Sixteen newly-discovered recordings from the Incredible Beat Of Soweto tour of the UK in 1988-89, including smash hits like Thokozile, Lilizela, Kazet, and the rest.
Bees-knees, overproof-vibes mbaqanga.
Smash hits by the greatest mbaqanga girl group in history.
‘With its pulsating rhythm, sunny guitar phrases and resonant close harmony, Umculo Kawupheli — the music never ends — celebrates music as a source of joy and healing.’ As ripped off by Malcolm McLaren for Bow Wow and Duck Rock.
Handsomely presented, with original label artwork, in a printed sleeve, with new notes on the back.
Sowetan soul jazz — ‘marabi jjive’ — originally out in 1972, by the greatest of all mbaqanga outfits, and the house band of Gallo Africa’s Mavuthela Music subsidiary from its launch in 1964 right through to 1977. Featuring Teaspoon Ndelu, West Nkosi and Michael Xaba on saxophones, and Marks Mankwane on lead guitar.
Appetisingly this is the first of seven limited-edition singles drawn by Umsakazo from the golden age of South African township jive. Restored from the original master in Gallo’s Johannesburg tape vault; spiffily sleeved and labelled with the original artwork, with notes and recording details printed on the back.