If you travel to the sub-tropical town of Tzaneen in Limpopo province and spend time on the shopping strip you will bump into any number of street traders selling the latest music DVDs of local music stars. I was surprised and encouraged by the high proportion of local artists available compared to the likes of Jay Z. Rihanna, Madonna and other imported music celebrities. Music from this region caught the the attention of dance floors around the world through the Honest Jons compilation Shangaan Electro in 2010. Engaged by the hectic pace (150 beats per minute PLUS) and glorious dances moves Honest Jons has been issuing a number of remixed tunes from the original album.
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| Lizzy Mercier in Soweto for the Zulu Rock recordings (1983) |
But at electricjive we're always interested in the precendents and the roots that come to inform the present. And so we take a step back to the late seventies to highlight what we understand to be the first compilation of what was previously called Shangaan disco. Some of the artists featured on this compilation would go on to get international exposure with Lizzy Mercier, Paul Simon and the whole world music phenomena of the mid eighties. ENJOY!
Nkulungwani Wa Nwalungu Vol 1 (Fast Move BFLP85002, 1977)
01 Sapota: M.D. Shirinda and the Gaza Sisters
02 Pfukani Rishile: Samson Mthombeni and the Gazankulu Girls
03 Ndzi Khumbula Vaka Hina: G.S. Chauke
04 Angelinah Nkata: Star Flying Gazankulu
05 Miyela N'whanyana: Samson Mthombeni and the Gazankulu Girls
06 Pfuka N'wavolo: M.D. Shirinda and the Gaza Sisters
07 He Mdjadji: M.D. Shirinda and the Gaza Sisters
08 Bombo Ratika: Samson Mthombeni and the Gazankulu Girls
09 Salani Va Chiawelo: James Makhubelo and the Nhlalukweni Sisters
10 Ha Kunene: M.D. Shirinda and the Gaza Sisters
11 Shinengana: Samson Mthombeni and the Gazankulu Girls
12 Xiniyengile: M.D. Shirinda and the Gaza Sisters
ENJOY MF
