HAPPY HAPPY - Party Time Again (1988)

White Dove/Hit City DOV(O)025

Producer: Blondie Makhene (exec: John Galanakis)

Engineers: Deran McNamara, Quinton King Madlala & Ilan Kometz

Recorded at: Platinum

Novelty album of synth-heavy Christmas carols, with 'Happy Birthday' thrown in for good measure. Featuring input from many of the Hit City stable's biggest stars, including producer Blondie Makhene, Vusi Shange, Dan Nkosi, Pure Gold, Zizi Kongo and Quinton King Madlala. Despite the all-star cast, there's only so much one can do with a Christmas carol.

* Mint copies of this album are on sale here 

AFRICAN YOUTH BAND - Thula Sizwe (1989)

Leopard/Hit City, LEO(V)069

Producer: Blondie Makhene

Engineer: Deran McNamara

By the late 1980s Blondie Makhene had done it all as a solo artist, bandleader and producer. As musicians were drawn increasingly into the struggle against apartheid, his African Youth Band recorded recognisable 'struggle songs' as synth-powered instrumentals to avoid censorship. They released Nkosi Yami (1987) and Vuka (1988). 1989's Thula Sizwe is dedicated to "The men and women on the morning and afternoon trains to and from work. Keep shaking those coaches with dance and song." Following 1990's Woya Moya, the band evolved into Amaqabane, enjoying massive sales into the 90s and reuniting in recent years.

"Though some of the tracks had very few lyrics, it had heavy political undertones. AYB's other hits include 'Ntate Modise', a track that almost became the unofficial national anthem before 'Nkosi Sikelel'iAfrika'. This due to its prominence as a signature tune when the nation was waiting with bated breath on 11 February 1990 as the gates of Victor Verster Prison (now Drakenstein Prison) were thrown wide open for Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela to walk free… The freedom songs challenged the status quo and agitated for a spy transformation" (Mojapelo, 2008:34).

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

BLONDIE - Spreading Love (1987)

Hit City HC(E)701

Producers: Blondie Makhene, John Galanakis & Steve McNamara

Engineers: Steve McNamara & John Galanakis

Recorded at: Platinum

A key figure in South African disco, Blondie was born Keoagile Gerald Makhene in Soweto in 1955 and rose to fame as a performer in the duo Blondie & Pappa. They toured the country with other various family bands, known as The Family and later Spankk, earning the Makhenes a reputation as South Africa's answer to the Jacksons. After the duo split he turned solo, releasing Communicate (1984) and Overtime (1985), performing at the historic Concert In The Park in Johannesburg in 1985. He also helped launch a young Brenda Fassie, teaming her up with his backing back to produce the landmark 1983 single 'Weekend Special'. 

In 1987 Blondie released another solo album, Spreading Love. It's smooth R&B soul led by the balled 'Baby I'm Missing You', dedicated to his wife Agnes. Around this time he also kickstarted the African Youth Band (AYB), which released a string of popular albums of instrumental political songs. Besides AYB Blondie has produced countless others, including Vusi Shange, Hugh Masekela and Amaqabane. Still active in the music industry today, in 2010 he released a new version of 'Baby I'm Missing You'. It was followed by new albums Back To Love (2013) and Sthunywa Sami (2014).

Mint copies of this album are available for sale here 

PURE GOLD - Siyabonga Baba (1987)

Hit City/White Dove, DOV(A)018   
Producers: Blondie Makhene & Steve McNamara
(exec: John Galanakis)
Engineer: Steve McNamara       
Recorded at: Platinum Studios, Jhb       

Consisting of the Gwala Brothers Paulos, Freddy, Patrick, Jafta and Victor, Pure Gold were one of the most popular 'Zulu traditional' acts of the day, even making inroads overseas on the Shanachie label. They were under the wing of Blondie Makhene, one of the key figures in SA music in the 70s and 80s, who also provides keyboards here. Siyabonga Baba (Thank you sir) catches them at the peak of their fame.