REGGAE MUNTU - Equalize (1990)

Leopard/Hit City, LEO070

Producers: RF Gumbi & Andre Myron

Recorded at: Platinum

Top-quality reggae by little-known act Reggae Muntu along the lines of Lucky Dube and Jambo. Each of the six tracks contains English lyrics touching on still-relevant topics like access to education ('Equalise'), crime ('Traffic Lights'), and climate change ('Save The Planet'), sometimes with a gospel touch ('Christian Man' and 'Who Do You Want'). Featuring an array of synths and skanking guitars by two of the most influential and versatile producers of the day, Tom Vuma and RF Gumbi. Also featuring backing vocals by Tu and Marilyn Nokwe, Deborah Fraser and Mandisa Dlanga. "I am dedicating this album to all my friends and colleagues who have been waiting to hear my voice on record for years. This is yours, feel it and enjoy it please."

THE COMFORTERS - Month-End Lover (1986)

Leopard/Hit City, LEO(O)056

Producers: Steve McNamara & Albert Khumalo

Engineer: Steve McNamara

Composer: C. Mukwevho

Recorded at: Platinum

Colbert Mukwevho grew up in the rhythm section of family band Thrilling Artists. At 21 he was fronting his own group, The Comforters, and found fame with this their breakthrough album. Echoing the lyrical sentiment of 'Weekend Special' (and not to be confused with Vibe Talk's 'Weekend Lover'), 'Month-End Lover' is classic uptempo bubblegum. Even catchier is 'These Arms of Love'. The album's two other tracks, 'Immortal Words' and 'Fairweather Lover' head deeper into synth-heavy roots reggae, not unlike Lucky Dube's early reggae albums from the same time, with Mukwhevo's soulful voice at its best on the downtempo tracks.

A revered figure in Venda/Limpopo, Mukwevho soon became a bonafied reggae star fronting Harley and the Rasta Family. Today's he still going strong as a solo act, continuing to tour the country and release new albums (for more details check out his website).

* Mint copies of this album (both covers) are available for sale here while stocks last.

ALTAR - Stay Alive (1991)

Diamond/Accord, AMH402

Producer: Altar

Engineers: Meir Eshel & Nic Paton

Recorded at: Miditone

Downtempo reggae that eschews Jamaican influences for a distinctly African touch, thanks to rudimentary synths and raw vocals that at first sound undercooked but after repeated spins lends itself to a deep irie vibe - not unlike Izindlovu and Big Elephant. Tracks include 'Reggae in Africa', 'Sad Face' and the still relevant 'Damn Poachers'.

SLAVES - Talkin' Reggae (1992)

Gallo, HUL40286

Producer: Richard Siluma

Engineer: Dave Segal

Recorded at: Downtown Studios, Jhb

"Lucky Dube's band Slaves was named after his 1987 album of the same name. They released their debut album Kneel Down in 1990, produced by Richard Siluma and engineered by Dave Segal. The line-up of the gorup was Thuthukani Cele (lead vocals, keyboards), Eugene Mthethwa (keyboards), Chris Ntaka (guitar), Jabu Sibumbe (bass), Vuli Yeni (tenor sax/vocals), Jabu Mdluli (trombone), Ray Mohono (drums), Ndumiso Nyovane (trumpet/flugelhorn/vocals), Chris Dlamini (timbales, congas and ukamba, After Lucky Dube's departure the band renamed itself One People Band. By 2008 the band was rehearsing for another reggae legend, Eddy Grant's  three-year tour dubbed 'The Eddy Grant Reparation Tour'." (Mojapelo, 2008:161). One People is still going strong under Cele, and in 2013 released a new album, Spirit of Reggae.

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!

JAMBO - Calling All Children (1991)

Cool Spot, SPOT(V)011   
Producer: Mally Watson       
Engineer: Sipho Jonson Mdletshe   
Recorded at: Cool Spot Studios, JHB

Jambo were perhaps second only to Lucky Dube in popularity among reggae acts in Mzansi. This was their third album, after Prodigal Son (1988) and Bad Friend (1990), and came during a time of growing uncertainty and violence ahead of the imminent fall of apartheid. The title track is "dedicated to the leaders of tomorrow" and calls on the youth to go back to school, after the student uprisings of 1976 set the tone for much of the militant 1980s:

"The time has come for you to go to school,
The time has come to get education...
One child, one education
will build tomorrow nation...
I cannot always be there to protect you,
So you must learn to stand up on your own"

IZAKKA - People Let's Unite (1991)

Shandel/EMI, SHAN(V)20A   
Producers/Engineers: Selwyn Shandel & Jorge Arrigone   

Another solid album from little-known reggaman Izakka (aka Thami Sobekwa). Songs address social ills and reconciliation but with hard-to-decifer lyrics. Titles include "Kwaggastroom" (after the township south of Joburg) and "Saddam Hussein". There's a rock influence on "Reggae Blues" and soul on "Close to You". Liner notes pay tribute to "Lions" like Kaloi Lebona, Ray Phiri, Babsy Mlangeni, Nana Coyote and Stimela.

KARIBA - Sensation (1981)

RPM,  RPM1160   
Producer: Kevin Kruger   
Engineer: John Lindemann       
Recorded at: RPM Studios, Jhb

Although one of the earliest reggae albums recorded by South African musicians, this was certainly not one of the best. Side A is a medley of 11 Bob Marley hits. Side B has three more covers, done in a disco-reggae style. Producer/drummer Kevin Kruger's only original compositions, 'Shy Girl' and 'Good Night Out', stand out from the rest and give the album some credibility. 'Shy Girl' he originally recorded with his band in the late 60s, The Kynd. The band also featured singers Star Mabaso and Kim Kallie, with Mike Makhalemele on sax.

JOE SILO - Praising Jah (1991)

Chaka Records/Music Team, AKA107  
Producer: T. Mkhize  
Engineer: David Moloele       

Smooth gospel reggae from this little known singer, heavily influenced by the likes of Lucky Dube and Jambo. Over the downtempo synth grooves, lyrics cover the spiritual ('Ever Praising Jah', 'Never Let Your Hands') and the political on tracks like 'Freedom', 'Long Time' and 'So Why':

"Fire in Jamaica...
Thunder in Ethiopia,
Freedom in Namibia,
Fighting in South Africa.
So why, so why,
So why why why won't you treat us like your brothers?"

IZAKKA - The Rainbow Man (1989)

Shandel Music, SHAN(V)5   
Producers: Selvyn Shandel & Thamsanqa Sobekwa   
Engineer: Selwyn Shandel       
Recorded at: EQ Studios, Jhb       

Reggae alter-ego of Thami Sobekwa, former frontman of influential soul band The All Rounders and who also worked briefly with Stimela. It's soulful, synth-rich sound is influenced by Lucky Dube, as is its message of peace and togetherness, with liner notes addressing "Country Men: Truly speaking, we really need each other. Why can't we live together in harmony once and for all." Saxman Mandla Masuku features on  '1999' and 'Umgqashiyo'. Shona lyrics on 'Leaving Home'. Best track 'People Say' is downtempo, spaced out 80s reggae dedicated to 'The tree of life...good for meditation'.

PONGOLO - Jah Do That (1989)

Principal/World Of Music, NUBL5011   
Producer: Pongolo (exec: Robbie Mann)   
Engineer: Neville Holmes   

Downtempo disco reggae featuring bassist Gito Baloyi, known for his work with Tananas (before his murder in 2004), alongside Mozambican compatriots Morris Mungoy (drums) and Ilidio Matola (guitars). They're joined by Bayete's Joe Matsheka on sax and keys, singer Rhona Rolls and percussion John Hassan from Loading Zone, who backed Brenda and others. "Hard times have made us realise that cultural music is crucial: especially at this time, our heritage is something we cannot compromise."

  

DREAD WARRIORS (1983)

Gallo, BL455   
Producer: Charlie Rakawema/Rakwale       
Recorded at: RPM Studios

One of the earliest reggae albums recorded in South Africa. Featuring drummer BP 'Punka' Khoza, who around the same time was part of seminal punk act National Wake with his brother Gary. For the Dread Warriors Khoza helped put out deep Don Carlos-inspired grooves. He also composed some of the songs, along with Steve Kekana and Dennis and Dumi Hlangwane.

THE RASTA KIDS - featuring "Eyes See" (1984)

Mankwane/DJ music, MAN4001  

Early Mzansi reggae from the label of legendary guitarist Marks Mankwane of the Makgona Tsohle Band. Like Lucky Dube's first reggae releases from the same time, the songs favour rudimentary synth FX and uptempo Japanese drummers over straight-up skanking.

Highlights include the reggae soul of 'Greener Pastures', the ska-influenced 'Don't Take a Chance' and 'Eyes See'...
"I'm a Rastaman and I got to respect my dreadlocks.
I never have time to comb my hair,
I kick off the blankets and get out on the streets..."

JAMBO - Bad Friend (1990)

Cool Spot/EMI, SPOT(V)007
Producer: Mally Watson (exec: Ken Haycock)
Engineer: Mally Watson
Composoers: Sipho J Mdletshe & Mandla Nongena
Recorded at: Cool Spot Studios

From their roots in the band Izindlovu, Jambo emerged as arguably the biggest selling reggae act in SA after Lucky Dube, with powerful, uplifting vocals, easy skanking and smooth synths.

Their other albums included Prodigal Son (1988), Calling All Children (1991), Give Us Power (1992) and No One (1996). Bad Friend featured lead vocalist Sipho Mdletshe aka Sipho Jonson. He later went solo and released the album Unborn Child, using the name Sipho Johnson Jambo. (Mojapelo 2008:162)

Highlights include 'No Man Kill Another Man' - a call to end the violence erupting in KZN and around Joburg between the IFP and ANC ahead of the dawn of democracy in '94.



Other tracks are on a more positive note, with gospel-tinged messages of hope like 'Jahovia', 'Don't Cry', and 'Shine on Brighter'.

O'YABA - Caught Up (1991)

Gallo (GMP), HUL40245
Producer: West Nkosi
Engineers: John Lindemann & Alan Cameron
Composers: Tshidiso Fako & Oupa Mokhwena
Recorded at: The Audio Lab (mixed at Bop Studios by Dave Segal)

O'yaba were an eight-piece act fronted by Tshidiso Alexis Faku, who shared songwriting credits with Oupa Mokoena. Produced by the late great West Nkosi (Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens), O'yaba was a key band in forging Mzansi's unique reggae sounds, influenced by Jamaican roots but not derivative, and made some inroads overseas. Highlights of this album include 'Mayibuye' (let it return), 'Tsie' and 'Thube'. Caught Up was the follow up to Tomorrow Nation (1990), and preceded One Foundation (1993), Unhinged (1996), Crazy Love (1998) and the compilation The Game Is Over (Mojapelo 2008:163).

COKES - Babylon Water (1988)

Third World / Sounds of Soweto / Tusk, TWL 547
Producer: JP Lebona
Engineer: Craig Ballen
Recorded at: The Sound Studio

Bubblegum meets reggae on this little known album from blind singer Bra Cokes, featuring slick synth and drum programming and conscious, uplifting lyrics. Producer JP Lebona was the brother of Kaloi Lebona, who a few years earlier had helped launch Brenda's career.

"Giyany" samples Ennio Morricone's vintage western theme to pay homage to the Shangaan capital. "Afrika Mamela" warns against beating up the sisters ("Hey, what you doing to that woman? leave her alone, she's not your size").

The title track is the only track with serious reggae vibes. It cautions against the dangers of booze and gives a nod to the Rastas of Mzansi . . .

"Babylon water is poisonous, and its not good for the Rastaman.
Babylon speak is so dangerous...
It's a strange religion, but some say its a strong religion, 
It's so good for the Rastaman."
We're not strangers in this land, we've got to try, try try, try...."

PRINCE AND THE BUFFALOES – Stop the War (1990)

Reamusic/Dream/EMI, RML (V) 2067
Producer: Enoch Nondala
Engineer: Ali Heyns
Recorded at: Delarey Studios

Synth-soaked old skool reggae from ex-Lucky Dube bass player Joe Senoama, Izinkunzi keyboardist Phillip Ngcobo and singer Patrick "Prince" Mbatha, whose Dube-esque falsetto make for (as the notes suggest) - "reggae at its best with a wonderful message of peace".

The title track contains typically profound lyrics that give a bittersweet glimpse into the turbulent political climate of the early 90s, when, with the end of apartheid in sight, faction fighting between the ANC and IFP threatened to derail the transition to democracy:

"What is it you are fighting for? Stop the war, let us fight no more...
Please brothers and sisters, put your weapons down
What is it you are fighting for, when the doors of freedom are to be opened?
Why do you kill innocent people, because of tradition and racial discrimination...
So why do you fight one another, why do you still kill each other?"

BIG ELEPHANT - Africa (1990)

Soul Brothers Productions, MXH 13
Producer: Mqothuka E. Mkhize
Engineer: David Moloele
Recored at: Triple Six Studio, Soweto

Great album on Soul Brothers label. Lucky-influenced, keyboard-heavy afro-reggae, but with vocals bearing an even closer resemblance to Peter Tosh. Uplifiting, socially conscious lyrics, with obvious gospel and mbaqanga touches. Highlights include the easy skanking of "Money Lover":
"Hold on money lover, you have no power..."

Side A:
1. Hand of God
2. Africa
3. Money Lover

Side B:
1. Our Father
2. Lady
3. Hand in Hand