ZIA - The Frontline (1988)

Gallo GRC, HUL40173   
Producers: Patrick van Rensburg & Peps Coutamaccio   
Engineer: Darryl Heilbrunn       
Recorded at: RPM Studio

Though often overlooked in favour of other crossover acts like Hotline, Juluka and Mango Groove, Zia enjoyed a few local chart hits and some international attention. According to frontwoman Cindy Alter's website , Zia "toured the country, then broke into the French market and toured France, opening for the Bee Gees at Bercy in Paris, after which they were offered the opening slot on the Bee Gees' US tour. This was a major coup, but was sadly thwarted when their local record company could not offer tour support.  Cindy took this as a sign to move on. She resigned from Zia and in July 1990 booked a ticket to Los Angeles."

The Frontline follows their self-titled debut in 1986 and Kant'Unjani in 1987. Songs have pop, rock and traditional Zulu influences, most with politically charged messages, for example on 'Children' and 'Trust In Me'.

ZIA - Kant'unjani? (1987)

Gallo/GRC, HUL40143
Producers: Patrick van Rensburg & Pops Cottumaccio
Engineer: Richard Mitchell (& Ralph Martin)
Recorded at: RPM (& Priority)

Zia were one of the better multi-racial/crossover acts of the day, though they failed to find the same degree of recognition at Hotline before or Mango Groove after. They drew on synth-pop, mbaqanga and reggae influences and combined it with a funky fashion sense to make an accessible and proudly homegrown statement during the dark days of apartheid segregation and isolation. Also one of the few acts of the day that managed to get released overseas. This six-track album also features a brave cover of the Eagles' insipid "Desperado".

"Zia was another crossover group that took over form where Hotline had left off. It was also under Mike Fuller's management. The group line-up was: Cindy Alter (vocals), Ashley Brokensha (vocals/guitar/keyboards), Graham Clifford (guitar/keyboards), Reg Edwards (vocals/bass), Patrick van Rensburg (drums/percussion). The lead vocalist Cindy was from Clout, a group that had a big hit with 'Substitute' when she worked with Bones Brettell. In 1986 Zia released a self-titled album on the Teal Sound label produced by Patrick van Resnburg and Richard Mitchell featuring the hit 'Nobody Loves You'.

"By 1987 when they released the album Kant'Unjani? on the Gallo label, Glen Malema, Ashley Brokensha and Graham Clifford were out and Andre Fourie, Abe Sibiya and Lawrence Mkhize were in. Other good tracks on the album were 'Tsotsie Taal' and 'Waiting for the Winds (Woza Moya)'. There 1988 release was The Frontline." (Mojapelo 2008:129). Also featuring Bheki Gumbi and Liz Mngomezulu.

VA - Africa Africa (1988)

Star, Polygram (Eur)

84021-1

Side A:

1. "Jive Soweto" - Sipho Hotstix Mabuse

2. "Tsotsie Taal" - Zia

3. "African Convention" - Myriam Makeba

4. "Don't Go Lose It Baby" - Hugh Masekela

5. "Ah Freak Sans Fric" - Manu Dibango

Side B:

1. "My Blue Lady" - Sipho Gumede

2. "Maraba Start 500" - Boyoyo Boys

3. "Mon Coeur Balance" - Daouda

4. "All I Need is Here in Africa" - Steve Kekana

5. "Singa Jindi Majita" - Stimela

6. "Angelina" - Caiphus Semenya

7. "Bamnqobile" - Ladysmith Black Mombaza (sic)