REGGAE MANIA!

1. ‘Sound Of Africa’ - Steve Kekana (1981)

2. ‘Thule’ - O'yaba (1991)

3. ‘No Man Kill Another Man’ – Jambo (1991)

4. ‘Phambili La Siyakhona’ – Izindlovu (1990)

5. ‘Friday Morning’ - Neville Nash (1982)

6. ‘Babylon Water’ – Cokes (1988)

7. ‘Take It Easy’ – Pongolo (1989)

8. ‘Siyadudula’ – Buthelezi (1988)

9, ‘Reggae Music’ - Dread Warriors (1983)

10. ‘Fire In The Ghetto’ – Zasha (1988)

11. ‘Stop The War’ - Prince And The Buffaloes (1990)

12. ‘Don't Take A Chance’ - Rasta Kids (1984)

13. ‘Good Night Out’ – Kariba (1981)

14. ‘Reggae Mania’ – Quinton (1989)

15. ‘Flash A Flashlight’ - Benjamin Ball (1984)

Following performances in the early 80s by international superstars Jimmy Cliff in Soweto, Peter Tosh in Swaziland and Bob Marley in Zimbabwe, reggae quickly became popular amongst South African of all races and backgrounds. Reggae artists used music and lyrics to take on the apartheid establishment. The latest AFROSYNTH mix, REGGAE MANIA showcases some of the early progenitors of the genre in its uniquely South African, bubblegum-influenced sound. Ripped from the original vinyl and compiled by DJ OKAPI, the lineup includes well-known acts such as O'YABA and JAMBO, lesser known bands like the DREAD WARRIORS, the RASTA KIDS and PONGOLO, and artists from other genres who experimented with reggae (STEVE KEKANA, NEVILLE NASH, ZASHA). It offers a sample of a rich and varied reggae scene and does not include influential figures like Lucky Dube, Carlos Djedje and Colbert 'Harley' Mukwevho. Sit back, light up and enjoy Mzansi"s finest oldskool reggae jams. MO FAYA!

FREE DOWNLOAD!

ZASHA - Love Target (1986)

Teal, KVL5039   
Producer/engineer: Ian Osrin       

Debut album from Afrosynth favourite who, like Stimela, transcended the bubblegum label with their tight and sophisticated afro-pop grooves. "Zasha are three young men with a mission. Hailing from the East Rand Township of Vosloorus they aim to spread music right round the country. Their first hit 'Brika Bova' opened the doors for them and now they bring you their first album Love Target." Featuring trombonist Jannie van Tonder, who also played with Mzwakhe Mbuli, The African Jazz Pioneers, Vusi Mahlasela and James Phillips, among many others in SA and Europe.

ZASHA - Zishangani (1988)

Teal, KVL5057   
Producers: Ian Osrin & Zasha   
Engineer: Ian Osrin   

Zasha were a cut above the rest, crafting their own sound on airtight grooves and a wide variety of infuences - funk on 'Harder Than The Rest' and reggae on 'Fire in the Ghetto', while 'Chiriri' and 'Zishangani' look across the Limpopo for inspiration. It's a timeless, pan-African groove that still sounds fresh today, except for the kwaito/house beat on 'Samorai (Ninja)'

Featuring Godfrey Mthimkhulu (vocals and percussion), Skipper Tshabalala (guitars) and Mzamo Thobejane (keys and bass). "This LP is dedicated to our parents and friends and we hope you will dance the days and night away."

"Some people just don't understand,
how painful it is to be divided...
Notes on a piano, they need each other,
just like a guitar needs his bass guitar
just like a drummer needs a dancer.
They need each other." ('Zishangani')

VA - Dinaledi: The Power in the Music vol 3 (1986)

Dinaledi, DIN3
Compiled by Patrick Meyer

Great compilation album of alternative takes of some of the biggest early bubblegum hits, credited to "The Sugarboys".

Side A:
1. Ikati pt.2 - Condry Ziqubu
2. No! No! Senor pt.2  - Brenda & the Big Dudes
3. Move Over pt.2 - Chicco

Side B:
1. O Nketsang pt.2 - Rex Rabanye
2. Another Lover pt.2 - Om Alec Khaoli
3. Brikha Bhova pt.2 - Zasha
4. (All I need is here) In Africa - PJ Powers (Hotline)/Steve Kekana

ZASHA - Hayi Ngodlame (1989)

Teal Trutone, SUF2
Producer: Thapelo Khomo
Engineer: Ian Osrin

 

Funky, sophisticated Afro-pop where real musicians trump programmed beats. Fronted by singer Steven Mthimkulu and guitarist Skipper Shabalala, who recently made a comeback as a solo act. Produced by Thapelo Khomo, who also worked with acts like Kamazu, Pappa, Jabu Khanyile (Bayete) and more recently Simphiwe Dana. Dedicated to "our late brother 'Boxie' Lekalakala, who passed away in 1987". Hair by Superkurl, 68 Simmonds St, Joburg!

In a nod to their infuences, the title track features Coyote (v) and Jabu Sibumbe (bass) from Stimela, and Jimmy Mngwandi from Image. "Every brother is our brother, every sister is our sister". Highlights on this 6-track album include 'Stop That Game' and 'A Letter To My Family'. Other Zasha albums include Love Target (1986), I'll Be There For You (1991), Stop That Game (1992) and Save The World (1994).