The Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 1

Various Artists - International - Africa, The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto (Series)

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: 1986
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Shanachie
• ASIN: B000000DW2
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #32,931 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #9 in	Music > World Music > Compilations > Africa
  #19 in	Music > Indie Music > World Music > Africa
  #29 in	Music > World Music > Africa > South Africa

Track Listings

1. Awungilobolele [Can You Pay Lobola for Me] - Udokotela Shange Namajaha

2. Holotelani [Daughter-In-Law] - Nelcy Sedibe

3. Qhude Manikiniki [Fair Fight] - Umahlathini Nabo

4. Indoda Yejazi Elimnyama [The Man in the Black Coat] - Amaswazi Emvelo

5. Emthonjeni Womculo [The Stream of Music] - Mahlathini, Nezintombi, Makgona Tsohle, Makgona Tsohle, Zomgqashiyo

6. Sobabamba [We Will Get Them] - Udokotela Shange Namajaha

7. Qhwayilahle [Leave Him Alone] - Moses McHunu

8. Thul'ulalele [Just Stop and Listen] - Amaswazi Emvelo

9. Sini Lindile [We Are Waiting for You] - Nganezlyamfisa No Khambalomvaleliso, Nganezlyamfisa No Khambalomvaleliso

10. Ngicabange Ngaqeda [I Have Made Up My Mind] - Mahlathini, Nezintombi, Makgona Tsohle, Makgona Tsohle, Zomgqashiyo

11. Joyce No. 2 - Jonhjon Mkhalali

12. Nansi Imali [Here Is the Money] - Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This is possibly one of the most important collections of South African music to be released off the continent. Before Paul Simon, Sting, and Peter Gabriel started their explorations and exploitations of African music, this stunning set of music was already out there showing the world how it was done in South Africa's townships. Now well-known names like Ladysmith Black Mambazo (before they did candy commercials) and the growling Mahlathini were given their first international hearing. But the real gems are the sounds we never got to hear on Graceland: the raw mandolin and fiddle of Moses Mchunu, the wonderful jive vocals of Amaswazi Emvelo, the loping swing in the voice of Nancy Sedibe, and the fat guitar grooves of Johnson Mkhalali and his band. The collection is a gem, a representation of what was happening on the radio and in the dance clubs of Soweto in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as mbaqanga swept through the country and took everyone with it. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Never get tired of this, September 15, 1999

By A Customer

Wow! This CD is 100% perfect. A collection of traditional folk songs from the Soweto area of Johannesburg, It is mesmorizing and totally dancable. Now, if only I could speak Zulu...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of The Greats of the 80s, February 5, 2005

By	jeffrey christian (brooklyn ny) - See all my reviews

Arguably one of the most monumental collection of world music ever recorded paints a sound scope of Soweto heritage so profoundly moving, it will make you weep. It soars and swirls and educates and dances within realms of diversity and poetry. The artists range in style and dialect, sketching a portrait of historic musical significance. Hearing such a tapestry, one could understand why Paul Simon explored [and Sting and Peter Gabriel exploited] his own pop aesthetic. At the risk of hyperbole mixed in for dramatic effect/affect, I will state that this album is a wonder to behold - an absolute must own for any human being who cares one iota about what music could/should/would be. Or what music is. My grade: A+

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars inddestructible beat of soweto, March 24, 2000

By	matt ball (Thirroul Australia) - See all my reviews

A delightful collection of the soweto beat. Each track is as exciting as the previous. Beautiful vocals and harmonies, with the ever familar soweto guitar and percussion driving each track forward. A must for any collection. ENJOY.