Local musical groups team up for a new album
Their new album Hello Hello A Forty Year Anniversary will be released on Freedom Day on all digital platforms.
Two of South Africa’s most enduring and well-loved groups have teamed up for a new album which will be launched with a series of concerts at The Market Theatre.
ALSO READ: Local musician is driven by passion
Their new album Hello Hello A Forty Year Anniversary will be released on Freedom Day on all digital platforms. Incredible as it may seem, the album brings together these two iconic South African groups for the very first time.
The album, produced by Dan Chiorboli and two-time Grammy Award winner John Lindemann, includes a mix of reworked old favorites and new songs recorded in a contemporary style which preserves the groups’ traditional identities and retains the soul and emotion of both groups’ originality.
The album will be followed up by three live concerts at The Market Theatre, a venue that has been closely associated with both groups during their long and illustrious careers.
The Market Theatre concerts will take place in the first weekend of May (Friday 5 & Saturday 6 at 7.30 pm and Sunday 7 at 3pm).
ALSO READ: Local university dropout pursues his music dream
The African Jazz Pioneers celebrate their 40th Anniversary as a group this year and have provided the musical tapestry for the South African liberation movement over the last 40 years.
The late Ntemi Piliso, leader and founding member, nourished the group from their humble roots to their current international acclaim.
In the early 1950s, Piliso and his Alexandra All-Star Band were at the cutting edge of South Africa’s proud music scene, blending American urban big band style with traditional Majuba and Marabi music influences.
It seems incredible that the background to the African Jazz Pioneers stretches way back to the 50s when jazz was in fashion and big bands were the name of the game – and Sophiatown and Dorkay House were well-known melting pots of colour and culture.
Led by Mpho Sithole, the current Pioneers line-up includes some of the original veterans together with a rhythm section of fresh young talents who are learning from the masters but incorporating their own influences into the Pioneers’ unique sound.
ALSO READ: Musical play in honor of the late Kente Gibson
The original Mahotella Queens were formed in 1964 and are noted by their distinct vocal harmony sound, guitar-led mbaqanga music, and fast stage dancing.
With Hilda Tloubatla an ever-present member from the very beginning, the Queens remained productive and popular into the 1970s and 1980s with a revolving cast often led by the deep-voiced male vocals of Simon Mahlathin Nkabinde.
In combination with the late Mahlathini, renowned for his deep and groaning vocals, the group forged a successful international touring career that lasts to this day.
The current line-up consists of the legendary Hilda Tloubatla together with Amanda Nkosi and Nonku Maseko, both from Springs on the East Rand.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
