Timmy Thomas Live in Africa (1978)

It is a good time to revive that anthem that made Timmy Thomas so special to millions of South Africans. Milner Park Stadium, Johannesburg in December 1978 was an edgy place for thousands of black South Africans to sing songs like “Why Can’t We Live Together” at a live concert. The song again became a big hit on the eve of South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. For many, the song still holds relevance today, in South Africa and elsewhere in the world.

 Backing Thomas in this very funky and soulful recording are none other than one of South Africa’s most famous jazz-funk outfits, “Spirits Rejoice” with Joy bringing backing vocals:

Gilbert Matthews – Drums

Paul Petersen – Guitar

Mervyn Africa – Keyboard

Sipho Gumede – Bass

Duke Makasi – Sax

Thabo Mashishi – Trumpet

George Tyemfumani – Trumpet

Joy: Felicia Marlow; Anneline Malebu; Thoko Ndlozi.

You can find more about Spirits Rejoice on Electric Jive here and here and here. Spirits Rejoice also backed other visiting artists like Dobey Gray, Clarence Carter, Double Exposure and Leo Sayer. I am not aware of any recordings of these tours though?

 The original Why Cant We Live together album can be found over at snapcrackleandpops here.

Why Can’t We Live Together” reached number one R&B and number three Pop on Billboards singles charts in 1973. It went on to sell over six million copies, and was nominated for a Grammy award. This 1978 live recording has a great spontaneous feel to it - enjoy.

1. Why Can't We live Together (Thomas)

2. When a house got music (Dixon)

3. Rainbow Power (Thomas)

4. Sweet Brown Sugar (Wright)

5. Drown in my own tears (Glover)

6. Touch To Touch (Williams)

7. Sipho Mazibuko (Thomas)

8. Why Cant We live together (reprise)

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Another Spirits Rejoice LP is found

Another surprise that none of us here at Electric Jive knew of. When EJ reader Molemo contacted me and asked if I would be interested in hearing the self-titled Spirits Rejoice album I was confused. The only Spirits Rejoice LP I knew of was 1976 African Spaces featured here earlier on EJ.

We now know that South Africa’s leading 70s jazz fusion band made another record, this time through Joburg records and distributed by WEA. This recording showcases a band that had diversified its style repertoire - remaining rooted in a fusion mould, with a touch of latin, in places it begins to show tiny glimpses of the emerging 80s smooth jazz trend that became so popular in South Africa.  Thank you Molemo.

1. Emakhaya

2. Woza Uzo Kudanisa Nathi
3. Music Is Our Purpose
4. Spirits
5. Happy and in Love
6. Confusions
7. Why All This Time
8. Papa's Funk

Robbie Jansen- Alto sax, flute, lead vocals
Paul Petersen- Electric and acoustic gutar
Duke Makasi- tenor and soprano sax
Mervyn Africa- fender rhodes, strings, acoustic piano and ARP synth
Gilbert Matthews - drums, belltrees, vibra slap and finger cymbals
Thabo Mashishi- 2nd trumpet
George Tyefumani- 1st trumpet and vocal on "emakhaya", additional percussion on "woza"
Sipho Gumede- Bass
"Joy"- backing vocals on Happy and in Love" and "Papa's Funk".

1978 Joburg Records, distributed by WEA records

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