Phezulu Eqhudeni: Motella's finest (1975)

The international re-issue of this gem of an album by Earthworks in 1984 was an important first in a series of signals to the local industry that mbaqanga music may have a global future, despite its popular decline in South Africa. In 1986 Paul Simon’s Graceland and Harry Belafonte’s Paradise in Gazankulu drew heavily on South African artists, and further showcased mbaqanga music to the world.

West Nkosi saw the gap and cut a demo with Makhona Tsohle and the Mahotella Queens. The tape caught Gallo executive Geoff Paynter’s ears and he invited them to play at a function at which two French record executives were also present. One thing led to another, and the musicians embarked upon an international touring career, including playing at the Nelson Mandela Birthday Concert in Wembley Stadium in 1988, and then to a crowd of half a million in Central Park in New York in 1991. You can read the full story and more in Louise Meintjies’ wonderful book” “Sound of Africa! Making Music Zulu in a South African Studio”.

The Earthworks Cover

It is an interesting aside that Earthworks’ marketing people decided to use a different cover. Personally, I much prefer the original. The re-issue label provides what I understand to be an inaccurate translation of the words “Phezulu Eqhudeni”, claiming it to mean on top of a mountain with the name 'Eqhudeni'. The literal translation is: on top of  (better than) the rooster (that wakes you up).

EJ visitor Manzo Khulu sent us a mail on the translation issue:

"I picked up a point that I think I could perhaps also comment on. Indeed while ‘iqhude’ is Zulu for ‘rooster’, in this context the word refers to a hill/mountain whose structure is reminiscent of  the head of a rooster – hence named Eqhudeni. Some of the musicians may have originated from this general area, e.g. Abafana Baseqhudeni (Boys from Eqhudeni)." (Thanks Manzo).

This album presents a sublime compilation from the halcyon days of Motella’s finest.  I am confident you will enjoy it.

Rapidshare here

Zippyshare here

 

Beer makes us randy – say Mahlatini and Amaswazi Emvelo (1985)

Amaswazi Emvelo were perhaps the last “greats” to come out of the famous Mavuthela mbaqanga stable. Led by Meshack Mkwananzi, this SiSwati vocal group features on all the great 80s international compilation albums – including on all three volumes of “The Indestructible Beat of Soweto”.

After their eigth album, Mahlatini Nkabinde approached Amaswazi in the mid 1980s and together they produced two highly successful collaborations. Today’s offering is from 1985.

Here at Electric Jive we are mindful not to share music that can still be legitimately purchased. In this case we are making a small exception with good reason. “Get these while you can.”

Before he “left” or “retired” as Gallo Music’s archivist, Rob Allingham did a great job in re-mastering and re-issuing a heap of important South African music on CD. In the case of Amaswazi Emvelo, Rob did the "right thing" in re-issuing ten Amaswazi Emvelo albums onto CD.

This is a heads up to those of you who love this music – you can still buy these albums from Kalahari at really low prices – ZAR 39.85 (less than $6 U.S.) – have a look here.

Amaswazi Emvelo & Mahlatini - Utshwala Begazati BL509

Recorded on 27th June 1985. Produced by West Nkosi. Engineered by David Segal.

1. Utshwala Begazati (This beer makes me randy)
2. Musani Ukungithunuka (Don’t remind me of sensitive matters)
3. Siwuhambile Umhlaba (We have been all over the place)
4. Nkosi Yami Ngihawukele (My Lord, forgive me)
5. Shwele Shwele (Greetings / Apologies – done respectfully with waving hands – see cover)
6. Zangiluma Izinja (The dogs bit him)
7. I’Ndaba Zomndeni (Family News)
8. Mus’Ukudlala Ngomsebenzi (Don’t Play with your job)

Rapidshare download here

Mediafire download here (apologies for the incorrect link - it is now fixed)

Thanks to Gugu Mtolo for assistance with the translations.

As an added "SPRING" bonus – herewith a mix of eight songs from Amaswazi Emvelo seven singles, some of which will not be found on the Gallo re-issues.

1. Thul'Ulalele (Keep quiet and listen) XED4058 B (1980)
2. Thoko Udlalelani Ngo Jabu (Thoko why are you playing with Jabu?) XED 4090 (1982)
3. Kwa Mntanami Waya Waya (Our children are scattered) XED 4087 (1982)
4. Yebo Dlozi Yami (Yes to my traditions) XED 4058 B (1980)
5. Mkhuzeni (Stop him doing something wrong) (XED 4087 (1982)
6. Nantsi Lentombi (There's the girl) 4079 B (1982)
7. Sewuyahamba Uyangishiya (You are going and leaving me behind) XED 4079 A (1982)
8. Ukulunga Kwami (A good host) XED 4090 (1982)

Electric Jive Bonus Amaswazi Emvelo Mix
RapidShare Download Link here
Media Fire Download link here