Customer Reviews

The Rough Guide to the Music of South Africa

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This CD, yet another excellent compilation from the Rough Guide series, focuses on the musical traditions of South Africa, which have become fairly popular in the west in recent years. As one would expect, there is a track featuring the a cappella sounds of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and the heavenly voice of singer Miriam Makeba, but South African music is far more diverse than just that. There are such famous South African performers as the Soul Brothers, Boyoyo Boys and Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens, who all give excellent performances on this CD. Reggae has its roots in African traditions, and this becomes more appearent after you hear the South African reggae stylings of Lucky Dube. Jazz also has its roots in the African continent, and this can be seen in such songs as "Jive Township", "Yaze Yangala", "Celebration" and "Groovin Jive No. 1". All of these, while uniquely African, feature a jazzy groove which cannot be denied. If you listen to this CD, you'll find yourself dancing along to it yourself after a while. Its contaigous. Over all, this is an excellent CD, giving some insight into the diverse world of South African music today.

The Music of South Africa, a Rough Guide product, offers a nice array of talents from this talent-rich country. This could be a good CD for those interetsed in exploring the styles and sounds of South Africa. If it further intrigues the listener, it can become a springboard for more collecting of the lisatner;s favorites. Lucky Dube showcases the reggae sound. Dube has several fine albums. Mahlathini and the Mahhotella Queens, Miriam Makeba, West Nkosi, the Soul Brothers, and the African Jazz Pioneers are legendary in their country. Spokes Mashinyane is the Chuck Berry of pennywhistle music. Like most collections, significant artiists are left out. A more expanded edition may want to include Ringo, Busi Mhlongo (one of the greatest voices on the planet), Stimila, Bayette, and a "kwaito" band. This collection is a very good sampling, however.

If you are a fan of S/A music, this Cd will make your mouth water. If you don't have a clue, it's great introduction. All the greats (minus Hugh Masakela) are here. The Mahotella Queens make you want to stomp, Ladysmith Black Mambazo ring out like heavenly angels, and Miriam Makeba performs some early wonders with the Skylarks. The track "Grooving Jive" sums things up nicley. But hardcore fans of the music get a bonus with the inclusion of the tune that started it all, Solomon Linda's "Mbube" (1939) which has since mutated into "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." But enough of that, just get it and enjoy!

Pretty decent CD. A good overview, but not fabulous. I suppose any compilation like this will not please all.