Mbaqanga is an album by the South African musical group Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, released in 1991 and in the US in 1992.[3][4][5] The group supported the album with a North American tour.[6]
| Mbaqanga | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Original Australian CD | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1991 | |||
| Genre | Mbaqanga[1] | |||
| Length | 51:32 | |||
| Label | Verve World[2] | |||
| Producer | Marks Mankwane | |||
| Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens chronology | ||||
| ||||
Production
editThe album was produced by Marks Mankwane, who also played guitar.[7] The group rerecorded a few early hits for Mbaqanga.[8] The Makhona Tsohle Band played on the album.[9] Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens returned to the more traditional sound of their earlier albums; they also continued to shy away from political lyrics.[10][11] The group sang in Zulu, Shangaan, and English, among other languages.[12]
Critical reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [13] |
| Chicago Tribune |  [8] |
| Robert Christgau |  [14] |
| The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | [15] |
| Houston Chronicle | [16] |
| MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide | [17] |
The Chicago Tribune noted Mankwane's influence, deeming the album "a leaner, rootsier record ... that is also more akin to current popular African guitar band styles."[8] The Boston Globe praised the "less punched up, club-ready mix [that is] closer to a lighter, dustier, urban folk sound."[18] The Sacramento Bee wrote: "While Simon Mahlathini Nkabinde's uncommon voice, low and gruff like Tom Waits' African cousin, is an acquired taste (that is, difficult to acquire), the three Queens are immediately ingratiating a bright, brassy ensemble that sings as one, reflecting their 28 years together."[19]
The Globe and Mail determined that "the music remains unalloyed and uncorrupted, a joyous and irresistible sound that can light up a room in seconds."[9] The Houston Chronicle considered the album "a good representation of Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens' distinctive vocal blend of growling male leads ... and female harmonies."[16] The Times Union labeled it "joyously buoyant."[20]
AllMusic called the album "a nonstop frenzy of Zulu rock & roll."[13]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Mbaqanga" | 4:27 |
| 2. | "Vuya" | 4:11 |
| 3. | "Bayeza" | 4:39 |
| 4. | "Umasihlalisane" | 4:54 |
| 5. | "Jive Motella" | 3:22 |
| 6. | "Thonthodi" | 3:53 |
| 7. | "Hayi Kabi" | 5:38 |
| 8. | "Stop Crying" | 4:01 |
| 9. | "Bon Jour" | 4:18 |
| 10. | "Josefa" | 3:43 |
| 11. | "Noluthando" | 4:29 |
| 12. | "Kwa Makhutha" | 3:57 |
| Total length: | 51:32 | |
Charts
edit| Chart (1991) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA)[3] | 94 |
References
edit- ^ Meintjes, Louise (5 February 2003). Sound of Africa!: Making Music Zulu in a South African Studio. Duke University Press.
- ^ Tanzilo, Robert (30 April 1993). "Queens' joy transcends woes". Milwaukee Sentinel. p. 18D.
- ^ a b Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 175.
- ^ Heim, Chris (6 March 1992). "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, Tuesday at the Cubby Bear". Friday. Chicago Tribune. p. N.
- ^ Donnelly, Kathleen (7 February 1992). "Soweto Soul". Eye. The Mercury News. p. 19.
- ^ Joyce, Mike (18 February 1992). "Mahlathini, Effervescently". The Washington Post. p. D3.
- ^ "Album Reviews – Mbaqanga by Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens". Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 7. 15 February 1992. p. 47.
- ^ a b c Heim, Chris (19 March 1992). "Recordings". Tempo. Chicago Tribune. p. 7.
- ^ a b Dafoe, Chris (25 May 1992). "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens 'Mbaqanga'". The Globe and Mail. p. C1.
- ^ Dollar, Steve (21 February 1992). "S. Africa's Mahlathini, Queens don't stand still". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. p. G1.
- ^ Scott, Jane (1 July 1992). "'Happy Music' to Ring at Cain Park". The Plain Dealer. p. 8E.
- ^ Larsen, Dave (26 June 1992). "Jive Alive and Kicking". Go!. Dayton Daily News. p. 17.
- ^ a b "Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens Mbaqanga". AllMusic.
- ^ "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens". Robert Christgau.
- ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 5. MUZE. p. 439.
- ^ a b Mitchell, Rick (1 March 1992). "Mbaqanga Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens". Zest. Houston Chronicle. p. 21.
- ^ MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 2000. p. 470.
- ^ Gonzalez, Fernando (2 April 1992). "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens Mbaqanga". Calendar. The Boston Globe. p. 6.
- ^ Barton, David (1 March 1992). "Mbaqanga". The Sacramento Bee. p. EN13.
- ^ Haymes, Greg (19 March 1993). "High-Energy South African Jive Roars into Area". Times Union. p. C5.