MASIKE - Hooked On Your Love/I've Been Hurt (1985)

Rainbow/WEA, RADS318

Producer: Masike Mohapi

Engineer: J. Smit

Recorded at: Universal Studios

Former Harari frontman Funky Masike Mohapi went solo in the early 80s, releasing maxi singles like this before albums such as Back Forever (1988) and Hand To Mouth (1990). True to his name, this is funky, soulful stuff, the two tracks weighing in at seven minutes each, blending synth-heavy funk and Mohapi's classic rock influences. Co-written by Tata 'TNT' Sibeko.

AFROSYNTH XI: ON THE MOVE

AFROSYNTH XI: ON THE MOVE

1. 'It's Raining In My Heart' - Cisco The Champ (1989)
2. 'Yes I Love You' - Funky Masike (1988)
3. 'Don't Give My Love Away' - Melvyn Matthews (1985)
4. 'Searchin' - Phumi Maduna (1987)
5, 'We're On The Move' – Future (1986)
6. 'Afro Breakdance' – Tata (1985)
7. 'You Look So Good' – Ymage (1990)
8. 'Take Your Time' - Om Alec (1987)
9. 'Julia' - Dan Nkosi (1989)
10. 'Matsidiso' - Zone 3  (1987)
11. 'The Boss Is Back' – CJB (1987)
12, 'Liar' - Ali Katt (1988)
13. 'No Divorce' – Mordillo (1989)
14. 'Xipitifaya' – Lazarus Kgagudi (1989)
15. 'Waar's My Pyp?' - Oom Hansie (1986)

FREE DOWNLOAD!

FUNKY MASIKE - Back Forever (1988)

Gallo GRC, HUL40156   
Producer: Alec Khaoli   
Engineers: Alec Khaoli & Colin Smith       
Recorded at: Fireworks Studio

After leaving Afro-rock giants and bubblegum precursors Harari, guitarist and vocalist Masike Mohapi had solo hits with 'Standing On The Top' (1984), 'My Love Is Yours' and 'Ndoyenda' (1985), 'Babe', 'Hamnana' and 'Pimville People'. Most of his solo work was produced by Harari bassman Om Alec Khaoli.

Though he never quite reached his potential as a solo act, Funky's powerful vocals found many imitators. Back Forever is a solid effort full of catchy bubblegum numbers. Best track 'Yes I Love You' is smooth 80s R&B carried by a minimalist bass groove and Funky's soaring soul vocals.

FUNKY MASIKE - Hand to Mouth (1990)

Gallo GMP, HUL 40224

Producer: Alec 'Om' Khaoli
Engineers: Dave Segal & Alec 'Om' Khaoli

Former Harari vocalist and guitarist Masike Mohapi put out this solo effort with the help of former bandmate turned producer Alec Khaoli.  Unlike Om's solo efforts, though, "Hand to Mouth" isn't up to scratch. The most interesting thing here, besides the weird cover art, is the The "dub & stutter" remix of "the Ghetto", which does away with most of the corny lyrics of the original mix, and offers some interesting synth and old-school mixing effects.

FREE DOWNLOAD!!