South Africa music reviews

Before I give you a review of this wonderful recording, a little history: Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens were formed in 1963 at Gallo Studios; Mahlathini was the King of the Groaners, the Queens studio singers at Gallo for many popular artists (leader of the Queens, Hilda Tloubatla, also recorded tracks for the S.A.B.C. (South African Broadcasting Corporation) in the 1950's. After just eight years together with the backing band, the one and only Makgona Tsohle Band, the group split and a group of four understudies starting recording with fellow group Abafana Baseqhudeni under the Mahotella name - they produced one album, "Izibani Zomgqashiyo" of 1977 but Mbaqanga fans refused to buy the product. The original Queens, Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Shawe, Mildred Mangxola, Joyce Makhanya, Paulina Zulu and Thoko Nontsontwa (only the first four are shown on the album cover) rejoined Mahlathini and this album was the result.

"Marriage Is A Problem", sung in Sotho rather than Zulu, is a marvellous piece of work, with such classic tunes included; "Kgarebe Tsaga Mothusi", later recorded as "Thuntswane Basadi", features Mahlathini doing what he does best - growling! - whilst the last track "Nyalo Ea Tshwenya" features the Queens performing alone. The lyrics say "Marriage is a big problem, we thought we couldn't return but we have... we are touring all over the place, promoting our music."

As a bonus, the track "Mantshi" is a non-vocal track by the Makgona Tsohle Band, with a wonderful accordian lead, with the late Marks Mankwane, Joseph Makwela and Vivien Ngubane providing excellent guitar rhythm. A great "jive-tastic" album featuring THE professionals in Mbaqanga music.