More Shangaan Electro Roots - Samson Mthombeni's 1977 Debut

A big thank you to Donald Swanepoel who recently found this 1977 album featuring Samson Mthombeni and the Gazankulu Sisters. Some tracks by this artist were featured on what we though was one of the first examples of the early Shangaan style (see this post).

The tempo is slower and the recording shows some similarities with other recordings stimulated in part by Apartheid radio programming policy (i.e. only Zulu music on Radio Zulu etc). There were nine language specific stations to support this policy of ethnic identity when the key political challenge to Apartheid was an urban cosmopolitan population made up of different ancestries and home languages. By example Babsy Mlangeni issued the same album in three different languages. Crazy times!

So without further ado, and thanks again to Donald here is another fine LP for your enjoyment.

Samson Mthombeni and Gazankulu Sisters (1977, Fast Move)1. Ninyikeni Dzovo
2. Mingani Rivati
3. Vamabalani
4. Sophie
5. Yimani Nihibyela
6. Ndambi
7. Vatatenga
8. Mingatekeli Kuphumela
9. Vanitekele Shibelani
10. Vakhoma Njani
11. Anna Mabidi
12. Mhani Monyisa

ENJOY via RS/ZS

The Roots of Shangaan Electro

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.

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