Various Artists - Singing in an Open Space: Zulu Rhythm and Harmony, 1962-1982 (1985)

Tracklist:
1. Wazubuka Esibukweni - Mhleleleni Mtambo :: You're Looking At Yourself In The Mirror - Mhleleleni Mtambo
2. Zinsizwa Zase Makhabeleni - Frans Msomi :: Young Men Of Makhabeleni - Frans Msomi
3. Bafela Ekhaya - Raymond Mbele :: Write Home - Raymond Mbele
4. Izulu - Aaron Nezimtobi/Special Queens :: The Weather - Aaron Nezimtobi/Special Queens
5. Zyeza Amagola - Amos Mkhiza :: The Crooks Are Coming - Amos Mkhiza
6. Isdwaba - John Pengu :: An African Hide Skirt - John Pengu
7. Empangeni - M. Shezi Nezimtombi Za Kwazulu :: A Town In Zululand - M. Shezi Nezimtombi Za Kwazulu
8. Zisho Esikhaleni - Norman Sibisi/Izintombi Zakwa Zulu :: They Are Singing In An Open Space - Norman Sibisi/Izintombi Zakwa Zulu
9. Icala Lakho Ndoda - Ishoba Lembongolo :: It's Your Fault Genleman - Ishoba Lembongolo
10. Isoka Ngelami - Zengoma :: This Is My Man - Zengoma
11. Ulimelani Endleleni - Amagugu :: Why Are You Cultivating Near The Path? - Amagugu
12. Emdlovana Zinkani - Msomi & Amagugu :: They Are Stubborn In Greytown - Msomi & Amagugu
13. Diki Diki - John Pengu
14. Intombi Ibhinca Isidwaba - Phuzushukela :: A Woman Is Wearing An African Hide Skirt - Phuzushukela
15. Ma Mhlongo - Philemon Mchunu & His Guitar :: Daughter Of Mhlongo - Philemon Mchunu & His Guitar
16. We Hlobo Lwami - Abafana Bomdabu :: Oh! My Mate - Abafana Bomdabu


An outstanding collection of South African music mostly from the 70s in the captivating mbaqanga style. Mbaqanga is a Zulu musical form that developed out of traditional Zulu singing and guitar playing. There are two tracks from the 60s by John Bhengu (or John Pengu as he was listed on most of his early recordings), a tremendously influential performer from rural South Africa who took the traditional simple strumming guitar style and developed a more sophisticated technique based on music in the big cities and from the accordion playing of Xhosa musicians. An example of this latter style is presented here in the haunting solo vocal and accordion piece by Raymond Mbele. The remaining 13 tracks present the developed mbaqanga style with declaimed lead vocals, interweaving acoustic and electric guitars, throbbing bass and drums and frequent backing vocals by female or male groups. Several tracks also feature the distinctive scratchy Zulu fiddle or riffing accordion. The music is consistently outstanding featuring such outstanding performers and groups as Mhleneleni Mtambo, Aaron Nezitombi with The Special Queens (featuring the oustanding vocals of Aaron Mbambo), M. Shezi Nezitombi Za Kwazulu, Moses Mchunu, Msomi And Amagugu and others. The collection was compiled by South African researcher Rob Allingham and is drawn from the archives of South Africa's leading record label Gallo - Rob has the enviable task of cataloging this important resource. His notes give an informative overview of the growth and development of the music presented here, biographical information on the performers where known and interesting anecdotal observations. Full discographical information, where known, is presented. Essential

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