JOSEPH DEE - Ikhethele / Choose For Yourself (1986)

Teal Sound, XPD2471

Producer: Joseph Makwela

Engineer: Phil Nel

Joseph Dumako made his name leading the prolific Holy Spirits Choir and the Forever Mass Choir, where he helped fuse gospel's call-and-response vocals with bubblegum's frantic synths. Solo he put out a string of potent keyboard instrumental albums. The title track here borrows the melody of the then-banned anthem 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrica', which Dumako recorded in full on his 1989 solo album Lover's Wedding. Later albums include Spiffy Diffy and Tigers Don't Cry. An underrated legend of South African gospel, he passed away in 2011.

HOLY SPIRITS - Thapelo Ea Holy Spirits (1987)

Producers: Joseph Dumako, Joseph Makwela & John Lindemann
Engineer: John Lindemann
Composer / Arranger: Joseph Dumako

JOSEPH DEE - Lover's Wedding (1989)

Tusk TUSB3010
Producer: Joseph Dumako
Engineer: Lee 'Finger' Short
Recorded at: RPM Studios

 

Kroonstad-born Joseph Dumako was a prominent gospel composer and producer in the mid to late-80s, working with the Holy Spirits Choir and the Forever Mass Choir, among others. As a solo artist, he used the name Joseph Dee. Freaky kiddy-fiddler cover art aside, the best thing about this album is the synthesized take on our national anthem, then still a symbol of the struggle against apartheid.

FOREVER MASS CHOIR - Yehla Moya! (1989)

Tusk SJH101
Producer: Joseph Dumako
Engineer: Lee 'Finger' Short
Recorded at: RPM Studios

zulu spiritual