hey sista, go sista, soul sista -Township Soul & Boogie

In the middle of the 70s, American disco was imported to South Africa, and disco beats were added to soul music, which helped bring a halt to popular mbaqanga bands such as the Mahotella Queens. In 1976, South African children rebelled en masse against apartheid and governmental authority, and a vibrant, youthful counterculture was created, with music as an integral part of its focus. Styles from before the 1970s fusion of disco and soul were not widely regarded, and were perceived as being sanctioned by the white oppressors. Few South African bands gained a lasting success during this period, however, with the exception of the Movers, who used marabi elements in their soul.

In the middle of the 70s, American Disco was imported to South Africa, and Disco beats were added to Soul music, which helped bring a halt to popular Mbaqanga bands such as the Mahotella Queens. In 1976, South African children rebelled en masse against apartheid and governmental authority, and a vibrant, youthful counterculture was created, with music as an integral part of its focus. Styles from before the 1970s fusion of Disco and Soul were not widely regarded, and were perceived as being sanctioned by the white oppressors. Few South African bands gained a lasting success during this period, however, with the exception of The Movers, who used Marabi elements in their Soul.  Our friends at Matsuli have posted an excellent bio on The Movers so I refer to that page for more information on the band.

Olga Mvicane

Olga Mvicane played only a small role in the movie Sarafina! (1992), a story of the courage and spirit of the children of South Africa’s townships in their resistance to apartheid, starring Miriam Makeba and Whoopie Goldberg, but Olga’s records were far more popular than her acting.

Here are a few rare 45 rpm’s by Olga Mvicane, all sides produced by Marks Mankwane.

Olga Mvicane -Gqobokani 1979

Olga Mvicane -Ndeyikeleni 1978

Patricia Majalisa

When a very young Patricia Majalisa left her home town, East London, in the Eastern Cape in 1978, she had a dream of becoming one of the  most successful local pop female singer. After an initial ten years struggle to have a niche for herself in the music industry, ‘Lady Luck’ came      her way when she met hit producer Dan Tshanda. Like all other artists desperate for a recording deal, they were a frequent sight at the old Gallo Studios in Kerk Street. Fortunately, ace producer Hamilton Nzimande from Gallo Records, listened to their demo tape and he liked what he’d heard. That culminated in them recording their debut album ‘Mr Tony’ which although not a hit, made them realise their potential. The late Mr Nzimande did not give up on them.

This made everyone see that the group had the potential to make it  and that’s when Ray Phiri of Stimela give them the name ‘Splash’ . This really splashed them with the production of the hit album ‘Peacock’ .  As the album attained sales of more than 50 000 copies,  producer Hamilton Nzimande decided Patricia should do her first solo album ‘Cool Down’.  The album sold Gold, that’s when she knew then that she had arrived and the goal she was seeking.

Her second and third albums, ‘Witch Doctor’ and ‘Gimba’ earned her platinum discs with sales in excess of 50 000 copies each.  This shows that Patricia’s talent is not something that fades away, having been in this industry over 16 years she is still hot and her message to youth should be taken seriously.

Patricia Majalisa -Swigono 1987

Patricia Majalisa -Witch Doctor 1987

Mavis Maseko, Blondie Makhene & The Movers

…and to finish this post here are three 45 rpm records by The Movers, produced by David Thekwane,  each with a different vocalist;  Mavis Maseko, Blondie Makhene and an uncredited male singer .  Soul with a dash of Marabi while the organ and saxophone remain a prominent part of the sound. Each record brings out the diverse qualities of The Movers; they can play “cross-over” Pop, Soul and Disco and still add their own unique touch.

Mavis Maseko -Ngonile Mama 1978

Mavis Maseko -Sebenzani 1978

Blondie Makhene with The Movers -Hopeless love 1970

The Movers -Give me a day 1981