South Africa music reviews

The basis of Mhlongo's music is mbaqanga, or maskanda, two closely related styles of guitar-based South African music with vocal chorus. There are many popular artists of this style; it was featured prominently in the acclaimed "Indestructible Beat of Soweto" samplers and on Paul Simon's 1986 "Graceland."

Busi, however, "kicks it up a notch" by the addition of some edgy percussion, deep-rumble basslines and of course her high-energy vocal delivery. The music is still recognizably South African, with complex rhythms and sophisticated melody lines (unlike the 4/4 chromaticism of almost all hip-hop), but it definitely has that "urban" feel.

Afropop is a worldwide phenomenon precisely because artists like Mhlongo are able to adapt it to include the most up-to-date elements from around the globe. The richness and depth of her music is nothing short of amazing.

As a long-time fan of African music, particularly southern African, I must rate this as possibly the best album to come out of South Africa in years.
Not a weak track to be heard, and the last two tracks just take it over the top.
Powerful, tight, and far more authentic than most of the insipid "indigenous" music coming out of South Africa at present. Her voice is fantastic.
If you like African or World music consider this a must have.

While I'm not always a fan of African music, which can be too repetitive for my taste, I'm knocked out by the rhythmic subtlety and emotional power of this CD. The music is simply beautiful, and the feelings that it projects transcend language barriers. Truly exceptional.

The basis of Mhlongo's music is mbaqanga, or maskanda, two closely related styles of guitar-based South African music with vocal chorus. There are many popular artists of this style; it was featured prominently in the acclaimed "Indestructible Beat of Soweto" samplers and on Paul Simon's 1986 "Graceland."

Busi, however, "kicks it up a notch" by the addition of some edgy percussion, deep-rumble basslines and of course her high-energy vocal delivery. The music is still recognizably South African, with complex rhythms and sophisticated melody lines (unlike the 4/4 chromaticism of almost all hip-hop), but it definitely has that "urban" feel.

Afropop is a worldwide phenomenon precisely because artists like Mhlongo are able to adapt it to include the most up-to-date elements from around the globe. The richness and depth of her music is nothing short of amazing.

As a long-time fan of African music, particularly southern African, I must rate this as possibly the best album to come out of South Africa in years.
Not a weak track to be heard, and the last two tracks just take it over the top.
Powerful, tight, and far more authentic than most of the insipid "indigenous" music coming out of South Africa at present. Her voice is fantastic.
If you like African or World music consider this a must have.

While I'm not always a fan of African music, which can be too repetitive for my taste, I'm knocked out by the rhythmic subtlety and emotional power of this CD. The music is simply beautiful, and the feelings that it projects transcend language barriers. Truly exceptional.

This CD from Jabu Khanyile (Bayete) is brillliant. As fan of African Pop and traditional music, this recording is a superb blend of both. The songs are beautifully sang by Bayete in native tongue but also some English. The arrangements and sound quality are excellent. Check out "Bomme" with its pulsating dance bassline and wonderful female backup vocals, reminicent of Lucky Dube's band. This album is 74 min. of pure joy.

Africa is such a large continent, but people (including myself) have a habit of refering to "African Music" as if it were monolithic. This is manifestly not true. If you have even a remote interest in African Music buy this CD. This is a excellent representative collection (but not nearly complete) at a great price. At this price buy two copies and give one to a friend

I think, this is the first album after changing his name from Dollar Brand to Ibrahim. Alone the prayer Ishmael is worth to have this item, no matter if you are a Muslim or not(like me).
Sit down, close your eyes and relax - I garantee you will like to hear it again and again and again - time stands still.

It grows on you...I especially like the last track.

On a lonely night, on a long journey, on a short journey, with or without friends you are in for an exhirilating joy unsurpassed.

Everything in the album is excellent .Your music is longlasting and factual . Excellent videos and well combined fluent instruments. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK .

Everything in the album is excellent .Your music is longlasting and factual . Excellent videos and well combined fluent instruments. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK .

This CD is a perfect introduction to Mbira music, one of Zimbabwe's great gifts to the world. Ephat Mujuru was a master. He set the standard for all mbira players in Zimbabwe until his tragic death in 2001. Thus album will give the listener a good idea of why Ephat was so loved, and how he used his music to bring people together.

Hugh Masekela is a hero. Exiled from South Africa as a result of the authorities banning him way back(whole chunks of albums at government controlled radio stations were scratched off thereby preventing them from being played, plus more ridiculous and bizarre acts of repression)he travelled the USA and Europe, establishing himself as one of the greats in the jazz world.

This album is bang up to date (at the time of its release) with the then current social-political scene in SA without losing any of its musical appeal.

The best track has to be Polina, which I originally heard on the Dave Grusin album 'Migration' (check this out too!). This is pure Masekela Magic - it will haunt you forever...

I've seen the great man live, in Johannesburg at the legendary Kippies jazz venue, and also at Brighton University here in England. I feel honoured to be able to say that I've been in the same room as the man - but hey, don't write me off as a sycophant. Listen to Polina alone, and you'll be lining up for more.