What Colours

Formed in Johannesburg in 1982, morphing out of Empty Set. Megan Frost (guitar), Richard Frost (drums, synthesisers), Susan Arbor (vocals), Paul Goodwin (sax), Gary Rathbone (guitar), Steve Howells (drums). Seventh member Zeev Takatshov worked on putting together visuals for
their performances.

The band had three central tenets to their performances: no solos, no songs longer than three minutes and thirdly, everyone had to contribute across the board during performances, hence the swapping of instruments. They believed that their music and stage performance should be a collective effort.

They released the album Urban Camouflage on cassette in 1983, after which Jimmy Florence joined on keyboards. Shortly after that Gary Rathbone went to the UK to avoid the army but ran out of money. When he returned a few months later Jimmy Florence and Steve Howells had gone on to form The Dynamics. Megan Frost, Richard Frost and Gary Rathbone went on to form Urban Camouflage which subsequently became The Spectres.

Wild Youth

Durban-based band which morphed out of Fourth Reich formed in 1978. Johnny Teen aka Michael Fleck (guitar, vocals), Marko Pogo (???), Rubin Rose (drums), Budgie (rhythm guitar) and Skid Soles aka Andrew Peinke (bass).

Budgie and Marko left to form the Dead Babies, leaving the group to launch their recording career as a trio. In 1979 two of their songs “Record Companies” and “All Messed Up” were included on the WEA Records Six Of The Best compilation album.

In late 1979 they released the single “Wot ’bout Me”.

They broke up in 1980 but in 2012 released the album A Leopard Never Changes Her Spots which included all original recordings, demos live recordings and some new tracks.

Winston’s Jive Mix Up

After The Dynamics broke up in 1986 Winston Nyaunda (alto sax) formed Winston’s Jive Mix-Up with Adam Reinecke (guitar), Sipho Shange (keyboards), Reggie Mfega (bass), Jannie van Tonder (trombone), former Dynamics band member Steve Howells (drums) and Mellissa James (violin).

They were a popular live band at venues like Jamesons in Johannesburg. In 1989 they recorded a self-titled album with Shifty Records.

It was only released on cassette but has since been made available digitally. Former Dynamics band member Harvey Roberts made a guest appearance on tenor saxophone on two of the tracks, “Wait awhile” and “107”.

Working Girls

A vocal/dance group who formed in Johannesburg in 1984 and played with a backing band.

The group consisted of Justine Hertz, Julie Jade Aston, Theo Andallis, Shivvon Ryan and Lee Sharri. Cindy Swartzman replaced Theo Andallis.

They released the album Streetenergy in 1984 and the first single from the album “Working Girls” received widespread air play in South Africa. The follow up single “Talking Too Loud” and 12” single release “Why Me” were less successful.

Benjy Mudie of WEA confessed that this was the only time in his career he signed a band strictly to make money. However, the concept did not survive the release of their only album.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Began as a singer with the Ebony Singers in the early-mid 1980s. Released her first solo single, “I’m In Love With a DJ” in 1985.

Her first album, Thank You Mr DJ was released in 1986, followed by I’m Burning Up (1987), Sangoma (1987), I Cry For Freedom (1988), Who’s The Boss (1989) and Motherland (1989).

She continued to release albums on a regular basis throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s. She has enjoyed a very successful career.

Zasha

East Rand-based group formed in the mid-1980s: Godfrey Mthimkhulu (lead vocals, [percussion), Skipper Shabalala (guitar) and Mzamo Thobejane (keyboards).

Released the album Love Target in 1986 followed by Zishangani (1988), Hayi Ngodlame (1989), I’ll Be There For You (1991) and Save The World (1994).

Zia

Started out as the Cindy Alter Band in 1983 and then changed their name to Zia in 1985, along with a change in style towards rock crossed with neo-traditional South African styles.

The original Zia line-up was: Cindy Alter (vocals), Graham Clifford (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Ashley Brokensha (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Reg Edwards (bass), Pat van Rensberg (drums), Liz Mngomezulu (vocals) and Glen Malema (vocals). Released the single “Nobody Love You” in 1985, followed by the albums Zia (1986), Kan’t Unjani (1987), Woza Moya (1988) and Front Line (1989).

By 1988 their membership had changed to: Cindy Alter (vocals), Andre Fourie (guitar), Abraham Sibiya (keyboards), Reg Edwards (bass), Pat van Rensberg (drums), Liz Mngomezulu (vocals), Bheki Gumede (percussion) and Lawrence Mkhizi (percussion).