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Mbaqanga (album)

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Mbaqanga
Original Australian CD
Studio album by
Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens
Released1991
GenreMbaqanga[1]
Length51:32
LabelVerve World[2]
ProducerMarks Mankwane
Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens chronology
The Lion Roars
(1991) 		Mbaqanga
(1991) 		King of the Groaners
(1993)

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]

Production

[edit]

The 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]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[13]
Chicago Tribune[8]
Robert Christgau(dud)[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]
Mbaqanga track listing
No.TitleLength
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

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Chart performance for Mbaqanga
Chart (1991) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[3] 94

References

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  1. ^ Meintjes, Louise (5 February 2003). Sound of Africa!: Making Music Zulu in a South African Studio. Duke University Press.
  2. ^ Tanzilo, Robert (30 April 1993). "Queens' joy transcends woes". Milwaukee Sentinel. p. 18D.
  3. ^ a b Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 175.
  4. ^ Heim, Chris (6 March 1992). "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, Tuesday at the Cubby Bear". Friday. Chicago Tribune. p. N.
  5. ^ Donnelly, Kathleen (7 February 1992). "Soweto Soul". Eye. The Mercury News. p. 19.
  6. ^ Joyce, Mike (18 February 1992). "Mahlathini, Effervescently". The Washington Post. p. D3.
  7. ^ "Album Reviews – Mbaqanga by Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens". Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 7. 15 February 1992. p. 47.
  8. ^ a b c Heim, Chris (19 March 1992). "Recordings". Tempo. Chicago Tribune. p. 7.
  9. ^ a b Dafoe, Chris (25 May 1992). "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens 'Mbaqanga'". The Globe and Mail. p. C1.
  10. ^ Dollar, Steve (21 February 1992). "S. Africa's Mahlathini, Queens don't stand still". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. p. G1.
  11. ^ Scott, Jane (1 July 1992). "'Happy Music' to Ring at Cain Park". The Plain Dealer. p. 8E.
  12. ^ Larsen, Dave (26 June 1992). "Jive Alive and Kicking". Go!. Dayton Daily News. p. 17.
  13. ^ a b "Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens Mbaqanga". AllMusic.
  14. ^ "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens". Robert Christgau.
  15. ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 5. MUZE. p. 439.
  16. ^ a b Mitchell, Rick (1 March 1992). "Mbaqanga Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens". Zest. Houston Chronicle. p. 21.
  17. ^ MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 2000. p. 470.
  18. ^ Gonzalez, Fernando (2 April 1992). "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens Mbaqanga". Calendar. The Boston Globe. p. 6.
  19. ^ Barton, David (1 March 1992). "Mbaqanga". The Sacramento Bee. p. EN13.
  20. ^ Haymes, Greg (19 March 1993). "High-Energy South African Jive Roars into Area". Times Union. p. C5.
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