Cape Town-based jazz group formed by Basil Coetzee in 1985: Basil Coetzee (tenor sax), Paul Abrahams (bass), Robbie Jansen (Alto and soprano sax), Jack Momple (drums), Michael Martin (piano), Vic Higgins (percussion), Titch Jean-Pierre (guitar) and James Kirby (guitar).
They released the album Basil ‘Mannenberg’ Coetzee’s Sabenza in 1987. During this time Sabenza toured South Africa and overseas.
In 1990 a follow-up album, Monwabisi, was released, although released under Basil Coetzee’s name, he still performed with Sabenza. For Monwabisi the line-up was Basil Coetzee (tenor sax), Paul Abrahams (bass), Jack Momple (drums), Monty Weber (drums and percussion), James Kirby (guitar) and various musicians appeared on keyboards: Tony Schilder, David Bravo, Paula Goldstone and Murray Anderson.
Formed in Johannesburg in 1981. A partial supergroup including former members of Spirits Rejoice, Harari and Malombo: Sipho Gumede (bass, vocals), Khaya Mahlangu (tenor and soprano saxes, vocals), Mahwetsha Donald Laka (keyboards, vocals), Gabriel Mabi Thobejane (percussion), Madoda Matunjwa (drums) and Manyatso Mathole (guitar).
Released the album Sakhile in 1982, followed by New Life (1983) and Phambili (1989).
The line-up for the 1989 album was Sipho Gumede (bass guitar and 8-string bass, vocals), Khaya Mahlangu (tenor and soprano saxes, vocals), Jabu Nkosi (keyboards, synthesizers, vocals), Gabriel Mabi Thobejane (percussion), Bheki Kunene (drums) and Menyatso Mathole (guitar).
Further released Welcome Home (1991) and Togetherness (2004).
Formed in Lesotho as Uhuru in the late 1970s. Frank Leepa (guitar, vocals, percussion), Tsepo Tshola (vocals), Maruti Selate (bass, vocals, percussion), Moss Nkofo (drums, vocals, percussion), Sunshine Makoena (keyboards, backing vocals) and Sponky Tshabalala (percussion).
They were deported from South Africa during a tour because they were regarded as subversive. Tsepo Tshola then left the group and attempted to pursue his career overseas. T
he band changed their name to Sankomota and in 1984 Shifty went to Lesotho to record their debut album in their mobile (caravan) studio. It was also Shifty’s first album. By 1986 they were allowed to perform in South Africa and Tsepo Tshola rejoined as vocalist. They went on to record a further four albums with major labels between 1987 and 1993.
Following the break-up of Juluka, Johnny Clegg released one solo album before forming Savuka in 1986.
The line-up featured Clegg (vocals, guitar and dancing), Solly Letwaba (bass), Steve Mabuso (keyboards), Keith Hutchinson (keyboard, sax), Dudu Zulu (percussion, dancing) and Derek de Beer (drums).
In 1986 they released the single “Asimbonanga” which was also included on the “Giyani” EP of the same year.
They released four studio albums: Third World Child (1987), Shadow Man (1988), Cruel, Crazy Beautiful World (1989) and Heat, Dust and Dreams (1993).
Achieved considerable success in Europe and France in particular. Clegg dissolved the group after the death of Dudu Zulu.
