on all your timeless Christmas favourites, with instrumentals of 'Silent Night', 'Little Drummer Boy', 'Come All Ye Faithful', 'Jingle Bells', 'Amazing Grace', etc. The festive cover art is enough of a reason to buy this album, but surprisingly the tracks are smooth enough to keep you coming back to this every year. This album was followed in 1986 by 'And I Love You So', a collection of popular medleys.

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VA - Give Praise Where Praise is Deserved (1985)

December 29, 2014, 6:25 am
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Plum, Teal, KVL5013
Producer: Sipho Gumede & Ray Phiri (exec: Charmaine Modjadji)
Engineer: Richard Mitchell
Recorded at: RPM Studios


The mid-1980s represents the apex of state-sponsored repression in South Africa and a turning point in musicians' role in the struggle for democracy. International pressure on the nationalist regime was mounting too, particularly Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. Two of South Africa's most gifted musicians, Ray Phiri (Stimela, The Cannibals, Kumasi, Paul Simon's Graceland) and Sipho Gumede (Sakhile, The Boogie Man, Jika) gathered other top South African artists, including Lionel Peterson, Mara Louw, Lloyd Lelosa (Stimela), Nana 'Coyote' Motijoane and Katie Pennington to record this album in recognition of Tutu’s achievements and to raise funds for the African Bursary Fund.


The project was helmed by Charmaine Modjadji, a former Soweto beauty queen who spent much of apartheid exiled in the US before returning to South Africa to emerge as a prominent businesswomen and restaurateur. According to her liner notes, "This album is to raise funds for the African Bursary Fund so a smooching kiss to Richard Mitchell for his engineering, Sipho Gumede, Ray Phiri, Charlie Ndlovu and Lloyd Lelosa without whose musical genii this album would not have been possible. May God bless you in you music careers. I love you all. Thanks to all those lovely people who will feel good about this project. The ever living spirit is never without resources."

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LINGANISA NABAFANA BEJUBANE - Umakoti (1989)

January 5, 2015, 11:21 am
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Soul Brothers, MXH7
Producer: David Masondo
Engineer: Fernando Perdigao & RF Gumbi


The Soul Brothers label is synonymous with the enduring quality of the band it's named after, and the skills and professionalism of David Masondo and Black Moses Ngwenya. Umakoti (bride) is deep, mellow, timeless traditional Zulu maskandi, a far cry from the Soul Brothers' mbaqanga pop.

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THE SOFT SHOES - Soled Out (1983)

January 12, 2015, 7:30 am
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RPM, RPM1192
Producer: Attie van Wyk
Engineer: Pikes Cronje
Recorded at: RPM Studios


Long before today's ubiquitous TV talent searches like Idols and The X-Factor, The Soft Shoes emerged as winners of the SABC's 'Follow That Star' contest in 1983, due to the success of one song, 'Elvis Astaire', which reached number 4 on the SA charts. The band, made up of Jervis Pennington, Darren Magnusson, Roy Bramwell and Tinus 'Tommy' Maree, went on to release three albums. Looking at them now, it's hard to see how these guys broke hearts with their lame dance moves and cheesy 50s era rock n' roll and swing posing. Indeed the white pop scene soon took to superior acts like Face To Face, Ella Mental and eVoid. Interestingly, the Shoes were produced by Attie van Wyk, the same man responsible for launching the careers of black talent like Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Chicco at Dephon around the same time. If you love cheese, 
feast your eyes on this 35-minute TV special...



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