A return to jive for this post - and if this LP we are sharing today does not fall under the category of "classic mbaqanga", I don't know what does.
This rarity is Marena, one of the many compilation LPs released on the Motella label in 1971 that represented the best tunes of the past year - though "best" may be something of an understatement.Mavuthela's talented stars again make various appearances...
- Mahotella Queens, with guest vocals from Mahlathini on "Jive Makhona" and Lazarus Magatole on "Senakangwedi"
- Izintombi Zomoya, many of whom went onto become prominent Queens themselves at various points between 1973 and 1983
- Izingane Zomgqashiyo, a pseudonym for the combination of singer John Moriri and girl group Mthunzini Girls, formed by producer Rupert Bopape in 1966
- Zwino Zwino Boys, led by bassist James Mukwebo
- Makgona Tsohle Band, featuring some early guitar playing from Maxwell Mngadi, who was later to join the Soul Brothers' instrumental line-up
Musically, this album represents an exciting and enlightening time as far as mbaqanga music was concerned. Artwork-wise - well, see for yourself!!From the party beat in "Stop Shouting", to praising the kings in "Marena", to the straightforward jive of "Ingede", to the almost mournful "Senakangwedi"... there's not much more to be said, other than...
...download, listen and get jiving!
MARENA (Various)
Motella LPBS 5
1971
1. STOP SHOUTING – ZWINO ZWINO BOYS
2. MAMODIEHI – IZINTOMBI ZOMOYA
3. TSABOHADI – IZINGANE ZOMGQASHIYO
4. UJOMELA – MAKGONA TSOHLE BAND
5. SENAKANGWEDI – MAHOTELLA QUEENS
6. LEFOKOLODI LA DITHOTA – IZINTOMBI ZOMOYA
7. MARENA – MAHOTELLA QUEENS
8. DIPEREKISI – MAKGONA TSOHLE BAND
9. JIVE MAKHONA – MAHOTELLA QUEENS
10. KGOMO YA MOSHATE – MAHOTELLA QUEENS
11. INGEDE – MAKGONA TSOHLE BAND
12. KGAREBE TSA GA MOTHUSI – MAHOTELLA QUEENS
RapidShare: here
MediaFire: here
Oh wow, what a gorgeous set. The bass is fairly thundering. Love seeing that African Record Centre sticker on the LP. I lived in Brooklyn for the past 30+ years and have dozens of records with that familiar identification. Thanks so much Nick!
ReplyDeleteThanks for another treasure, Nick L.
ReplyDeleteif i may chime in, rather belatedy, we just love what you do. thanks sooo much
ReplyDeleteLove this so much. What genre are tracks like Marena, Ingede and most in fact, I love the guitar work and want to hear more, where should I go?
ReplyDeleteHi Oscar.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome - we live to serve!
The genre is broadly known as mbaqanga, but for years was referred to by the South African Broadcasting Corporation and the various record companies as "vocal jive", "sax jive", "accordion jive", etc., depending on what instrument carried the song. Mbaqanga is the music that was born in the recording studios in the early 1960s. Before that, there was marabi (which was essentially South African jazz) and kwela (small bands playing pennywhistles, accompanied by acoustic guitars). These two styles managed to converge, and out of that convergence came what we now know as mbaqanga.
The word "mbaqanga" actually refers to a maize snack made by people living in the rural areas of South Africa. The word implies 'home-made' and 'traditional', which is what many of the refined marabi musicians thought of this new music. After a few years of the word being used as a pejorative, it eventually became the accepted name of the style.
Check out an article I wrote for Matsuli for more on the history of the music:
http://matsuli.blogspot.com/2009/09/jive-motella-nick-lotay-digs-deep.html
Thanks for all your comments so far, everybody. If you want more in the way of classic jive, then please keep heading to EJ - believe me, there is a lot more coming everyone's way in a few weeks. Stay tuned. :D
Nick
Hi Nick, thx for the memories!! The first music I heard as a kid growing up in the early 60's on the grounds of Bara where my parents worked was Mbaqanga, kwela and township jazz. Now 53 years later, brings back memories.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteIs there any significance to naming the album "Marena"? What inspired the name?
Thank you
Kaylin
Hi Kaylin, "marena" is a Northern Sotho word meaning "kings", i.e. the rural chiefs that are so vividly depicted on the cover of the album! The song itself was written by Rupert Bopape and Marks Mankwane in reference to the growing popularity of the Mahotella Queens - the group now could perform for royalty.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps!