VA - Gospel Greats, vol. 1 (1990)

Gallo/Mike Fuller Music (MFM), FML1032

Gospel hit the mainstream at the end of the 80s and many popular bubblegum and crossover acts tried their hand at the genre, some never turning back. Here the MFM stable seized the moment and put out a compilation featuring most of their biggest stars, including Mercy Pakela, Ali Katt, PJ Powers (Hotline), William Mthethwa and keyboard fiend Mathambo aka Bones Brettell. Then there are the established names of the genre like Rebecca, Benjamin Dube, Pure Gold, at times backed by the likes of the Holy Spirits Choir, Forever Mass Choir, Baragwanath Choir and Galathia Ama First Born Choir.

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.

PURE GOLD - By the Rivers of Babylon (1989)

Shanachie (US). 64018

Liner notes: "Pure Gold comes from Mzinmophe, Soweto. Like so many mbube groups, they are a close knit aggregation of ten singers all brothers or cousins, all in their twenties. Led by the expressive lead vocals of Freddy Gwala....The vocal harmonies would make for enjoyable listening even acapella but here they are wedded to a rocking dance rhythm...They deliver the best of both worlds: the pure expressiveness of traditional music and the high-energy dynamics of pop."