THE BOXERS - The Fighting Prince (1986)

Spinna, 12SPIN(C)3336

Producer: Phil Audoire

Engineers: Phil Audoire & David Moloele

Recorded at: Orange 338

Promotional single for popular boxer Arthur ‘The Fighting Prince’ Mayisela, accompanied at the time by a music video. The song itself isn’t as bad as this might suggest, particularly the B-side versions (‘Ring Mix’ and ‘Video Mix’) with their stripped down synths, falsetto vocals and funky bassline. Featuring keyboards by Emil Dean Zoghby and ‘drums and computers’ by producer Phil Audoire. File under Sports along with the many South African soccer albums, next to 'Dingaan Thobela'.

* Mint copies of this album are for sale here 

TAILS OUT - What Makes U Dance (1986)

RPM, 12XMC(C)4007516

Producer & Engineer: Bobby Summerfield

Recorded at: The Workshop

Bobby Summerfield was a respected club and radio DJ, engineer and producer. Around 1986 he was hired by Hilton Rosenthal's MINC label as an in-house producer, where he also released solo projects like Tails Out. A few years later he moved to Los Angeles as part of Rosenthal's new Rhythm Safari label. In 1993 he set up his own production company and studio, Summerfield Music (more about him here).

DAN NKOSI - Uyakuni Maria (1986)

Leopard/Hit City, LEO(O)036

Producer: John Galanakis

Engineer: John Galanakis

Recorded at: Platinum

Breakthrough album from one of bubblegum's finest, Dan Nkosi had only recently moved to Johannesburg when he had a hit with 'Pikinini', earning a reputation as a charismatic live performer (and the nickname 'Streamroller'). This album was followed by Gandaganda (1987), the title track an even bigger hit, then Julia (1989) and People's Choice (1990). He formed a fruitful bond with producer John Galanakis, and together they helped launch the careers of others like Zizi Kongo.

* Mint copies of this album are available for sale here while stocks last.

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.

SHALOM - U O Me / Dance (1986)

Hot Stuff/CCP, 12HST(P)4054046

Producer: Tata 'TNT' Sibeko

Engineer: Jan Smit

Recorded at: Universal Studios

Fiery, uplifting Afro-rock inspired by the likes of Funky Masike Mohapi and Harari, with powerful vocals and plenty of time for guitar solos. Followed in 1987 by Africanism. 'Dance' is packed full of evil synth solos, while  'U O Me (Oa Nkolota)' contains determinedly uplifting, escapist lyrics:

"Live for today, sing a happy song.

Everybody loves you, you're my pride and joy..."

MICHAEL LEBESE & THE AFRICAN VIBES - Rhythm Through The Night (1986)

Raintree/Rainbow, CEX8015

Producer: Michael Lebese

Engineer: Ferdi Brendgen

Recorded at: Universal Studios, Jhb

Born in Mangaung and raised in Thaba Nchu, Michael Lebese was an original member of the pioneering multiracial punk band National Wake (recently the subject of the documentary, Punk In Africa, and re-issued by Light In The Attic Records in the US). In 1981 he released an album as Michael LBS, 'Greetings From Africa'. In 1986 he released these two tracks of synth-heavy disco, 'Rhythm Through the Night' and the instrumental 'Kwela Rhythm Shock'. Lebese handles lead vocals and drums. Also featuring Lucky Franks (guitar & synths), A. Lucky Nxumalo (keyboards), Jorge Arrigone (lead guitar & bass) and Richard Ntsumele (bass). Sadly these days Lebese is living on the streets of Joburg (see here). 

LOMBARD EXPRESS - Thela (1986)

Reamusic RMJ(C)30

Producer: Enoch Nondala

Engineer: Paul Hughes (mixed by Mark Holland)

Vintage mid-80s bubblegum by S. Mpangase and A. Ngwenya, produced by Enoch Nondala (Makwerhu, Percy Kay, Prince & The Buffaloes) on the Reamusic label. Two killer tracks featuring a barrage of smooth synth sounds and powerful, distinctive vocals. The title track 'Thela' ('pour') and the album cover dwell on the South African man's right to spend his money on beer ("I say I spend my money, I use it the way I like. Please don't give me funny names, I'm not a sucker"), while the B-side 'Heartbreaker' covers more universal subject matter:

"I thought you were my best friend, 

till I saw you with my lady.

Kissing and touching, holding her tight,

I thought you were my best friend...

Every time I see you together,

my heart is breaking.

Every time I see you two,

my heart is aching...

You're a heartbreaker..."

MTHENJWA ZWANE - Shimo La Pondo (1986)

Fen City/Blue Tree/Priority, FL53

Producer: Sipho Kheswa

Engineer: Dane Stevenson

Special Sithole & Nkatazo

Recorded at: Blue Tree

Don't be fooled by the disco suit and neon cover, this is vintage maskandi from the old school, full of elaborate guitar flourishes and with hardly a synth in sight. Deep, soulful grooves reminiscent of the Madlala Brothers, Ihashi Elimhlophe and Izindlovu, and many others. Produced by the underrated Sipho Kheswa.

BENJAMIN & THE YOUTH CHOIR - Holy Spirit (1986)

Roy B/Dephon, RBM056

Producer: Sello 'Chicco' Twala

Engineer: Dane Stevenson

Recorded at: Blue Tree

Today one of the biggest names in gospel, Pastor Benjamin Dube started out alongside bubblegum stars at the Dephon label like Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Sello 'Chicco' Twala, who produced this album. Later albums include Celebration (1994), I Feel Like Going On (1999), High Praise Explosion (2002), You Blessed Me Still (2005), All Time Favourites (2006), Looking Back and In His Presence (2007).

"Meadowlands-born Bonani Benjamin Dube is the last-born son of evangelists Mrs Grace Dube and the late Mr Benjamin Dube Snr....At the age of 14 he was shocked by the tragic death of his father, but had to continue from where Benjamin senior had left off to complete the race. He did his music diploma in piano at FUBA Academy in Newtown in the mid-eighties. Later with his family as The Dube Family released the album We Are What We Are (Gallo GRC, 1989) produced and written by him...Benny who was a member of Image started his solo career with his debut single 'I Live Joyfully'. In 1986 he released Holy Spirit as Benjamin and The Youth Choir. It was produced by Sello Chicco Twala at Dephon Records on the Roy B label. The title track which was written by Chicco Twala became a monster hit. In 1988 when Benjamin released Ebenezer he was already a household name who was invited to be a supporting act for the US gospel star, James Cleveland, when he toured South Africa. He later toured America where he shared the stage with greats like the Mighty Clouds Of Joy and Andre Crouche" (Mojapelo, 2008:332).

SHADIII - Pride Of Tomorrow/Last Chance (1986)

Righttrack/RPM, RTS641-12"

Producers: S. Khomo & Peter Moticoe

Engineers: Ian Osrin & Sam Wingate

"Former members of South Of Sahara, Tshidi Helen Leloka and Anneline Malebo (Joy) met a former member of The All Rounders, Faith Shadi Kekana, and formed a new trio, Shadiii. It was named after Faith but spelled with three i's at the end to show that they were three, as in Bob Marley's backing vocalists, I-Three" (Mojapelo, 2008:118). This maxi follows their 1985 debut, Yes I'm Gonna Give It Up.

AFRICAN IMAGE - Reality (1986)

Spinna/Roi/CTV, SPIN(0)3338

Producer: Tom Mkhize

Composers: Tom Mkhize & Neville Nash

African Image began as a crossover collaboration between Tom Mkhize (Uthando) and keyboardist Glynn Storm (Neville Nash, Backtrax), who in 1982 released the album Roots (Izimpande) featuring a host of top black and white local talent, including members of Abangani on vocals. In 1984 the album was picked up by the US label Gramavision, which released it in North America and Germany, adding English song titles and a new cover. In 1986 Mkhize sought to continue the success of the project, drawing on singer Neville Nash to record a new track, 'Reality', which was re-released locally in 1986 using the same cover as the 1984 international release of Roots (Izimpande) and also featuring a dub mix of the title track, as well as two tracks from the original 1982 album, 'The Way I Feel' and 'From The Roots'.

UMSALOFU NAMAVIZITHA - Washonaphi Ubaba (1986)

Daylight Beat/CCP, DB(A)4051511

Producer: Simon Ngwenya

Engineer: Jan Smit

Recorded by: EMI Studios

Superior quality traditional Zulu grooves courtesy of producer Simon Ngwenya (Indod'engaziwa, Abakhwenyana) who throws in some experimental synths and samples to spice up the traditional guitar-driven maskandi sound. There's even a rare English track, 'Hello Lavi', with its catchy refrain, "I want to see you tonight".

LORRAINE STAPLE - Here I Come (Sizolala La) (1986)

Gallo/GRC, HUL40098

Producer: Richard Siluma

Engineer: David Segal

Recorded by: RPM Studios

Soulful grooves with the unmistakeable Stimela influence courtesy of a backing band of Ray Phiri, Thapelo Khomo, Felani Gumbi and Nana 'Coyote' Motijoane (Lorraine writes: "Nana, with your raunchy voice and arrangements you have made this album into something special"). Produced and engineered by Richard Siluma and David Segal, the same duo behind Lucky Dube and Stimela. Siluma takes care of Roland 707 and Yamaha DX7, with Tim Kraft on Linn 9000. This was her second full-length album, after the debut single 'On The Road Again/Let The Music Move Me' (1984) and the album You Belong to Me (1985). In 1986 Staple also recorded 'Together We'll Make It', a duet with Lucky Dube, which featured in the SABC's First National Song Festival.

"Lorraine Staple's solo career was Lloyd Lelosa's dream. Her real name was Lorraine Sibisi... Her music was the alternative of the time to Disco music. She had a mellow voice and her style of singing reminded one of Mavis Staples of the Staple Singers" (Mojapelo, 2008: 106-107).

Writes Siluma in the cover notes: "Lorraine Staple releases this album for her fans, in the hope that this is what they have been waiting for. Her message is: If you are tired of hearing daily disco music, this is the kind of music to listen to. Sit down, stretch your legs, relax and let Lorraine make you "Feel the Fire" in her music. We hope you enjoy this album."

BENJAMIN BALL - Come To Me / Hi Lite (1986)

Sound Of Soweto, 12XTWS(c)141

Producers: Cyril Mnculwane & Benjamin Ball

Engineers: David Moloele & Phil Audoire

Recorded at: Orange 338

Benjamin Ball emerged as one of the funkiest dudes around with his 1984 smash 'Flash A Flashlight' off the album Paulina, injecting his distinctive monotone voice and some reggae grooves into the bubblegum sound. Alongside producer/co-writer Cyril Mnculwane (of CJB) and manager Peter Snyman (who also handled Brenda Fassie), Ball went on to release albums like Kabadzeene (1988), In The Jungle (1990) and Take A Chance (1991), although he sadly never quite lived up to the potential of 'Flashlight' and later faded into obscurity. This is a hot 2-track album, with B-side 'Hi Lite' in particular showing off a slick dancefloor sensibility and bearing a close resemblance to his breakthrough hit:

"Everybody's on the move, in the golden city,

They're so busy, getting ready for the disco,

They wanna move, to a place where they can be happy,

It's called Hi-Lite, it's international boogie club...

Come on people get ready, I wanna see you get ready

There's no parking, on the dancing floor

People doing the best they can

Everybody's groovin', groovin' to the music,

Gotta keep them dancin', gotta keep them busy,

Gotta keep them movin', gotta keep them groovin'.

Gotta keep them boogyin', gotta get them dancin'...

DJ turn it on..."

SAKKIE - Linda / Comma Comma (1986)

Right Track, RTS647-12"

Producer: Sakkie Ndlovu

Engineer: Sam Wingate

Recorded at: RPM Studios

Funky stuff by one Sakkie Ndlovu. 'Comma Comma' was co-written by Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse and bears a close resemblance to one of his hits from the same year, 'Shikisha', with similarly potent synths and dancefloor rhythms. On the other side, 'Linda' drops all local influences and instead sounds like a slick power ballad, somewhere between Lionel Richie and Foreigner, complete with lyrics like "I feel like the first time...".

HARAMBE - Nweti Yi Herile (1986)

Umhlanga, UMM005

Producers: Rev. Joseph Tshawane & Cloud King

Funky bubblegum grooves packed full of synths. Sadly this obscure four-track album slipped below the radar, probably due to it being in Tsonga, although one of the tracks, 'Sunshine Lady', is in English. The Reverend Joseph Tshawane went on in 1987 to open the King-Luthuli Transformation Centre in central Joburg and dedicated his time to education.

JOSEPH DEE - Ikhethele / Choose For Yourself (1986)

Teal Sound, XPD2471

Producer: Joseph Makwela

Engineer: Phil Nel

Joseph Dumako made his name leading the prolific Holy Spirits Choir and the Forever Mass Choir, where he helped fuse gospel's call-and-response vocals with bubblegum's frantic synths. Solo he put out a string of potent keyboard instrumental albums. The title track here borrows the melody of the then-banned anthem 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrica', which Dumako recorded in full on his 1989 solo album Lover's Wedding. Later albums include Spiffy Diffy and Tigers Don't Cry. An underrated legend of South African gospel, he passed away in 2011.