Digging 4 Gold

No matter how far I stray I always seem to come back to the stripped down sound of Wulomei.  This neo-cultural outfit led the “back to my roots” movement in Ghana during the 70s (If you haven’t already, check out my previous posts on them).

What’s most amazing is to think that one could be at the Napoleon night club in Accra one minute, catching Some afro-rock house band, and then drive across town and see a band like Wulomei banging out an accoustic set in full tribal regalia.  And 40 years later, after all those afro-rock and funks bands have come and gone, Wulomei is one of the few bands from that era that still marches on. 

Check them out:

Wulomei - Mibe Shi Dinn

I’ve gone long enough without posting some classic recordings.  In order to make up for lost time I humbly offer you some nigerian highlife courtesy of the Rhythm Brothers Band.  

Unfortunately, I know very little about this band so I’ll have to let the music, which you’ll find to be akin to the Oriental brothers’ sound, speak for itself.  If nothing else, definitely check out the last track , “Daina,” which seems to echo the afrobeat rhythms of Hedzoleh Soundz.  Can’t beat that!

Rhythm Brothers Band - Zorro (CORRECTED LINK)

I’ve been trying to make this mix or the last four years. FINALLY, I can present it to you today.

Tracked out zip folder download here

My love affair with old school Kwaito started innocently enough on a sunny afternoon back in 2009. I saw the video for Alaska’s “Accuse” during some throwback segment on TRACE (South African music channel) and I was hooked.  A collage of Chuck Taylors and multi-colored beanies were accented by a simple call-and-response chorus over what sounded like (and has been since described by outsiders as) slowed downed chicago house. *(NOTE: This description is far too short-sided. For a more interesting analysis of kwaito’s musical origins check out DJ ZHAO’s write-up on the subject) The music was fun, the images gritty. A perfect combination. Unfortunately, It would take me years to accumulate enough of these older tracks to make sense of the sound and its progression.

Kwaito’s rise parallelled the end of Apartheid and the beginning of democracy in South Africa.  The music of that time exuded the collective sign of relief that black south Africans were experiencing.  As a result, earlier hits were celebratory and gernerally more party-oriented.

There were exceptions however, including the aforementioned Alaska song, which condemns the negative reputations created by criminal activity, and the declarative “Kaffir” by Kwaito pioneer, Arthur, who’s use of the derogatory term was meant as a stance against blatant racism by the white minority towards the black population. 

Of course, the jubilation of independence eventually dissipated, and the music began reflecting a more somber reality. By 2002, the sound evolved into a moodier and darker soundscape, led by the prolific SA producer, DJ Cleo.  Before catapulting South African house onto the world stage, he partnered up with a few local artists and began making a newer kind of Kwaito.  His production for Makezekele and the late Brown Dash was often complimented with minor chords and theremin-like swirling notes.  A new generation was coming of age, and, despite the promise of change after the end of apartheid,  their reality in the townships was still pretty grim.  

Nowadays, Kwaito has morphed into uptempo South African house, with little resemblance of its slower-paced past. Gone are the Pantsulas, who’s khaki pants, Chuck Taylors and stiff beanies were reminiscent of the Addias jumpsuits of early NYC b-boys. Gone as well is the golden era vibe that seemed to embody some of the same musical qualities of hip-hop in the early 90s.

Its a shame, but luckily for y’all we can try to drift back with this mix. Enjoy!

Tracked out zip folder download here. 

Track List:

01 Trybe - Madau

02 Thebe - Philly

03 Mapaputsi - I Really Like It

04 Alaska - Accuse

05 Alaska - Hosherr

06 Copper Head - Copper Head

07 Kabelo - Pantsula 4 Life

08 Mandoza - 50/50 feat. M’du

09 Arthur - Oyi Oyi

10 TKZee & Benni - Guz

11 Chiskop - Ziphiphani Lapho

12 Spikiri - Vat en Sit

13 M’du - Mazolo

14 MaWillies - Gagu

15 TKZee - Delela

16 Aba Shante - Girls

17 MaWillies - Intwejani

18 Mapaputsi - Expect

19 Chiskop - Klaimar

20 Trompies - magasman

21 TKZee - Palafala feat. S’bu

22 M’du - O Suna Mang (Ke Le Teng)

23 Jakarumba - Zong’thola Kahle

24 Jakarumba - Tussen

25 Mshoza - Kortes (Kasi Luv) feat. Mzambiya

26 Tokollo - Ndlovu Yangena

27 M’du - Siya Jola (Pk’Salayo)

So, It seems Mediafire (my preferred of mode of sharing music with y’all) has decided to crack down and suspend any account that may infringe on their term policy.  Sucks for all of us, but I can’t say I didn’t see it coming.

Oh well,  I’ll figure out another site to use.  In the meantime, inbox me any requests for re-uploads. Sorry!