MONWA - Mama Kuse (1991)

Diamond/Tusk TUSB3013

Producer: Selwyn Shandel

Engineers: Jorge Arrigone & Selwyn Shandel

Recorded at: Shandel Music

Big-selling duo Monwa & Sun had a massive hit with 'Orlando Hangover' and released a string of great electronic albums in the late 80s on the Cool Spot label. After splitting both members embarked on solo careers, Monwa releasing Aweyo (1990) and Mama Kuse (1991), and Sun releasing a self-titled album in 1990 followed by Looking For Love in 1991. Both also produced other artists. The older of the two, Monwabisi Denis Yekani had earlier made a name for himself fronting Denis Yekani and the Movement. By '91 he had left Cool Spot and teamed up with producer Selwyn Shandel (The Winners, Ninja, Phumi Maduna, etc). 

* Mint copies of this album are available for sale here while stocks last.

SISTER COOL - Ma Afrika (1989)

Cool Spot, SPOT(V)006    

Producers: Monwa Yekani & Mally Watson (exec: Ken Haycock)

Engineer: Mally Watson

Recorded at: Cool Spot

Cool Spot was set up in the late 80s and quickly became home to important acts like Jambo, Monwa & Sun and MM Deluxe. Monwa Yekani emerged as a talented  songwriter and producer, and so assumed control of the label's girl group, made up of Khanyisile Sibiya, China Monyane and Shashi Motumo. Full of warm synths and fat pantsula beats, the trio gave others like Syndicate Sisters and the Dalom Kids a run for their money. 

MONWA - Aweyo (1990)

Cool Spot/EMI, SPOT(V)008   
Producer: Mally Watson (exec: Ken Haycock)       
Recorded at: Cool Spot Studios   

After first hitting the scene fronting the disco-soul outfit Denis Yekani & The Movement, Monwabisi Denis Yekani teamed up with Poth Nkotsoe to form Monwa and Sun, who put out monster hits like 'Orlando Hangover' in the late 80s. He stood out for pioneering the new school sound and for his superior lyricism. In 1990 he released his solo debut Aweyo, featuring backing vocals from Supa Frika and others. Tracks like 'Night Groover' and 'Pantsula Party' speak for themselves, while '1990' is a sign of the times, with state censorship a thing of the past...

"We are marching on the front line,
United we stand divided we fall,
In 1990 fulfill your dreams.
1990-1990! Year of liberation
1990-1990! Okay
Viva Viva Viva
Phambili ma-Afrika"