Released as the theme soundtrack of the drama series Gaz’lam II on SABC1, the album features new voices such as R&B singer Nothende, Pitch Black Afro, Voices of the Ghetto and even popular SABC weatherman Jabu Sithole, who has a musical background with a group called Something 4 Real. Also weighing in are kwaito favourites Zola, Unathi and Mapaputsi.
The compilation addresses issues affecting the country’s youth and the impact of HIV/Aids on our society.
The soundtrack has stretched its musical wings to another level in a pleasant departure from the usual soundtrack material.
Paul van Dyk: Reflections (Sheer)
After two previous sold-out visits (including the nightmarishly overcrowded gig at Midrand’s Theatre on the Track a few years back), German big-name DJ, songwriter and producer Paul van Dyk returns to the country next weekend on his Reflections tour. Is this worth getting excited about? At first listen, the album doesn’t sound too thrilling, quite frankly. It is a heavy dose of glossy pop-house, lightweight beats with plenty of vocals floating around (including good efforts by Jan Johnston on four tracks). But yes, it does grow on one somewhat. Time of Our Lives is all catchy melody; Nothing But You (one of the big singles so far) is a bit too much Titanic, but still charms; and Knowledge kicks hard with a rap punch by Atomek Dogg and Trooper Da Don — a dose of energy that should have been applied to some of the other tracks, too. Hopefully Van Dyk’s live set will be a bit more meaty. — Riaan Wolmarans
Robbie Williams: Live Summer 2003 (EMI)
Recorded live at Knebworth in 2003 this year, here is testimony to Williams’s growth from boy-band fodder to serious pop star with a ego as big as the stage. Kicking off with a give-it-all version of Let Me Entertain You, that’s just what Williams sets out to do (“You are about to witness the best show in the world,” he shouts, to the delight of the sizeable-sounding crowd). He injects a thundering snatch of We Will Rock You (which he covered for the movie A Knight’s Tale), takes it down a notch for tracks such as She’s the One, Come Undone and Mr Bojangles, and says goodnight with the lighters-in-the-air, singalong Angels. A solid live album — it still doesn’t quite make me a full-blooded fan, but if Williams decided to tour South Africa, I may just go. — RW
The first track, Unathi’s U R Devine, craftily hooks listeners and is proving to be a hit in the music charts. Zola’s track Tshitshi lam gives a message to the ladies to respect themselves.
However, the last track, Ishmael’s Egoli, slightly disrupts the rhythm with its gospel instrumentation — unless you are into gospel, of course.
The CD is produced by Lance Stehr from the Ghetto Ruff stable, who has put together an addictive listening experience with a new musical flavour, without losing sight of the message.
This is definitely going to be the soundtrack for my summer festive season.