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5.0 out of 5 stars
The Sweet Harmonies of the `Sisters' of female Zulu Jive, May 31, 2010
This review is from: Soweto Never Sleeps (Audio CD)
Soweto Never Sleeps (Shanachie, c. 1988, total running time 33:20), is an excellent, but alas out of print, compilation of female Zulu jive or mbaqanga music popular in South Africa in the 60's and 70's and brought to international attention and acclaim through the Mahotella Queens' appearance on Paul Simon's watershed 1986 album, "Graceland". Seven of the twelve tracks are performed by the Mahotella Queens, who sing close knit soprano harmonies and who on their own are very good. The Mahotella Queens really shine, however, when their sweet harmonies are blended in and contrasted with the bass male vocals of the late Mahlathini (Simon Nkabinde) who's guttural sound style earned him the title of "the Groaner". Mahlathini and the Queens' delightful vocal interplays are featured on the songs, "Thina Siyakhanyisa (Bringing the Lights)" and "Isisu Somhambi (Music Which Feeds the Guests)".
The Dark City Sisters' slower hymn-like harmonies can be heard on the beautiful "Kulelo Lizwe (Outside South Africa)". Where this compilation really kicks into funky high gear, however, is on the two songs by the Mgababa Queens who apparently were a late-60's side project of the Mahotella Queens. My favorite song is the funk influenced almost bubble gum pop sounding, "Sidl' imali Zethu (Our Own Money)" which percolates along with cool garage rock-like farfisa organ and guitar fills. The very pop inflected title song "Akulaiwa Esoweto (Soweto Never Sleeps)" also by the Mgababa Queens is a funky, up-tempo number that is just plain fun to hear. Mahotella Queens music is very accessible on more recent "Best of" compilations so check them out, but if you want to hear the roots of female Township jive go for "Soweto Never Sleeps".
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