SPOKES 'H' - Tamati 'So' (1987)

Black Talent, BTMR(0)009

Producer: Spokes I. Hlatshwayo

Engineer: Gerhard J. van Niekerk

Recorded at: Black Talent Music Studio

Early pantsula classic by Spokes H, credited as one of the originators of kwaito in South Africa. Besides the massive title track, the four-track album consists of ‘Stjwetla’, ‘Push Isitimela’ and ‘Ibhabhalazi’, another homage to the hangover.

“When I saw the name of Ishmael Hlatswayo for the first time it was on Pat Shange’s album Man Oh Man on Dephon’s Roy B label. He had written the title track and I liked him as a songwriter. One day in 1987 in the SABC record library amongst the received new releases I saw an album titled Tamati So by someone called Spokes H... This is the album that taught me a big lesson as a deejay - never to judge a book by the cover. I listened to this unknown newcomer once and put the album aside. As usual, I went to Dakota Record Bar in town for my routine consumer trend observations. Customer after customer was asking for Spokes H. One of the customers asked the seller to play the track for her and I was shocked when everybody in the store started dancing. I realised that the record in demand was the one I had pushed aside in the listening booth. The following week I put it in my charts and the fire just spread wider and wider - a star was born!” (Mojapelo, 2008:43).

Later albums include Magosha (1989), Under Control (1990), Finger Prints (1991), Wipe Her Tears Off (1992), On My Way Home (1994), Dirty Jozi (1996) and Rafifi (1997). He also produced other artists, such as Sea Bee’s kwaito hit 'I Wanda Why' (1994). He continued to release albums until his untimely death at 2013 at the age of 45.

POCKET LIPS - The Rhythm of Life (1987)

Teal, KVL5052

Producers: Zack Haines, Ian Osrin and Sam Wingate

Recorded at: RPM & SOS

Studio project made up of American Zack Haines, Ian Osrin and Sam Wingate, also featuring Kenny Mathaba (Malopoets) on guitar, Thapelo Khomo (Stimela) on keyboards, Ekkie Eckhardt on sax and guitar, and Ian Herman (Tananas) on drums. Intended as side project to experiment with new production techniques like sampling, the album nevertheless generated a radio hit in the song 'It's Amazing' and a suitably oddball music video, despite the song apparently being censored due to its not-so-subtle taking-the-piss of the Afrikaans establishment

BLONDIE - Spreading Love (1987)

Hit City HC(E)701

Producers: Blondie Makhene, John Galanakis & Steve McNamara

Engineers: Steve McNamara & John Galanakis

Recorded at: Platinum

A key figure in South African disco, Blondie was born Keoagile Gerald Makhene in Soweto in 1955 and rose to fame as a performer in the duo Blondie & Pappa. They toured the country with other various family bands, known as The Family and later Spankk, earning the Makhenes a reputation as South Africa's answer to the Jacksons. After the duo split he turned solo, releasing Communicate (1984) and Overtime (1985), performing at the historic Concert In The Park in Johannesburg in 1985. He also helped launch a young Brenda Fassie, teaming her up with his backing back to produce the landmark 1983 single 'Weekend Special'. 

In 1987 Blondie released another solo album, Spreading Love. It's smooth R&B soul led by the balled 'Baby I'm Missing You', dedicated to his wife Agnes. Around this time he also kickstarted the African Youth Band (AYB), which released a string of popular albums of instrumental political songs. Besides AYB Blondie has produced countless others, including Vusi Shange, Hugh Masekela and Amaqabane. Still active in the music industry today, in 2010 he released a new version of 'Baby I'm Missing You'. It was followed by new albums Back To Love (2013) and Sthunywa Sami (2014).

Mint copies of this album are available for sale here 

NEW BLACK MONTANA - Vol. 1 (1987)

Teal, TEL2162

Producer: Tymon Mabaleka

Engineers: D. Scobie

Composers: P. Tembo & C. Mashoko

Recorded at: Shed Studios, Zimbabwe

Debut album from underrated Zimbabwean sungura act who later had hits with 'Night Shift' and 'Jekanyika'. Producer Tymon Mabaleka, nicknamed "The White Horse", was a top soccer play in the 70s before becoming one of Zimbabwe's most revered producers (working with acts like Oliver Mtukudzi, Lovemore Majaivana, Ilanga and John Chibadura) and later record label executives. He passed away in June 2014.

PEOPLE LIKE US - Deliverance (1987)

EMI, EMCJ(L)4051781

Producers: Paul Crossley & Hilton Rosenthal (exec: Terry Owen)

Far removed from the bubblegum scene, Hi-NRG act People Like Us' 1986 hit 'Deliverance' made them famous in clubs in Europe and all over the world, although people didn't at first know that they were a South African act, something their UK-based record label Passion were reluctant to acknowledge. In South Africa 'Deliverance' was also popular, although albums were only available through import and people only found out that they were South African at the height of the song’s popularity. The song became the title track of their debut album, featuring other tracks including 'Hiroshima', 'Fighting for our Lives' and 'Reincarnation'. 

Frontman and producer Paul Crossley seemed destined for big things before dying of Aids in August 1989. He wrote the following message for partner in crime, former Shiraz bandmate and lyricist Terry Owen: "Terry, special thanks for your innovative lyrics which have equally inspired me to produce world-wide number one dance hits." Vocals by Cindy Dickenson. Other names associated with People Like Us include Hilton Rosenthal (Juluka, Savuka), Robin Hogarth (who later won a Grammy with the Soweto Gospel Choir) and Bobby Summerfield.

LAPPASIDE - Colourblind Fever (1987)

Teal, XPD2472

Producer: Potatoes Zuma

Unknown early crossover effort by L Joubert and SG Mbatha, evidence that the crossover trend that defied apartheid ran far deeper than the big names typically associated with it, like Savuka, Hotline and Zia.

"Hey sister, let's stand together,

this game called life is forever...

We live and love together,

we've got colourblind, colourblind fever"

HARRY MOYAGA - Jonaaas (1987)

Mabob City/CCP, MMB(O)4061621

Producers: Rex Rabanye & Harry Moyaga

Engineer: Marks Mankwane

Recorded by: Emcee Studios

Moyaga has been a respected musician and visual artist for many years, including during the 80s with the Medu Art Ensemble in Botswana, and more recently fronting the Harry Moyaga Band in the UK. Here he delivers upbeat saxophone and flute instrumentals over some fairly experimental programming courtesy of co-producer, keyboard legend Rex Rabanye. Engineered by the legendary Marks Mankwane (a key figure in the Makgona Tsohle Band that backed Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens). "Dedicated to the Mothers, Fathers, Daughters and Sons of Southern Africa".

RUFARO - Rufaro (1987)

Challenger/Mac-Villa, CHM073-12"

Producer: Sidwell Duda

Engineers: Sam Wingate & Lee Short

Recorded by: RPM 

Top-quality disco grooves from a tight, full band along the lines of Zasha and with the Afro-rock influence of Harari. "Moses (Mahlangu, bass), Shadrack (Rameya, keyboards) and Joseph (Mngoma, drums) started as session musicians, playing in various studios in Johannesburg. Having backing numerous groups we decided to look for additional musicians and to record our own material. We met Ephraim (Hlope, keyboards) who playing keyboards for the now defunct Cannibals. He injected new life into the band and assisted us with our compositions. Together with our producer, Sidwell Duda, we auditioned several vocalists until we discovered Eric (Mmusi) who used to work with Cheek To Cheek and Sparks. After a few weeks of rehearsals we went into the studio for our first maxi-single 'The Mighty Birds'. For the backing vocals we used the powerful new trio Elegance."

MAKAOTA AKALAME - Tau Ea Thaba No. 2 (1987)

CCP/EMI, RG(O)4051981

Producer: SM Khoza

Engineer: Graham Handley

Vintage Sotho grooves driven by upbeat rhythms, frantic accordian melodies and soaring vocals, still the hallmarks today of the Mountain Kingdom's perenially popular famo sound.

PATIENCE AFRICA - Wozani La (1987)

Reamusic, RML(O)2011

Producer: Danny Antill

Engineer: Keith Forsyth

"Patience Africa was another tigress of South African music in the late 1970s and the 1980s. The second-born in a family of six, she started singing at the age of 11. After showing her talent as a student, she joined a Durban group known as Jazz Sledge. When she went to Johannesburg she joined the Hollywood Jazz Band. Upon her marriage in 1965 she took a break from music and became a housewife. When she later contact West Nkosi of Muvuthela Music Company for a comeback, the result was the recording of one of her best sellers 'Bhula Sangoma', became huge even in neighbouring states like Zimbabwe. She was most popular for her love songs, which included 'Sakatuku' and 'Basadi Mamelang'. Her albums include Ilanga Malishona (1977), Siyabonga (1979), Let's Groove Tonight (1980), Ebang Le Mohau (1982), Mabewena A Duduza (1983), Batho Ba Lesotho (1984), Sesi We... Life Is What You Make It (1986) and Wozani La (1987)" (Mojapelo, 2008:88).

EMOTION - Sprocket/Give Me The Feeling (1987)

Challenger/Mac-Villa, CHM074

Producer: Sidwell Duda

Engineer: Sam Wingate

Recorded at: RPM Studios

Red-hot disco grooves on this two-track maxi, both composed by S Likhethe and E Lukhele. It's uptempo dance music with English lyrics, loaded with synthesizers from this unknown seven-piece outfit. Produced by Sidwell Duda who also worked with Denis Yekani & The Movement, Elegance and Abagandayi.

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.

SLIPSTREAM - Cruisin' (1987)

Reamusic, RML(V)2014

Producer: Keith Hutchinson

Engineer: Scotty Scott

Smooth jazz meets synth-funk for this innovative take on the bubblegum sound. Unfortunately the instrumental sax groove hasn't aged so well - it's cheesy and dated, but still boasts some super funky basslines and stinging synth riffs, derivate of American jazz funk (like The Crusaders, or early Jonathan Butler) with limited local influences on 'TJ'.

SACKEY - Ilala Vuka (1987)

Tusk, TUSB3002

Producer: Lawrence Goreoang

Engineer: Kevin Manas

Recorded at: 8th Avenue

Popular Potchefstroom soulman Sackey finds the sweet spot with his heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies on this follow-up to 1986's Hey-Tah-Dah. Here he writes, produces, sings and performs all instruments, with the exception of bass by George 'Nux' Mmolai and drum programming by Kevin Manas. The title track paints a picture of kasi nightlife ("Ufuna ukwazi igama lami"), while 'O S'ka Ikganisa' serves up funky dancefloor grooves. Elsewhere Sackey turns up the charm on 'Someone Like You', with the instrumental 'Leratong' showcasing his guitar skills over some smooth synth sounds.

ERIC D - Party Time (1987)

Third World/Frontline, TWL(O)543
Producer: JP Lebona
Engineer: S McNamara

Dancefloor grooves from Eric Mbeko, written by Japie 'JP' Lebona (brother of the more famous Koloi Lebona) with the exception of 'Lobola' by Godfrey Nzuza (Talent, Casino). An example of how bubblegum musicians quickly shed American influences to create the distinctive South African rhythms that later gave rise to kwaito. Liner notes pay tribute to Brenda Fassie (the two shared a manager in Peter Snyman), Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse and Sipho Gumede. Followed in 1988 by Slow Down.

ELEGANCE - Waiting For You (1987)

Challenger, CHM072
Producer: Sidwell Duda
Engineers: Richard Mitchell, Andre Herbst, Fernando Perdigao
Recorded at: Powerhouse, Jhb

"The vocal group Elegance consists of Buyisiwe Maphumulo of Eshowe, Nozipho Mtshali of Ntuzuma and Tammarra Maqanda from Zwide, Port Elizabeth. Buyi and Nozi met at a music session for SABC TV in Durban and immediately became friends. After a few appearances in Natal we decided to come to Johannesburg to further our singing careers. Here we met Tammy. She took part in the 'Road to Fame' competition in Port Elizabeth and realizing that she had the potential to record, she moved to Johannesburg. She was introduced to Buyi and Nozi by Bra Jabu Sibumbe, the bass player for Stimela. He also introduced the three of us to our producer, Bra Sidwell Duda. His band, Rufaro, was looking for additional vocalists and we joined in the recording of the maxi single The Mighty Birds. Rufaro's keyboard and guitar player, Ephraim Hlope assisted us in composing songs for our first mini-album entitled Waiting For You..."

PETER PADI - Don't Fight With Me (1987)

Smyle/EMI, 12SMYM(C)1001   

Producers: Isabel Maseko & Colin Smith  

Engineer: Colin Smith

New school single along the lines of MarcAlex, Izzyboy Masedi and others. This ambitiously titled 'Super Triple Maxi' Includes a longer 'international dance mix' and a more interesting, experimental studio mash-up 'Somethings Got To Change'. Though Padi did not find lasting success in the industry, he was a few years ahead of his time - and scores bonus points for rhyming "baby" with "don’t mean maybe".