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Sounds of South Africa: A Musical Journey

As an experiment to find out how much South African musical knowledge it had, we asked the Artificial Intelligence system called ChatGPT to compile us this week’s mixtape. The following is a transcript of our conversation and the result:

Do you know what a “mix tape” is?
Yes, I’m familiar with the concept of a “mixtape.” A mixtape is a compilation of songs or music tracks, typically from different artists and genres, recorded onto a cassette tape or other medium. Mixtapes were especially popular during the 1980s and 1990s when cassette tapes were the dominant format for music distribution. People often made mixtapes to share their favorite songs with friends, or as a personalized gift for someone special. The term “mixtape” has evolved over time and can now refer to a digital playlist or a compilation album released by an artist, although the original concept of a mixtape remains rooted in the idea of curating a collection of songs for a specific purpose or theme.

We would like you to compile a 20 song mixtape to introduce an international audience to the music of South Africa, including a wide range of styles from that country, including – but not limited to – rock, pop, jazz, folk, reggae, mbaqanga, kwaito, and a range of styles to get a broad overview. It is important that all the artists are South African.
I have compiled a mixtape of 20 songs to introduce an international audience to the music of South Africa. This list includes a wide range of styles and genres to provide a broad overview of South African music:

  1. Miriam Makeba – “Pata Pata” (Afro-pop)
  2. Johnny Clegg & Savuka – “Asimbonanga” (Afro-pop, World Music)
  3. Ladysmith Black Mambazo – “Homeless” (Isicathamiya, Zulu A Cappella)
  4. Hugh Masekela – “Grazing in the Grass” (Jazz)
  5. Brenda Fassie – “Vuli Ndlela” (Pop, Kwaito)
  6. The Parlotones – “Push Me to the Floor” (Rock, Indie)
  7. Freshlyground – “Doo Be Doo” (Afro-fusion, Pop)
  8. Abdullah Ibrahim – “Mannenberg” (Jazz)
  9. Mafikizolo – “Khona” (Afro-pop, Kwaito)
  10. Simphiwe Dana – “Ndiredi” (Afro-jazz, Soul)
  11. Yvonne Chaka Chaka – “Umqombothi” (Afro-pop, Bubblegum)
  12. DJ Mujava – “Township Funk” (House, Kwaito)
  13. Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens – “Kazet” (Mbaqanga)
  14. Die Antwoord – “Enter the Ninja” (Alternative Hip-hop, Rave)
  15. Jeremy Loops – “Down South” (Folk, Acoustic)
  16. Black Coffee ft. Bucie – “Superman” (House, Electronic)
  17. Spoek Mathambo – “Control” (Electronica, Afro-futurism)
  18. BLK JKS – “Molalatladi” (Alternative Rock, Art Rock)
  19. Lucky Dube – “Different Colours/One People” (Reggae)
  20. Mango Groove – “Special Star” (Afro-pop, Marabi)

This mixtape covers a variety of genres and eras in South African music, showcasing the country’s rich musical heritage and diversity. Enjoy!

Thank you. Do you know what “sleeve notes” are?
Yes, I am familiar with the term “sleeve notes” (also known as liner notes). Sleeve notes are the written material that accompanies a physical music release, such as an album or an EP, typically found inside or on the packaging of vinyl records, CDs, or cassette tapes. They can provide various types of information, such as:

  • Background information on the recording, composition, or production of the music.
  • Song lyrics.
  • Credits for the musicians, producers, and other personnel involved in the creation of the music.
  • Personal anecdotes or stories from the artist(s) or other contributors.
  • Artwork or photography related to the music or the artist(s).

Sleeve notes offer additional context and insight into the music, and they can help listeners form a deeper connection with the artist and their work. In the digital age, sleeve notes have largely been replaced by digital booklets, which can be accessed through certain music platforms, or by artist websites and social media.

Could you write (approximately 750 words) sleeve notes to accompany your 20 song selection?
Title: “Sounds of South Africa: A Musical Journey”
Welcome to “Sounds of South Africa,” a carefully curated compilation of 20 songs that showcase the rich and diverse musical landscape of South Africa. This mixtape is designed to introduce an international audience to a wide range of styles from this vibrant country, including rock, pop, jazz, folk, reggae, mbaqanga, kwaito, and more. We invite you to immerse yourself in these captivating sounds and explore the unique musical tapestry of South Africa.

  • Miriam Makeba – “Pata Pata” (Afro-pop)
    Known as “Mama Africa,” Miriam Makeba was a legendary singer and activist who brought South African music to the world stage. “Pata Pata,” released in 1967, remains her most famous song and features her distinctive vocal style alongside a danceable Afro-pop rhythm.
  • Johnny Clegg & Savuka – “Asimbonanga” (Afro-pop, World Music)
    Johnny Clegg, often referred to as the “White Zulu,” was a British-born South African musician and anthropologist. “Asimbonanga,” released in 1987, is a powerful anti-apartheid anthem that pays tribute to Nelson Mandela and calls for unity among South Africans.
  • Ladysmith Black Mambazo – “Homeless” (Isicathamiya, Zulu A Cappella)
    Formed in 1960, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is an award-winning male choral group that specializes in isicathamiya, a traditional Zulu a cappella style. “Homeless” was co-written with Paul Simon for his “Graceland” album and showcases the group’s intricate vocal harmonies.
  • Hugh Masekela – “Grazing in the Grass” (Jazz)
    Hugh Masekela was a renowned South African jazz musician and trumpeter. His 1968 instrumental hit, “Grazing in the Grass,” combines elements of jazz with South African rhythms, creating an uplifting and timeless tune.
  • Brenda Fassie – “Vuli Ndlela” (Pop, Kwaito)
    Brenda Fassie, dubbed the “Madonna of the Townships,” was a beloved South African pop and kwaito singer. “Vuli Ndlela,” released in 1997, is a high-energy track that showcases Fassie’s incredible vocal range and infectious charisma.
  • The Parlotones – “Push Me to the Floor” (Rock, Indie)
    The Parlotones are a South African indie rock band known for their emotive lyrics and anthemic sound. “Push Me to the Floor,” released in 2009, features driving guitar riffs and a soaring chorus, making it a standout track in the South African rock scene.
  • Freshlyground – “Doo Be Doo” (Afro-fusion, Pop)
    Formed in 2002, Freshlyground is a multiracial South African band that blends elements of Afro-fusion, pop, and folk. “Doo Be Doo,” released in 2005, is a catchy, feel-good song that celebrates life and the power of music to bring people together.
  • Abdullah Ibrahim – “Mannenberg” (Jazz)
    Abdullah Ibrahim, formerly known as Dollar Brand, is a celebrated South African jazz pianist and composer. His 1974 composition “Mannenberg” is considered a cornerstone of Cape Jazz and serves as a symbol of hope and resilience during the apartheid era.
  • Mafikizolo – “Khona” (Afro-pop, Kwaito)
    Mafikizolo is a South African duo that combines Afro-pop and kwaito elements to create infectious dance tunes. Their 2013 hit “Khona” showcases their signature harmonies and energetic beats, making it an irresistible addition to the mixtape.
  • Simphiwe Dana – “Ndiredi” (Afro-jazz, Soul)
    Simphiwe Dana is a talented South African singer-songwriter known for her Afro-jazz and soul fusion. Her 2004 song “Ndiredi” highlights her emotive vocal delivery and thoughtful songwriting, earning her a place among South Africa’s most respected artists.
  • Yvonne Chaka Chaka – “Umqombothi” (Afro-pop, Bubblegum)
    Dubbed the “Princess of Africa,” Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a South African music icon whose career spans over three decades. “Umqombothi,” released in 1988, is a catchy, upbeat song that showcases her powerful voice and a lively bubblegum pop sound.
  • DJ Mujava – “Township Funk” (House, Kwaito)
    DJ Mujava is a South African producer and DJ known for blending house music with kwaito influences. His 2008 track “Township Funk” features hypnotic beats and syncopated rhythms, making it a dance floor favorite in South Africa and beyond.
  • Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens – “Kazet” (Mbaqanga)
    Mahlathini, known as the “Lion of Soweto,” and the Mahotella Queens were a groundbreaking mbaqanga group that combined powerful vocals with driving rhythms. Their 1987 hit “Kazet” showcases their unique sound, which helped popularize mbaqanga music both locally and internationally.
  • Die Antwoord – “Enter the Ninja” (Alternative Hip-hop, Rave)
    Die Antwoord is a controversial and provocative South African group that blends hip-hop, rave, and performance art. “Enter the Ninja,” released in 2010, captures their edgy aesthetic and confrontational lyrics, making them a standout act in the South African music scene.
  • Jeremy Loops – “Down South” (Folk, Acoustic)
    Jeremy Loops is a South African singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his folk-infused sound. “Down South,” released in 2014, features catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a laid-back acoustic vibe that showcases Loops’ diverse musical talents.
  • Black Coffee ft. Bucie – “Superman” (House, Electronic)
    Black Coffee is a renowned South African DJ and producer known for his soulful house music. His 2010 collaboration with singer Bucie, “Superman,” combines deep, groovy beats with Bucie’s sultry vocals, creating a captivating dance track.
  • Spoek Mathambo – “Control” (Electronica, Afro-futurism)
    Spoek Mathambo is a South African musician and producer who pushes the boundaries of electronic music with his Afro-futuristic sound. “Control,” released in 2011, is a haunting and experimental track that showcases Mathambo’s innovative approach to music.
  • BLK JKS – “Molalatladi” (Alternative Rock, Art Rock)
    BLK JKS is a South African alternative rock band known for their genre-defying sound that blends rock, jazz, and traditional African music. “Molalatladi,” released in 2009, features intricate guitar work and powerful vocals, making it a standout track on this mixtape.
  • Lucky Dube – “Different Colours/One People” (Reggae)
    Lucky Dube was a South African reggae musician and one of the country’s most successful artists. His 1993 song “Different Colours/One People” is a call for unity and understanding, reflecting the spirit of the post-apartheid era and showcasing Dube’s distinctive reggae sound.
  • Mango Groove – “Special Star” (Afro-pop, Marabi)
    Mango Groove is a South African band that fuses marabi, kwela, and pop music to create a lively and upbeat sound. Their 1989 hit “Special Star” features catchy horn arrangements and infectious rhythms that capture the essence of South African music.

“Sounds of South Africa” aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the music of this incredible country. The tracks on this mixtape represent a broad spectrum of genres, each with its own unique flavor and cultural significance. South Africa’s music scene is a testament to its rich history, resilience, and diverse heritage, and we hope that this collection inspires you to delve deeper into the sounds and stories of South Africa.

As you listen, you may notice themes of unity, resistance, and hope woven throughout the mixtape. These themes reflect the struggles and triumphs of South Africa’s past and present, showcasing the power of music to connect people across borders and cultures. Whether you’re dancing to the upbeat grooves of kwaito, swaying to the soulful melodies of Afro-jazz, or losing yourself in the hypnotic rhythms of house music, “Sounds of South Africa” offers a musical journey you won’t soon forget.

We encourage you to explore the works of the artists featured on this mixtape, as well as other musicians from South Africa who continue to shape the country’s diverse and evolving musical landscape. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and enjoy the sounds of South Africa!

Thank you. That is excellent work. Could you suggest a prompt to feed to an image generating tool to create a cover image for this mix tape?
Certainly! To generate a cover image for the “Sounds of South Africa” mixtape using an image-generating tool, you can use the following prompt:

“Create an album cover for a mixtape titled ‘Sounds of South Africa.’ The cover should evoke the rich cultural diversity and vibrant musical heritage of South Africa. Incorporate elements such as traditional African patterns, musical instruments, and the South African landscape, blending them together in a visually striking and harmonious composition. The color palette should be warm and inviting, reflecting the energy and spirit of South African music.”

This prompt should provide enough detail and context for the image-generating tool to create an engaging and visually appealing cover image for the mixtape.

Thank you
You’re welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to help. Enjoy your South African mixtape, and have a great time exploring the music!

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South African Women Singers Volume 2


In our previous mixtape we featured twenty South African women singers and we acknowledged that there were too many noteworthy women singers to restrict to one mixtape, so we promised a second one. The intention was to feature another twenty women singers but that task proved too challenging, and so we have ended up with 22 songs this time around. And yet there are many more South African women singers who undoubtedly should have been included. But we are pleased that we have been able to showcase such an amazing variety of singers and hope that you enjoy listening to the selected songs.

Once again we have featured singers all the way from the 1950s and ’60s through to people who have appeared on the scene fairly recently. The earliest recordings included here are Dolly Rathebe’s “Unomeva (Isileyi Sam)”, Dorothy Masuka’s “Zoo Lake”, Sharon Tandy’s “Hold On” and Tandi Klaasen’s “Love Is What I Need Today”.

From the 1980s we include Joy’s “Paradise Road”, Mara Louw’s cover of “Take Me To The River”, Sue Charlton – of the Insisters – singing “Bluebeat”, Cindy Alter – of Zia – singing “Nobody Loves You (Like I do)”, Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s “Thank You Mr DJ” and Rebecca Malope’s “Cheated”.

Songs from the 1990s include Wendy Oldfield’s “Acid Rain”, Skye Stevensen – of The Led – singing “The Boy From Apricot Dreams”, Michelle Breeze – of Fetish – singing “Blue Blanket” and Vicky Sampson’s “Afrikan Dream” .

Into the 21st century we have “Ntjilo Ntjilo” by Gloria Bosman, “Zabalaza” by Thadiswa Mazwai and “Gimme The Music” by Unathi, all from the noughties, and more recent releases include “Isesheli” by Mandisa Dlanga (perhaps best known as a backing vocalist in Johnny Clegg’s band), “Marikana” by Lalitha, “Half Of A Woman” by Lucy Kruger & the Lost Boys, “Stay” by Adelle Nqeto, and the most recent release, “I Forgot To Be Profound Today” by Ruby Gill.

Once again, there is a wide range of voices and styles to enjoy, so dip into these songs and hopefully you will find several avenues to explore. Also, drop us a line with your recommendations for a third mixtape down the line.

  1. Ntjilo Ntjilo – Gloria Bosman
  2. Unomeva (Isileyi Sam) – Dolly Rathebe
  3. Zoo Lake – Dorothy Masuka
  4. Love Is What I Need Today – Tandi Klaasen
  5. Hold On – Sharon Tandy
  6. Take Me To The River – Mara Louw
  7. Bluebeat – Insisters
  8. Gimme The Music – Unathi
  9. Isesheli – Mandisa Mlanga
  10. Afrikan Dream – Vicky Sampson
  11. Paradise Road – Joy
  12. Marikana – Lalitha
  13. Zabalaza – Thadiswa Mazwai
  14. Half Of A Woman – Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys
  15. I Forgot To Be Profound Today – Ruby Gill
  16. Stay – Adelle Nqeto
  17. The Boy From Apricot Spells – The Led
  18. Blue Blanket – Fetish
  19. Acid Rain – Wendy Oldfield
  20. Nobody Loves You – Zia
  21. Thank You Mr Dj – Yvonne Chaka Chaka
  22. Cheated – Rebecca Malope
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Women’s Day 2022

This mixtape commemorates Women’s Day in South Africa. On the 9 th of August South Africans acknowledge the contribution made by women towards improving South African society. In particular, on the 9th of August 1956 over 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, to protest an extension of the apartheid government’s pass laws.

Accordingly, black women would also have to carry passes when travelling to ‘white’ urban areas. The march was led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams The women left 14 000 copies of a petition at the doors of prime minister, J. G. Strijdom. They stood for 30 minutes before singing a protest song composed especially for that occasion: “Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’ Imbokodo” (You strike the women, you strike the rock).

Significantly, the protest saw feminists coming together to make a stand against institutionalized racism. Over the following decades South African feminists continued to define feminist struggle broadly, tackling racism, class inequality and sexism in an intersectional way.

This mixtape begins with Nothembi Mkhwebane’s interpretation of “Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’ Imbokodo” before moving into a series of songs which celebrate South African women and women more generally: “Women of the World” by the Mahotella Queens, Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s “Legends”, Laurie Levine and Josie Field’s “Trailblazing”, Edi Niederlander’s “Strong Women in Africa” and “African Women” by Pamela Nkutha.

Dope St Jude (“Inside”) and Godessa (“Social Ills”) tackle beauty standards to which girls and women of colour are expected to conform. There follows a series of songs which explore issues about women’s day to day lives. In “Bay of Bombay” Jennifer Ferguson sings of the sacrifices mothers often make: “her eyes would look at the food she cooked, and the clothes she’d clean and iron” all the time her thoughts escaping to “the ships floating on some bay.”

Khaki Monitor describe a young woman “Trying to Make Sense” and in “Mama Shabalala” Juluka describe the struggle of an old refugee woman “looking for a simple home … living from hand to mouth, dodging the wrong arm of the law.”

In “Mother Agriqua” Vusi Mahlasela tells the story of Saartjie Baartman, taken to Europe as a spectacle to be gazed at: an example of the African “other”, both alive and dead (as a museum exhibit). Finally her remains were returned to South Africa and buried. “Wenu se Goli” by Madosini Manquina documents the difficulty of life for rural black South Africans, when men had to leave home to go to work on the mines. The song is an open letter to a migrant mine worker informing him that because he has been away so long his wife’s love is over and she has been unfaithful. Miriam Makeba’s “Welela” is also about the effect of migrant work, but this time the song is about children calling for their mother to return because they long to see her.

Sexual violence is a theme addressed in depth in several songs included here. South Africa’s biggest shame is the widespread sexual violence by men towards women. In “Icala” Busi Mhlongo warns, ‘Don’t ever raise your hand at your woman”. Freshlyground wrote “Gone Gone Gone” (song for Khwezi) as a dedication to Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo, who accused Jacob Zuma of raping her. Her treatment during the trial that followed was appalling, as she was victimized by Zuma’s supporters. In the end Zuma was controversially acquitted of the rape charges. “41 000 Sisters” by Kaalvoet Prinses (Tremaine Barnes) is a song of solidarity with women who have been subjected to sexual violence (41 000 is the average number of reported rapes in South Africa between 2015 and 2019) and is representative of the Barefoot Campaign, a stand against the rape and sexual abuse of women.

Karen Zoid in turn calls for “Justice! Justice!” She angrily demands “Lock away the rapists and throw away the key.” In “Signs” the Pressure Cookies remind us how, when reporting sexual abuse, women are often made to feel guilty about the venues they frequented, the way they were dressed, who they got a lift with, and in fact, they stand accused of failing to “stay behind closed doors”.

The mixtape ends with two songs by male singers providing a critique of sexism. Matthew Van Der Want’s “Lonesome Hero” is a satirical song from the point of view of a woman who wants her lover to experience freedom, but it becomes clear that the experience of freedom which she offers her lover is at her own expense. The song thus questions freedom in a relationship and how in a heterosexual relationship women often sacrifice their own freedom in favour of that of their partners. “Show Luv” by Skwatta Kamp is a hard-hitting attack on men who abuse women, making it clear that such behaviour is never acceptable.

  1. Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’ Imbokodo – Nothembi Mkhwebane
  2. Women of the World – Mahotella Queens
  3. Legends – Yvonne Chaka Chaka
  4. Trailblazing – Laurie Levine & Josie Field
  5. Strong Women in Afrika – Edi Niederlander
  6. African Women – Pamela Nkutha
  7. Inside – Dope St Jude
  8. Social Ills – Godessa
  9. Bay of Bombay – Jennifer Ferguson
  10. Trying to Make Sense – Khaki Monitor
  11. Mama Shabalala – Juluka
  12. Mother Agriqua – Vusi Mahlasela
  13. Wenu se Goli – Madosini Manquina
  14. Welela – Miriam Makeba
  15. Icala – Busi Mhlongo
  16. Gone Gone Gone – Freshlyground
  17. 41 000 Sisters – Kaalvoet Prinses
  18. Justice ! Justice ! – Karen Zoid
  19. Signs – Pressure Cookies
  20. Lonesome Hero – Matthew VD Want
  21. Show Luv – Skwatta Kamp
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Capital 604 – The Miss Parade: 1991

1991 saw a dismal number of only eight South African songs on the Capital Radio Top 40 countdown, and two of those were by a single artist: Wendy Oldfield. Others to chart that year were Robin Auld, Big Sky, Jo Day, Little Sister, Mango Groove and the Radio Rats. We have come up with a further 14 songs which we think were good enough to chart that year, and which would have added some welcome diversity to the South African music on the charts.

We suggested a second song by Robin Auld “Charlie Go Crazy”, but the rest of the songs we suggest are by artists who did not chart on Capital in 1991, although most of them have featured in previous “Missed” Mixtapes. There are four artists who had previously featured in Capital Top 40s: Robin Auld (as previously mentioned), Lucky Dube (“House of Exile”), Sipho Mabuse (“Thiba Kamoo”) and Tribe After Tribe (“White Boys in the Jungle”). Manfred Mann had also charted on Capital (“The Runner” by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) but we didn’t feature that as a South Africa song because the entire group was British apart from Manfred Mann himself. However, Manfred Mann’s Plains Music album from which we feature “Medicine Song” is a neo-traditional South African album which features several South African musicians alongside Manfred Mann. Another new group, not previously featured on Mixtapes.ZA are the Getout, a relatively new band from East London. The song featured here is the title track of their one and only album Emerge And See.

In 1991 Shifty Records featured for the first time on the Capital Top 40 with the Radio Rats’ “Turn on the Radio”, a song from the 1990 Big Beat album, which is why we featured another song from that album in out 1990 Missed Mixtape and not the 1991 Missed Mixtape. Another Shifty artist, James Phillips, features here with “Africa is Dying” a song recorded in 1991 but only released by Shifty on the Soul Ou album in 1997. We have included it here because we think it should have ideally been released in 1991! Former Shifty artists the Genuines feature here with “Love Song”. Other artists who we think should have charted in 1991 are: Yvonne Chaka Chaka (“Who’s Got the Power”), Basil Coetzee (“Monwabisi”), Miriam Makeba & Dizzy Gillespie (“Eyes on Tomorrow”), No Friends of Harry (“Never Seen a Better Day”), Prophets Of Da City (“Boomstyle”) and Sakhile (“Welcome Home”).

This is our last missed tape for now. This is because, as mentioned in the sleevenotes for the Capital 1991 Mixtape, we do not have sufficient copies of charts from 1992 until the closure of Capital Radio in 1996 to determine a full list of the songs that charted in any one of those years. If by some chance we come across those charts we would love to explore the hits and misses on Capital right through to the station’s closure in 1996.

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Capital 604 – The Miss Parade: 1990

In 1990 a fair range of South African musicians charted on the Capital Radio Top 40 countdown, 15 songs in all, including four released in 1989 but which charted in early January. These included Big Sky, Jonathan Butler, Cinema (two songs), David Kramer, Little Sister (three songs), Mango Groove (four songs), Marc Alex, Edi Niederlander and Trevor Rabin. We have come up with a further eightteen songs from 1990 which we think ought to have charted on Capital.

Of those musicians who did chart in 1990 we have included an additional song by Big Sky (“Diamonds and Dirt”) but all the other musicians whose songs we recommend escaped Capital’s attention that year.

In February 1990 Nelson Mandela was finally release from prison and to celebrate this Bright Blue recorded the song “Madiba” but unfortunately did not release it at the time, which is a pity because it would have perfectly captured the celebratory feel so many people experienced on that momentous occasion. Another song that captured that moment was Brenda Fassie’s “Black President” which Capital mysteriously did not promote, despite the significance of Fassie’s sentiments. Roger Lucey made a welcome comeback to music in 1990. His “Cape of Storms” was written at the time of Mandela’s release. Lucey, who was then working as a TV cameraman recalls, “I came to Cape Town in 1990 to cover Mandela’s release and I swear the wind blew without a break for four months. I spent a lot of time out on the Cape Flats. Then winter came and the rain started …”.

Shifty Records began the new decade with some significant releases, including Tony Cox’s In.To.Nation (from which we have included “Dinaledi”), Jennifer Ferguson’s Untimely (from which we have featured “Where you gonna be tomorrow”) and the Radio Rats’ Big Beat (from which we have included “Diary of a Diseased Coke Rep”). We also feature former Shifty artists, Tananas with their songs “Shake” (originally recorded with Shifty before Tananas switched labels).

3rd Ear Music made a big comeback in 1990 and deservedly also feature in our choices for 1990. They released new albums by Juluka’s Sipho Mchunu, Umhlaba Uzobuya (The World is Coming Back), (from which we feature “Jomane”), former Shifty artist Simba Morri, Celebrating Life,( from which we have featured “Unity”) and Roger Lucey, Running For Cover, including (as mentioned) “Cape of Storms” . There was also a recording comeback from Tony Bird, who, back in the 1970s used to play alongside many of the folk musicians associated with 3rd Ear Music. Here we have included his song “Wings Like Vivian’s”.

South Africa’s first notable hip-hop group, Prophets Of The City released the Our World album from which we feature the title track. There were also great songs released by Yvonne Chaka Chaka (“Umqombothi”), Bakithi Kumalo and Robbi Kumalo (“African woman”), Mike Makhalemele (“The Guys”), Mahlathini and the Mohatella Queens (“Music of Our Soul’) and the Soul Brothers (“Umhlola”).

Finally, Piet Botha’s band Jack Hammer released their second album of polished blues-rock.

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Capital 604 – The Miss Parade: 1988

1988 was a poor year for South African musicians on the Capital Countdown: only eight artists with nine songs made the Top 40 (there were two songs by Cinema). As always, we have put together a playlist of additional songs which we think should have charted.
Once again, we have Shifty Records to thank for recording various musicians who otherwise would not have been recorded and thus more easily forgotten: The Gereformeerde Blues Band, The Kêrels, Koos and Tananas. Shifty got behind the Voelvry tour in 1988 and three of these groups: the Gereformeerde Blues Band, The Kerels and Koos were included on the Voelvry compilation album of that year. As the Voelvry spirit of white Afrikaans rebellion swept through the dorps and cities of South Africa it is strange that Capital missed out on the opportunity to capture that moment.

1988 saw further releases from now established artists: Bright Blue, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Dog Detachment, Sipho Mabuse, Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, Malopoets, Mango Groove and Savuka all released great new music, while David Kramer was back with music from the Cape Town musical, composed by Kramer and Petersen. Veteran folk guitar player, Steve Newman, was back with a group formed with two established Shifty artists, Gito Baloi and Ian Herman. 1988 also saw the emergence of Ralf Rabie (Johannes Kerkorrel) who was the main force behind the Gereformeerde Blues Band. Both of these Shifty initiatives went on to greater mainstream success over the next decade and a half. 1988 also saw a once-off album from the Jazzanians. While they did not record another album Zim Ngqawana went on to enjoy a successful solo career.

The Psycho Reptiles also recorded their first and only album in 1988, and are still remembered for their single “Monster From The Bog”. Bakithi Kumalo had risen to fame through his collaboration with Paul Simon on the Graceland album and tour and he released his first solo albumin 1988. Shake Baby was one of several Carl Raubenheimer initiatives after his collaborations with James Philips (Corporal Punishment and Illegal Gathering) but although they were a popular band on the live circuit in Cape Town they never went on to release a full album. Koos were a bilingual English-Afrikaans avante garde punk band who sadly also only brought out one album. The Kêrels released their debut album in 1988 and their “Golden Days” single has ended up on the occasional compilation album.

This eclectic mix of songs makes for interesting and enjoyable listening. Sit back, turn up the volume and have fun!

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