Township Jive & Kwela Jazz -new Volume 4 (1940-1965)

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180 grams vinyl LP edition including Registered Airmail Worlwide € 20

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the fourth issue in the series ‘Township Jive & Kwela Jazz’ selected by Soul Safari.

Another outstanding collection of rare gems from the International Library of African Music (ILAM) Archives, South Africa.

Soul Safari presents Township Jive & Kwela Jazz Volume 4 (1940-1965)

Catalog nr. UP 2016.007 LP

Side A
1-Stamkoko -Izintombi Zesi manje manje (1965) 02:16
2-Udali– Maphela  (1960) 02:38
3-Sabela –Maphela  (1960) 02:30
4-Usana Lwam’– Mississippi Brothers & Beauty Diloane (1940) 02:36
5-Ukhiye–Susan  Gabashane & Her Honeybees  (1960) 02:46
6.Ukuhlupheka – Susan Gabashane & Her Honeybees (1960) 02:35
7.Umsakazo E Grahamstown– Alabhama Kids  (1960) 02:27
8.Lizzy–Mississippi Brothers (1940) 02:17
9.Asinamali– Alabhama Kids (1960) 02:21

Side B
1.Baboon Shepherd–Black Duke & Peter Makana (1950) 02:35
2.Battle Of The Flutes–Black Duke & Peter Makana (1950) 02:37
3.Shukuma Duke-Black Duke (1950) 02:27
4.Duke Blues-Black Duke (1950) 03:00
5.Black John–Peter Makana (1950) 02:20
6.Blood Mixture-Peter Makana – (1950) 02:15
7.Egoli Zinyozi –Alfred Dlezi & Dlamini (1950) 02:31

New volume 3 -Township Jive & Kwela Jazz (1960-1965) available now!

 180 grams vinyl, CD

A limited amount of ‘Township Jive & Kwela Jazz (1960-1965) volume 3’ in both LP -180 grams vinyl and deluxe CD formats -is now available  for readers of this blog exclusively.

20 euro including S&H as Registered Airmail (+track&trace/barcode) Worldwide!

PayPal account required. Volume 1 and 2 also available.

So here it is! Soul Safari is proud to announce the release of our third compilation in collaboration with the  International Library of African Music (ILAM), Grahamstown, South Africa.

16 rare gems of Township Jive & Kwela Jazz from South Africa recorded between 1960-1965.

Official date of release; October 31st 2014

180 grams vinyl LP -Catalog nr. UP 2014.006LP

 CD -Catalog nr. UP 2014.006CD

Soul Safari started as a blog to showcase the music of Africa with a strong emphasis on South Africa. Now in its 6th year, Soul Safari is proud to present the third volume of the compilation ‘Township Jive & Kwela Jazz’, a collection of rare gems originally released as shellac 78’s in the period 1960-1965 in South Africa.

On this third volume the selection features the gorgeous close harmony vocal groups singing in the tradition of American R & B and doo wop. But always with that typical South African swing and sung in the Zulu or Xhosa languages. DJ Eddy de Clercq who initiated this compilation in close collaboration with ILAM, also selected a few tunes that stand for the transition from early jive to mbanqaga, a most democratic vocal style characterized by the typical ‘groaning’, a form of call and answer between the male leader (groaner) and female singers. Mbanqaga would follow up jive as the popular vocal music from 1965 onwards.
Kwela jazz knew many variations in which the original instrument, the penny whistle was traded in for accordion, violin, even a melodica, an instrument that also became widely popular in Jamaica. Similarities with uptempo ska can be heard in tunes by Kid Ma Wrong Wrong and Bra Sello featured on this compilation. Again an exciting selection of rare recordings from the heyday of South African Jive & Kwela. Truly music treasures from a long gone past.

All recordings were prepared and mastered from the original 78rpm shellac discs from the ILAM archives. The goal was to clear the dust and dirt of ages gone by, while preserving the original dynamics of the recordings and to keep the sound as little altered as possible.

 iTunes downloads

Soul Safari presents Township Jive & Kwela Jazz (1960-1965)-Volume 3

Side A

01.    Ngibosen Twist -Telegram Specials   (1965)   02:20

02.    Izwe Liyasha – The Young Stars (1965)        02:48

03.    Ulowa – The Young Stars   (1965)                 02:29

04.    Intogeymy  -The Lower Buttons  (1964)       02:23

05.    Nylon -The Lower Buttons (1964)                 02:53

06.    Kudala Ngizula -Cowboy Superman & His Cowboy Sisters  (1960)        02:15

07.    Manka Binde -Que Sisters (1962)                02:46

08     Nice Time -Que Sisters      (1962)                02:41

Side B

01. Mangothobane -Flying Jazz Queens (1965)                 02:17

02.  Wamuhle Lomfana -Flying Jazz Queens     (1965)       02:26

03.   Unjak’ Upelile -Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje          (1965)        02:2

04.  Five Two Six -Kid Ma Wrong Wrong (1965)                 02:22

05.  Gumba Gumba 800-Kid Ma Wrong Wrong (1965) 02:22

06.   Seven Stitches -Kid Ma Wrong Wrong (1965)                 02:23

07.  Rock Phata 1001-Kid Ma Wrong Wrong with the SDV Swing Band (1965)    02:39

08.  Lulu Part 4 –Bra Sello (1960) 02:24

 

This compilation ℗ + © 2014 Ubuntu Publishing. All rights reserved

 Marketed by Ubuntu Publishing. Distributed by Rush Hour-Amsterdam, Nieuwe Zijdsvoorburgwal 130 B, 1012ST Amsterdam, The Netherlands

distribution@rushhour.nl

Check out our other releases

Township Jive & Kwela Jazz Volume 1(1940-1960)

 Township Jive & Kwela Jazz Volume 2

Soul Safari presents Township Jive & Kwela Jazz Volume 2 (1930-1962) sneak preview

Words can not describe the sensation of compiling yet another collection of jive and kwela jazz shellac 78’s that were found in the ILAM archives in Grahamstown, South Africa.

Most “African” recordings from the fifties and sixties in South Africa were issued on 78 shellac discs and only compiled to LP for the “overseas/white” market in very limited quantities. So one can imagine how rare these records actually are.

The selection of Volume 2 of ‘Township Jive & Kwela Jazz’ features 18 songs that were recorded between 1930 to 1962. Most of these were no big hits, only The Skylarks with Miriam Makeba and The Batchelors featuring Thoko Tomo are the better known names on this compilation.

The latter knew some local success with their Zulu translation of an American Doo Wop original; ‘Book Of Love’ by The Monotones, a one-hit wonder, as their only hit single peaked at #5 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1958.  ‘Sesik’Inyembezi’ was also released as an ep on New Sound XEP 7025 where the two tracks of the original single by The Bachelors comprise the B side. The A side is by The Skylarks with Miriam Makeba. Interestingly the front of the ep sleeve features a photograph of and mentions only The Skylarks with Miriam Makeba – suggests that The Bachelors were very much the lesser act in sales potential.

All recordings were prepared and mastered from the original 78 rpm shellac discs as found in the archives at ILAM. The goal was to clear the dust and dirt of decades gone by, while preserving the original dynamics and to keep the sound as little altered as possible.

Here is a sneak preview of some of the selections that can be found on ‘Township Jive & Kwela Jazz Volume 2”. Full tracklist + mp3 review to be revealed in my next post. Do check it out!

kudos to Alex. Sinclair for sharing his knowledge 

Township Jive & Kwela Jazz vol 2 -preview coming soon

new volume of our own compilation ‘Township Jive & Kwela Jazz’ coming soon!

more details in following posts….

Dorothy Masuka -60 years and counting

Dorothy Masuka celebrating 60 years in biz

  after 60 years in showbiz, music veteran Dorothy Masuka still has no plans to retire. For the singer retirement doesn’t exist in her vocabulary, music is in her soul.

She explains; “I’ve always respected my profession as well as myself as an African woman. When I was younger the world was a different place. Music was like great wine -the more mature, the better. These days, with technology and media, things happen faster for the youngsters. I am glad I have crafted a legacy for the young generation that will be left behind when I pass on,” she says laughing.

 “Young people must keep on singing indigenous African music because that’s what the world is looking for. And they must keep on composing beautiful new tunes.”

Dorothy Masuka -Ngi Hamba Ngedwa

see also South African Soul Divas pt 2 Dorothy Masuka, Mahotella Queens, Irene & The Sweet Melodians

To celebrate her musical output during her long career Gallo Records just released Dorothy Masuka’s ‘Ultimate Collection’ on CD/DVD. 

Label: GRC – Product code: CDGMP 41062. Available from May 2013

 Dorothy Masuka – ‘Ultimate Collection’ 

Disc 1

1. Hamba Nontsokolo
2. Umakhumalo
3. Into Yam
4. Lendaba
5. Suka Lapha
6. Handsome Guy
7. Khanyange
8. Impi
9. Magumede
10. Hapo Zamani
11. Somandla
12. Nginje
13. Kulala
14. Igoli
15. Kwamamazala
16. Mamela
17. Bari
18. Sofa Silahlale

Disc 2

1. Hapo Zamani
2. Kulala
3. Umakhumalo
4. Magumede
5. Mamela
6. Khanyange
7. Ei Yow
8. Suka Lapha
9. Lendaba
10. Into Yam
11. Yombela Yombela
12. Sofa Silahlale
13. Lokhuza
14. Mandela
15. Khawuleza
16. Nontsokolo

source; Sowethan + ‘Mama Dorothy’ by Richard Galler, Sawubona travel magazine South African Airlines May 2013

rare gems from the ILAM Archives-Township Jive & Kwela Jazz

Hugh Tracey

The International Library of African Music (ILAM), based at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa, was founded by Hugh Tracey in 1954. ILAM’s collections of Hugh Tracey’s audio recordings, photographs and films are of great importance in preserving and keeping African musical heritage alive.

 The Tracey Collection of African traditional musical instruments is housed at ILAM, as is an extensive collection of  shellac 78 rpm discs. In addition to his extensive work researching and documenting the music of sub-Saharan Africa,Hugh Tracey advised Gallo, the biggest South African record company, on which records to release. Most of these selections came out on independent labels such as Gallotone,  Hit,  BB and New Sounds and included Zulu jive, Sotho vocal, accordion and violin jive – styles that were aimed at the burgeoning black market and helped to create a new black identity.

After two years of intensive collaboration with ILAM, Soul Safari proudly presents ‘Township Jive & Kwela Jazz (1940-1960)’, with many rare gems found in the ILAM archives.  This compilation brings the dusty and sometimes forgotten original recordings back to life, truly music treasures from a long gone past.

But I wonder if  there is enough interest for releasing these rare gems?? As CD format, download or a vinyl deluxe set? Let me know what you think, it’s appreciated.

See also previous my post Soul Safari presents Township Jive & Kwela Jazz (1940-1960) for the full track-listing.

Josiah Khuzwao & His String Band -Emkhumbane

Lulu Sibeko & Sedgewick Brothers -Chaba Chaba

Soul Safari presents Township Jive & Kwela Jazz (1940-1960)

It’s official folks! Our first compilation in collaboration with ILAM is now being prepared for release. Soul Safari presents Township Jive & Kwela Jazz (1940-1960) celebrates the 3rd year of Soul Safari so far. Imagine 135 posts and still counting…

All titles on this compilation have been handpicked from the ILAM Archives (the International Library of African Music), in Grahamstown, South Africa. The tracklisting represents a wide variety of styles from the golden era of Jive & Kwela, originally released on 78 shellac discs from small independent record companies .  The compilation features rarities by the big names obviously but presents  mostly obscure material from a long lost past. Recorded from the original 78 rpm’s and professionally restored/mastered with artwork to match.

A limited edition of the album in CD format and deluxe 180 gram vinyl pressing is  confirmed for October 2011,  exclusively distributed by Rush Hour.

1 The Skylarks with Miriam Makeba & Spokes Mashiyane -Ekoneni

2 Sophtown Cool Seven -Sophtown Special

3 Lulu Sibeko & Sedgewick Brothers Tholi Bare

4 The Skylarks with Miriam Makeba & Spokes Mashiyane -Inkomo Zodwa

5 Spokes Mashiyane & His Golden Saxophone -Bothe Bothe

6 Cowboy Superman & His Cowboy Sisters -Inhlizyiyo yam

7 Abafana Flute Jive -Bra Zacks

8 Doris Mkhize & The Cement Mixers -Nanku

9 Abafana Flute Jive -7 Up Swing

10 Josiah Khuzwao & His String Band -Emkhumbane

11 Lulu Sibeko & Sedgewick Brothers Chaba Chaba

12 Martindale All Stars -Thakane

13 Harmony Crew Shirts -Amanye Madoda

14 Richard Nombali -Kwela Rich

15 Ndlovu Brothers -Anilale Namhla

16 Sample Siroqo  -Baya Vuma

download here

Afrocentric EP – ‘Miss Ghana (Afro Baby)’ Afro dub step RMX

today’s post brings you an exclusive preview of one of my own recordings made in South Africa in 2010. New songs came to life during those sessions;  ‘Miss Ghana (Afro Baby)’ and ‘Poem for a Coral Reef’.   Both songs are dear to me as I had the change to work with young South African singers Yemu Matibe and Alungile Sixishe and Ghanese reggae supremo Consular. And now, I am proud to present the new remixes of ‘Coral Reef’ and 2 more…

“Afrocentric EP” 

Three brand new 2011 remixes by Dutch producer/dj Orlando Voorn

1. Miss Ghana (Afro Baby) -Orlando Voorn’s Afro Dub Step mix 7:50

2. Coral Reef-Orlando Voorn’s  Extended Remix 9:34

3. Topaz -Orlando Voorn’s Culture Club Extended Remix 8:34

 

 

Support your local artists!

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Original versions can be found on the album ‘Musique Exotique’

(Ubuntu Publishing 2010. UP 2010.002 )

Afrocentric EP “Poem for a Coral Reef “Orlando Voorn’s RMX

  something old, something new…

imo  it’s important to listen to the original and traditional grooves  as it is essential to hear the new funk as well. It’s all about finding the right balance, I guess.

These days my choice of African music butterflies between the dusty grooves of scuffy old vinyl and the shiny fresh lacquer-discs of my own productions. What a joy to record and publish the ‘Afrocentric EP’.

Three brand new remixes by Dutch/American producer/DJ Orlando Voorn who reshaped “Miss Ghana (Afro Baby)” , “Topaz” and  ‘Poem for a  ‘Coral Reef’.

South African singers Yemu Matibe and Alungile Sixishe translate the lyrics in Xhosa beautifully. Their young voices, the sensuous words mix with the dubby rhythms like magic. The mood of these remixes  is upbeat and happy while tranquil and reflective at the same time. Sung in Xhosa. Recorded in South Africa and Amsterdam. Mixed with love.

Support your local artists! Buy this music @ iTunes. Out now!

Poem for a Coral Reef (Ikorale yoqaqa lolwandle)

lyrics translated in Xhosa by Lunga Heleni

Mthombo wanaphakade wombala nokhanyo

Ilizwe ngaphandle kwamaxesha onyaka

Ilizwe ngaphandle kwezizathu

Kungekho suku nabusuku

Zintyatyamb’ ezizelelw’ ematyeni nasesantini

Sitiya esingachukunyiswanga sandla samntu

Matha okhanyo aqhekeza ngapha kwe – emeraldi

Ntlanzi ezinyamalalela kwiinzulw’ eziluhlaza

Mafu esilivere amenyezelayo

Intontozo esukumayo yobomi

Kwiinzulu ezinkungwana zobunzul’ obumnyama

Zizele zizilo ezingekabonwa

Zikhasela kumazantsi olwandle

Zizimele kumathanda nasemingxunyeni yoqaqa lolwandle

Zijik’ umbala msinyane

Zizimele kwilifu lamanz’ aluzizi

Ezantsi apha zidada ngaphaya kwekorale yolwandle

Lenzolw’ ibang’ ubuthul’ obundingqongayo

Xa umntu ethe wabona obubuhle

Angayiqonda na eyakhe inkolelo?

© Eddy De Clercq/Ubuntu Publishing 2010

Afrocentric EP

OrlandoVoorn Remixes

Eddy De Clercq & Friends

Original versions from  the album ‘Musique Exotique’

P + © Ubuntu Publishing 2011. catalog nr. UP 2011.003

Play Of The Day -Amaxhosa on Thuthuka 1982

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The amaXhosa (Xhosa people) are an African ethnic group of about seven million people who live mainly in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape in South Africa. The name derives from a tribal leader called uXhosa, from whom the Xhosa clan descend.

There is also a theory that the word xhosa derives from a word in some Khoi-khoi or San language meaning “fierce” or “angry”, the amaXhosa being the fierce people. The Xhosa refer to themselves as the amaXhosa and to their language as isiXhosa

 

The amaXhosa had extensive contact with Europeans by the early 19th century, generally welcoming missionaries and educators into their territory.The Xhosa even distinguished between “school people,” who had accepted Western innovation, and “red people” or “red blankets” who were identified by the traditional red ochre used to dye clothing and to decorate the body.

isiXhosa , the language of the amaXhosa, is a Bantu language and part of the Nguni subgroup of languages. It became one of South Africa’s 11 official languages in 1994 at the end of apartheid.

 

*

*Play Of The Day –Amaxhosa ‘ Wadidiyela Unonkala’

Xhosa vocal, produced by M. Mtalana. Thuthuka Records, South Africa 1982