Various Artists - The Indestructable Beat of Soweto - LP

Classic Mbaqanga Compilation

In South Africa's black townships under apartheid, workers found release in music and dance, fueling the rise of mbaqanga — rollicking party music that fused traditional Zulu and Sotho styles with American R&B, jazz, blues, and reggae. The Indestructible Beat of Soweto gathers some of the greatest mbaqanga tracks recorded between 1981 and 1984, full-throated harmonies riding jumpy rhythms and countermelodies. Its sound reached Paul Simon, who drew on these musicians for Graceland; the result is a moving testament to the human spirit rising from oppression.

Features

• Label: Earthworks

Track Listing

1. Awungilobolele — Udokotela Shange Namajaha
2. Holotelani — Nelcy Sedibe
3. Qhude Manikiniki — Umahlathini Nabo
4. Inododa Yejazi Elimnyama — Amaswazi Emvelo
5. Emthonjeni Womculo — Mahlathini Nezintombi Zomgqashiyo with Makgona Tshole Band
6. Sobabamba — Udokotela Shange Namajaha
7. Qhwahilahle — Moses McHunu
8. Thul'ulalele — Amaswazi Emvelo
9. Sini Lindile — Nganeziyamfisa No Khambalomvaleliso
10. Ngicabange Ngaqeda — Mahlathini Nezintombi Zomgqashiyo with Makgona Tsohle Band
11. Joyce No.2 — Johnson Mkhalali