Morocko

Formed in Johannesburg in 1980 with Joe B Arthur (vocals, guitar), Jethro Butow (lead guitar, vocals), Les Goode (bass), Mike Faure (sax), John Galanakis (organ, vocals), Cedric Samson (drums, vocals). Faure left in 1980 and Galanakis.

In 1981 Tim Hoare (keyboards) replaced Galankis and Kendall Kaye joined as drummer at which point Samson switched to lead vocals.

They recorded a self-titled album in 1981 and had marginal success with the single “Bowtie Boogaloo”.

The follow-up single “Don’t leave me halfway” did not do as well. The group’s existence was short-lived and they broke up in 1981.

Neill Solomon & The Uptown Rhythm Dogs

Singer songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist Neil Solomon was born and grew up in Durban where he began his musical career.

He formed the Uptown Rhythm Dogs in 1978 with Tony Hunter (on sax, flute, bass, guitar, percussion, vocals), Dan Chiorboli (percussion, vocals), Gerry Salendis (keyboards) and Greg Georgiades (guitar, bass, vocals). Their debut album, The occupant, was released in 1981 to much critical acclaim, including in Billboard Magazine.

Overseas prospects were blunted by the cultural boycott. Their most successful single was “Junk foods and disposable ladies” off the aforementioned Album.

Kenny Henson (guitar) joined the group in late 1981.

In 1982 the group was selected to support Janis Ian on her tour of South Africa. Just before the tour began Tony Hunter was killed in a car crash.

The band committed to the tour with Mike Faure (sax) and George Wolfaardt (bass) joining as replacements.

After the tour Faure, Wolfaardt and Henson left and a few months later the group broke up.