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 - The Second National Song Festival (1987)

SABC, SONG2

As South Africa's townships burned, government pulled out all the stops to try to stop the rising tide of resistance to apartheid. To this end, in 1986 the SABC launched an ambitious annual project known as the National Song Festival, with each of its 15 (later 17) radio stations represented by an artist (Mojapelo 2008:78). The selection of artists would be released annually as a compilation album celebrating the organised segregation of the music industry. 

Interestingly, by the time of the Second National Song Festival in August 1987, the government had adapted its policy with regards to popular music to embrace the crossover trend for its own ends. For example a white artist (Vernon Roux) was selected to represent Radio Swazi, while mixed-race acts represented Radio Zulu (Lorraine Staple and Karleen Kane), Radio Highveld (Malie Kelly, Kim Kallie aka Margino and Felicia Marion), Radio Port Natal (Friends First) and Radio Sesotho (Isaac). All of the songs carried messages of peace and reconciliation, eg 'Our Home in Africa', 'Children Of Africa', 'Let's Join Hands', 'Happiness' and 'You Can Make It Work'. Also featuring Supa Frika, Mordillo, Taboo, Ricardo, Johnny Mokhali and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Perhaps audiences could see through the SABC's hypocrisy, as the festival doesn't seem to have made it to a third edition.

YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA - The Rhythm Of Life (1991)

Teal, RBL185
Producer: Attie van Wyk
Engineer: Fernando Perdigao
Recorded at: Powerhouse

Another disappointing album from the overrated 'Princess of Africa'. Titles capture the volatile politics and spirit of change at the time, like 'Let's Get Together', 'Brother Hold My Hand', "Who's Got The Power' and 'He Never Came Home', while 'Uganda' is a nod to Yvonne's fans in East Africa.

YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA - Be Proud To Be African (1990)

Roy B/Dephon/Dust, RBL170   
Producer: Attie van Wyk (exec: Phil Hollis)   
Engineer: Adrian Hamilton   
Recorded at: Sweet 16           

Be Proud includes Yvonne's biggest hit 'Umqombothi', remixed by Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim), also released on an international Hi-NRG compilation not long after. "Let Him Go" hints at Nelson Mandela's release, which came that year, and takes aim at apartheid rulers:
"Take a look at yourself, don't you feel guilty?
Let him go, let him go, let him go,
For his children, give him freedom."

YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA - I Cry For Freedom (1988)

Roy B/Dust/Dephon, RBL143   
Producer: Attie van Wyk (exec: Phil Hollis)
Engineer: Richard Mitchell
Recorded at: The Power House Studio

One of SA's most bankable, beautiful and brightest stars, Yvonne first emerged in the mid-80s and is still going today. Besides the popular title track, this album from her 80s heyday includes the hit 'Doctor Doctor', 'Caught Breaking The Law' and the saucy 'Baby I Want You Right Now'.



"The siren effect was brought into her album I Cry For Freedom with the track 'Caught Breaking The Law'. My understanding of the strategy behind the concept was that the producers, Attie and Phil, were playing on the tense and hair-rasing effect of the siren, which to most people spelled danger - the police, the ambulance or the fire brigade. It immediately captured our attention. It also won the sympathy of the listener who knew what normally happened to people who were dragged into the cold and dark cells for breaking the law . . .

"In a short space of time Yvonne Chaka Chaka was South Afria's most popular musician on the continent. She was a hit in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Gabon, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and many other countries. It was on her 1990 successful Uganda tour that she earned the name 'Princess of Africa'."  (Mojapelo 2008:98)

   

YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA - Who's the Boss? (1989

Roy B. / Dust / Teal / Trutone

RBL 152

Producer: Attie van Wyk

Engineer: Richard Mitchell

Recorded at: Powerhouse

Yvonne brought her own style of wholesome lady loveliness to the bubblegum scene, the perfect foil to Ma Brr. On “Who’s The Boss,” she speaks her mind: women's rights are the order of the days: refusing to clean up and cook for her man ( “I’m Not Your Slave"), promising to be faithful ("To The Man I Love"), discussing marriage ("Why Can’t We Live Together..If We Really Love Each Other?”, while still looking at broader political issues ("We Will Survive") and escapist fun ("Turn Up Your Radio"). The album features Stella Khumalo, Lindi Evenson, Tu Nokwe And Felicia Marion. Notes include “Thanks To Herbert ‘Dr Rhythm’ Xulu, Who Came From Zululand To Deliver The Goods” As Rhythm Producer/Arranger.