VA - Roy B's Party Time Vol. 2 (198?)

Roy B, RBL124u

Roy B was a successful independent label (aka Dephon) run by Phil Hollis that helped launch the careers of some of the biggest names in the business. The second volume of their Party Time compilation features Yvonne Chaka Chaka singing 'Winner My Dear Love', a thinly veiled tribute to Winnie Mandela, as well as Chicco with his breakthrough solo hit 'I Need Some Money', Pat Shange ('Rules of Love'), William Mthethwa & The Young Five, Benjamin Dube's gospel hit 'Holy Spirit' as well as lesser known band The Groovy Guys. The album also features two prominent acts not usually associated with the label, Splash (wrong listed here as Smash) and the late great Al Etto (singing 'She's Hot').

WILLIAM 'MR EVERYTHING' MTHETHWA - Tribute to Sophie Mathibela (1988)

Roy B/Dephon, RBL146

Producer: William Mthethwa

Recorded at:  Sweet Sixteen

Mpho and Mphonyana Mathibela made headlines across South Africa when they were born joined at the head in Johannesburg on 7 December 1986. A decision was made for them to be separated, which happened in 1988. The story prompted support from musicians William Mthethwa and Yvonne Chaka Chaka (and Ali Katt, who also released a song for the twins in 1988).

"This album is dedicated to Sophie Mathibela, the mother of Mpho le Mphonyana, in honor of her supreme courage and total devotion to her two babies. All proceeds for the Mpho le Mphonyana track will be donated to Sophie to help in the upbringing of the twins. This track was recorded solely for this purporse. We love you Mpho le Mphonyana." - Yvonne and William.

The album also contains other social messages such as 'We Cry For Peace in Africa', 'Help The Children', 'We Don't need a Party' (all co-written by Al Etto and Mthethwa's frequent collaborator Dimakatso Moletsane) and 'We Miss You',  as well as the more upbeat 'Matjitji' and 'Hoza 2000'.

Sadly Mphonyana died of pneumonia a year after the twins were separated. Mpho, now in her late 20’s, is still alive today. 

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.

WILLIAM MTHETHWA and THE FAITH MISSION CHOIR - Satane Tloha Ho Nna (1990)

Midnight Beat, MBT226

Producer: William 'Mr Everything' Mthethwa

Engineer: George Vardis

Recorded at: TRS Studios

Mthethwa made his name as a dynamic frontman during the 1980s. As bubblegum began to fade, 'Mr Everything' ventured into gospel as well as reggae and soccer-themed albums. He also helped launch the career of another Sotho soulman, Sox. Dedicated to Aubrey Bano Moloi of the Young Five, who passed away on New Years day that year, this gospel album ('Satan Leave Me Alone') is full of fresh synths and Mthethwa's powerful vocals.

AFROSYNTH XIII: MONDAY BLUES

1. 'Ibhabhalazi (Monday Blues)' - Ibiza (1986)
2. 'Holiday' - Margino (1984)
3. 'Faceless People' - Shalom (1987)
4. 'Shayis'umoya' - Abakhwenyana (1986)
5. 'Don't Play With Fire, It's Dangerous' - Taxi (198?)
6. 'Early In The Morning' - Mr Chacklas (1988)
7. 'Time To Foetsek' - The Rockets (1989)
8. 'Get Up (Jo'na)' - Ninja (1989)
9. 'Mphe Borotho' - Wiliam Mthethwa (198?)
10. 'Don't Touch' - V-Mash (1989)
11. 'Xigangu Xaphorisa' - Kaya (1986)
12.  'Without You' - Tom Dollar (1987)
13.  'Pretty Face' - Percy Kay (1986)
14. 'Doctor Of Love' - Lawrence 'Sackey' Goreoang (1986)

Ripped And Compiled By DJ Okapi, June 2013

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WILLIAM MTHETHWA - Setjwetla (198?)

Roy B/Dephon, RBL137   

Producer: William Mthethwa     

Engineer: David Moloele           

Recorded at: Orange 338                                                

'Mr Everything' has had a long and prolific career but he arguably reached his peak with Setjwetla, a hot disc full of potent synths, violent vocals and catchy melodies, including shout-out's to his native Free State ('Haak Vrystaat') and the vibrant Sotho township south of Joburg ('Sebokeng').

“One release that drew him into sharp spotlight was his controversial album Setjwetla, which was accompanied by dancing in the nude. It provoked so much debate in the national media, to which he responded by saying the song was inspired by a Basotho cultural dance. The storm overshadowed good tracks on the album like 'Haak Vrystaat', 'Mphe Borotho' and 'Kgwedi E Fedile'.” (Mojapelo, 2008:46).

WILLIAM MTHETHWA - Madlozi (1989)

Midnight Beat / Teal Trutone, MBT 214
Producers: William 'Mr Everything' Mthethwa & Pat Shange
Recorded at: Sweet 16 Studio

William Mthethwa was a cut above most of his contemporaries. Jam-packed with hits, Madlozi shows 'Mr Everything' at his best - with powerful vocals and sizzling synths. William Mthethwa and the Young Five's breakthrough hit was 'Celebration', "a song that celebrated the Christmas of 1983 and of many years thereafter. Their albums include Wola Ma-Gents . . . Later William embarked on a successful solo career, though he would still release some albums like Our Love is Over (Awusuke) with his band. His self-written hot dance maxi single titled 'Nightclubbing' (Jive Wire, 1985) was produced/arranged by Peter Moticoe and engineered by Fernando Perdigao. In my opinion, William was quite ahead of his times with this single because even today it still sets the dance floor ablaze.

"His many hits include 'Botsotsi' and 'O Jola Le Clever'. One release that drew him into sharp spotlight was his controversial album Setjwetla, which was accompanied by dancing in the nude. It provoked so much debate in the national media, to which he responded by saying the song was inspired by a Basotho cultural dance.... William later earned himself the title 'Mr Everything' for his versatility that saw him release albums in various genres" - including reggae, gospel, political praise songs and soccer supporter's albums." (Mojapelo 2008: 46).