South Africa
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Rough Guide to the
Music of South Africa (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - Europe From the lilting violins of
the Soweto String Quartet to the African reggae of Lucky Dube, this all-new
second edition of The Rough Guide To The Music of South Africa is a perfect
introduction to the sounds of the rainbow nation.
Rough Guide to South African Jazz (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Various Artists - International -
Africa explores the jazz scene of one of the world's greatest musical
powerhouses. From the progressive 1960s, when many of South Africa's finest
musicians were forced into exile by the constraints of apartheid, to the modern
era and the sound of the new 'rainbow nation', it also takes in the great jazz
era of the 1950s.
The Rough Guide to the Soul
Brothers (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Various Artists - International -
Africa brings us the work of South Africa's irrepressible legends, The Soul
Brothers. From their early hits of the 1970s to their most recent releases,
this Rough Guide introduces listeners to their sweet honeyed vocals and the
swinging dance rhythms straight from the heart and soul of South Africa's
townships.
Home Is Where the Music Is Hugh
Masekela (Artist) (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - Europe features several tracks composed
by Caiphus Semenya, for which Masekela has become known for recording rather
prolifically. And those familiar with his work will recognize several racks,
like "Part of A Whole" (which he re-recorded on the recent "Time") or Minawa or
Nomali (included in the very successful "Uptownship").
South Africa: Soweto Calling (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK - by Various Artists New
release - compilation of music from Soweto
No
Boundaries ~~ Ladysmith Black Mambazo (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - Europe The rich vocal sound literally
fuses with the classical musicians in much the same way as a classical choral
group does. To its credit, the orchestra (and arranger Isak Roux) loosens up to
fit the more oral/aural traditions of the singers--the music is less precise
and reliant on virtuosity. A Croak and a Grunt in the
Night ~~ Rabbitt (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - Europe Rabbitt were Seen as Being
South Africa's Equivalent of the Beatles in the Seventies and in Fact the Band
Actually Outsold the Beatles, which in this Day and Age Seems Incredible. A
Long Sought after and Highly Collectable Recording, Remastered on CD for the
First Time.
Raise Your Spirit Higher: Wenyukela
(amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Ladysmith Black Mambazo as
strong as anything the group has recorded in its now 30-year career. Ladysmith
has always defined itself by merging Christian gospel music with a native South
African musical tradition called isicathamiya, which was developed by mine
workers who sang to entertain themselves after their grueling work.
Other Side (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Lucky Dube South African reggae
superstar Lucky Dube has returned with an excellent new album, The Other Side.
The follow up to Soul Taker, a decent outing that failed to reach the soaring
heights of his previous work, The Other Side marks a return to vintage form.
His trademark combination of thoughtful, timely lyrics and a light, rich,
upbeat reggae sound work together as beautifully as ever. And, of course, the
centerpiece remains Lucky's incredible voice.
Homeland - A Collection Of South African Music
(amazon.com) - USA Dilika, et al -
Audio CD
Homeland 2: A Collection Of
South African Music (amazon.com) - USA Molahlehi, et al -
Audio CD
The Indestructible Beat Of
Soweto; (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Various Artists -
Audio CD
The Rough Guide to Lucky
Dube (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK
this collection of the hits of
South African reggae star, Lucky Dube. Lucky Dube is the master of African
reggae and one of the continent's most popular and successful artists. This
compilation brings together his greatest tracks and is essential listening for
established fans and newcomers alike.
Rough Guide
To South African Gospel (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK bringer together twenty-two
brillant performances recorded of the last 40 yers, to cover the entire range
of local styles, from apostiolic choirs to pop influenced gospel divas, and
features the most famous artists in the field.
South African Legends (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Soul Brothers, et al -
Audio CD
Township Jazz `N' Jive by
Skylarks (amazon.co.uk) - UK Audio CD As the sounds and
fashions of 1940's American swing jazz infiltrated South Africa, the urban
musicians embraced it and mixed it with traditional styles such as the melodic
kwela and the church vocals of mbube, producing a fusion known as marabi. This
fantastic CD collects 18 choice cuts from the township music of the 1950's, and
there's not a bad tune in the bunch. ( Myke O'Clock from Seattle, WA
)
South African Legends (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Audio CD - Putumayo Presents
(Series), Various Artists - International - Africa
Mbube Roots: Zulu Choral Music From South Africa
(amazon.com) - USA by Zulu Choral Music 1930's-60's
Zebra Crossing (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Audio CD by Soweto String Quartet
It's what Africa does with classical music - it energizes, moves and stirs
the listener. It puts you in the heart of the South African township and lets
you feel the pulse of a new nation, with all its agonies, triumphs and hopes.
Truly inspiring, by any standards ( Isla Morley from Honolulu, Hawaii )
Cruel Crazy Beautiful World (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Johnny Clegg & Savuka
Social activism and pop music are woven into a brillant voice. Johnny Clegg
took chances both with his music as well as with his life wiht each record in
the 1980s. Take a listen to a man who fought for human rights. ( A music fan
from Illinois )
A Johnny Clegg & Juluka
Collection (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Audio CD by Johnny Clegg &
Juluka I love some of the Juluka songs, especially Scatterlings. On this
album I particularly like the track called Africa. Listening to any of Johnny's
songs takes me home, no matter where in the world I may be. ( Charmaine
Duncan from U.S.A.)
Shadow
Man (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Audio CD by Johnny Clegg &
Savuka This album is probably one of his greatest, although they're all
great. His Zulu-Pop style has a totally moving and wonderful message, but aside
from that, it's just great listening! Buy this no matter what ( A listener
from Colfax, CA United States
Premium Gold
Collection (amazon.com) - USA Audio CD by Johnny Clegg &
Savuka is a great collection of Johnny Clegg's work post Juluka and would
be the perfect starting point for an introduction to the man and his music. (
John from London )
Shaka Zulu by Ladysmith
Black Mambazo (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Heavenly (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Audio CD by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
You don't have to be particularly religious to appreciate the depth of
feeling on this CD, although almost all of the music has a strong religous
flavour. I defy anyone to remain unmoved by the words (and background story in
the sleeve notes) of, 'Take My Hand, Precious Lord'. Whether you are currently
into African music or not, this is a CD worth adding to your collection. ( A
music fan from Stamford, England )
Best Of
Ladysmith Black Mambazo (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Audio CD Expand your
musical horizons, if you love music, you won't be disappointed. (A music fan
from Miami, Florida )
Live At The Royal Albert
Hall (amazon.com) - USA (amazon.co.uk) - UK Audio CD by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
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