Luvuyo Kakaza
CDs OFTHEWEEK
In 1998, BMG Africa seemed to have grovelled hard in the dustbins of the ghetto in search of new talent. Every Wednesday at Johannesburg’s dancehall, 206 in Orange Grove, BMG hosted a musical showcase with a funky name: Jozi Vibes:Vibes 2 Smoke Ya. The fruitful results have been the release of two singles and one album, the most convincing of the three being Moloi, an album by Mabuti Nkuna, also known as Umanji.
Umanje was nominated at this year’s South African Music Awards in the best- newcomer category. This brilliant Tsonga traditional singer from the Northern Province made his mark when he performed alongside the Mansa of Mali, Salif Keita, at last year’s Arts Alive. Now his music enjoys reasonable airplay on Kaya fm. On all 10 tracks, his distinctive delivery on acoustic guitar is outstanding, and is complemented by his harmonic voice. The authenticity of his rhythms is world class.
Kwaai-ragga is by Earthquake, a duo who travelled all the way from Cape Town to seek fame on Jo’burg’s kwaito dance floors, and ended up doing something between kwaito and ragga. The result was a combination of both and the title suggests exactly that. This single lacks strong meaningful lyrics, making the rap tracks sound tedious. Perhaps these young dudes could have been given time to develop their talents, as music is not only about the abilities to rap beautifully – songs make a huge difference if there is a message.
Tidal Waves’ Hard Work single, it can be easily said, draws its influence from the likes of UB40, more especially in one melodic track with a strange title, KhoteygInaYoVille (In My Little Cottage in Yeoville). Like all Rastafarians in the world, Tidal Waves spread the message of love and peace. They also sing about the lawlessness that is taking its toll on South Africa, and this is well delivered in a song called Police and Thieves. Their sound is not distinctively reggae, but has an Afrocentric feel. Their lyrics are a beautiful blend of poetry and song. You don’t have to smoke it up to enjoy this one.