Thursday 11 September 2014

Mpharanyana & the Peddlers: Hela Ngwanana (1979)


 This album - it seems - is the last one ever recorded by Jacob "Mpharanyana" Radebe. The back cover suggests it was recorded on 27th August 1979. The LP label indicates a publication date of 3rd September 1979.

Bakithi Kumalo's bass drives and holds this slickly-produced album tightly together. (he played Graceland for Paul Simon, as well as for Herbie Hancock, Glora Estafan, Cyndi Lauper, and Harry Belafonte). Another top-drawer contributor is lead guitarist Themba Mokoena, who graces Dick Khoza's "Chapita", and features his own album on Electric Jive here. Mokoena composes two of the tracks: Maseru, and Mme Ma Tsediso.

Also among the composers are Teaspoon Ndelu (two tracks) and the producer, West Nkosi (five tracks) - all of which traverse the comfortable space between soul, disco and a touch of mbaqanga through Kumalo's adverturous bass.

Backing the "Soul Man" are a stellar line-up in The Peddlers:
Mac Mathunjwa: Keyboard
Themba Mokoena: Lead Guitar
Bakithi Kumalo: Bass Guitar
Godfrey Mcina: Drums
Elijah Kumalo: Rhythm Guitar
Mduduzi Magwaza: Alto Sax
Freeman Lambata: Tenor Sax
Tex Nduluka: Trumpet
Additional Voices: Sandra Senne, Catherine Dumakude, Joanna Thango, Helen Mosolodi.



Mediafire here

4 comments:

  1. Hello Chris,
    I've seen Mduduzi Sydney Magwaza last year in France. He was playing the alto saxophone with Madala Kunene in September 2013 near Paris. I've spent a marvelous time speaking with him and Madala before seeing Madala for an interview in his home (Durban), in the very last March.
    Best, Olivier

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  2. Thanks a lot for this fine soul music I grew up listening to it to my uncle's grammophone in the early 80's

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  3. Love this album. Reminds me of Walter and the Beggers, which is one of the most joyful records i ever picked up here!

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  4. where can I get it , I would love to buy, one of the best vocalist is my father Freeman Lambata

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